ARLINGTON, VA — DoDEA students, teachers and parents will join military installations and schools across the nation in participating in Red Ribbon Week which will be observed from October 20-28, 2007.

The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness has encouraged military installations, commands and units to participate in this year's observance of Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. The program provides communities and individuals an opportunity to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug-free lives, with the ultimate goal of creating a drug-free America.

And, perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week activities at DoDEA schools, contact the principal of the school in your area.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week, visit www.imdrugfree.com