News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2004

Sandra Camarena Supports Dallas Field Division 2004 Red Ribbon Campaign

Special Agent in Charge Gary G. Olenkiewicz, Dallas Field Division, joined Sandra Camarena, sister of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, during two Red Ribbon events held in the Dallas, Texas, metroplex. “Rap Reunion in Red” and the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Red Ribbon Breakfast were held October 28th and 29th, respectively, with Miss Camarena as the keynote speaker, for each event.

The City of Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, Phoenix House, Greater Dallas Crime Commission, FBI Dallas and DEA Dallas sponsored “Rap Reunion in Red”. The event brought together the greater Dallas community to honor the memory of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The event, held at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, included approximately 10,000 7th and 8th grade students and teachers from the Dallas Independent School District and surrounding areas. The Arena was wrapped in a 2,000’ long by 10’ high red ribbon, in recognition of National Red Ribbon Week and as a tribute to Special Agent Camarena. This tradition is stronger than ever today, as an increasing number of Americans are saying “yes” to a drug-free life.

SAC Olenkiewicz said, “many organizations in the Dallas metroplex interested in the safety and well being of their children, families and the community at large, expended numerous hours planning this Red Ribbon rally. As many as 10,000 students, parents, teachers and community leaders attended, ‘Rap Reunion in Red.’ This rally was the largest such rally ever held in Dallas, Texas. Through the efforts of the Red Ribbon Week executive committee and several sponsors, Reunion Arena was wrapped in a large Red Ribbon to signify Red Ribbon Week and to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Special Agent Camarena.”

At the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce breakfast, civic leaders, mayors, police officers, educators and students comprised the 400 attendees. The theme “Celebrate A Drug Free Life” was personalized by the testimony of a school assistant-principal and coach who recounted her youthful bout with drug addiction and how with the help of an adopted family, was able to overcome her addiction and become a outstanding member of society.

As keynote speaker for these two events, Miss Camarena spoke to the attendees about “Kiki’s” life, his dedication to family and his commitment to making the world safe from drugs.
Miss Camarena encouraged all that attended to take the opportunity to tell “Kiki’s” story to those who are not aware and encouraged young people to recognize that they are not alone in their efforts to resist the use of drugs.

In the Dallas area, law enforcement groups, such as the Dallas Police Department and the DEA, have worked tirelessly to reduce the supply of drugs available to the community. At the same time, area school districts and community-based agencies continuously work to reduce the demand for drugs, by educating youth and families about the dangers of drugs and how to resist their use. Unfortunately, law enforcement, schools and community organizations can’t do it all. Youth looks to leaders of all ages and backgrounds to set the standard for behavior. When leaders in the business community stand side-by-side with law enforcement and education professionals to say “We honor ourselves, our youth, and law enforcement, by choosing, now and always to be drug-free,” everybody wins.

Through these and an additional 15 events sponsored by DEA Dallas, DEA continues to encourage all members of the community to send a clear and unequivocal message to our youth that drugs damage lives --- whether it is through lost productivity, unfulfilled dreams, drugged driving incidents, or addiction. National Red Ribbon Week proved to be another opportunity for the community and DEA to show that Kiki Camarena’s spirit --- and hope for a drug-free America---can never be extinguished.