Col. Robin Gallant, commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, attends a meeting about drug abuse and how to recognize the signs of a drug abuser in accordance with Red Ribbon Week at Yale Hall on Oct. 23, 2013. The brief was given by DEA Agent Steve Peterson, who talked about the importance of recognizing and helping drug abusers.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cuong Le

Red Ribbon week in memory of fallen Marine

28 Oct 2013 | Lance Cpl. Cuong Le Marine Corps Base Quantico

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO Va. --

Marine Corps Community Service representatives and Drug Enforcement Administration agent hosted a slide show presentation and information booth at Yale Hall, on Oct. 23, 2013 to inform Marines about the dangers of abusing prescription and over the counter medicines.

The booths offered Marines pamphlets about how to recognize drug abusers and what can be done to help them.

Red Ribbon Week started in 1988 in memory of former Marine and DEA Agent Enrique Camarena to show that one person can make a difference. Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, his Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, California, his home. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans

“The abuse of prescription medicines has become more of a problem than in the past,” Capt. Fredrick Peterson, commanding officer, Service Company.

The slide show talks about the different types of drugs being abused and why synthetic drugs are dangerous.

“Our target audience is 18-25 year olds, but everyone should know about [drug prevention] because everyone is affected,” said Pamela Moment, Drug Domain Reduction coordinator, MCCS. “Our goal is to increase drug awareness and inform people about what can be done to help [abusers].”

According to DEA Agent, Steve Peterson, drug abusers will do whatever they need to get their high, this includes abusing prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs.

“When a person becomes a drug abuser all their reason goes out the window,” said Peterson. “All their money will go to drugs and the chance of over-dose is very high. The first thing you need to do when you recognize a drug abuser is to take action and provide them with the necessary tools to get better.”

MCCS donated red ribbons to W.W. Burrows Elementary School to help remind children about drug abuse awareness.

“Start awareness early to prevent early abuse of drugs,” said Moment. “We want to teach the children early about how to properly use prescriptions medicines.”

Correspondent: cuong.le@usmc.mil