EL PASO COUNTY, TX- In celebration to Red Ribbon Week, on Thursday, October 22, 2009, 
Sheriff of El Paso County Richard Wiles will be the guest speaker at East Montana Middle School located at 3490 Ascension El Paso, TX 79938.
Sheriff Wiles will be addressing 735 students during 2 separate sessions, the 1st is scheduled at 9:30 am followed by a second session at 10:15 am.
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Although the start end dates can vary slightly depending on the organization and source, Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October, with the weekends before and following the last full week included as appropriate celebration dates.
This year Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated October 17-25, 2009.
Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals 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 being the creation of drug free America.
And, perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by 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.
Red Ribbon Week Proclamation Oct. 17-25
WHEREAS, cities across America have been plagued by the numerous problems associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; and
WHEREAS, there is hope in winning the War on Drugs, and the hope lies in the hard work and determination of our communities to create a drug free environment; and
WHEREAS, local leaders, in government and in the community, know that the support of the people in the neighborhoods is the most effective tool they can have in their efforts to reduce use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by Texas; and
WHEREAS, success will not occur overnight, our patience and continued commitment to drug education and prevention are imperative; and
WHEREAS, the red ribbon was chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, who was murdered in the line of duty and has come to represent the belief that one person CAN make a difference; and
WHEREAS, the Red Ribbon Campaign was established by Congress in 1988 to promote this belief and encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts; and;
WHEREAS, October 17-25, 2009, has been designated National Red Ribbon Week calling on all Americans to show their support for a drug-free state by wearing a red ribbon and participating in drug-free activities during that week:
Now, Therefore. Be It Resolved that El Paso County Commissioners do hereby proclaim October 17-25, 2009 as Red Ribbon Week in El Paso County, Texas and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, media, religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons and participate in drug-free activities throughout that week, joining the rest of the state in promoting the Red Ribbon Celebration and a drug-free America.
WHEREAS, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office value the health and safety of all our citizens; and;
WHEREAS, substance abuse is particularly damaging to one of our most valuable resources, our children, and a contributing factor in the three leading causes of death for teenagers – accidents, homicides, and suicides; and;
WHEREAS, it is the goal of Red Ribbon Week and The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office to involve families, schools businesses, churches, law enforcement agencies and service organizations in all aspects of this campaign and establish an atmosphere that supports awareness, education and on-going initiatives to prevent illegal drug use, and;
WHEREAS, the Red Ribbon Week Campaign theme promotes family and individual responsibilities for living healthy, drug-free lifestyles, without illegal drugs or the illegal use of legal drugs, and;
WHEREAS, there are many activities planned during the Red Ribbon Week Campaign in County of El Paso,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT El Paso County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 17th to 25th 2009 as “Red Ribbon Week.”
