The Dale Jackson Career Center Participates in the DEA National Red Ribbon CampaingThe Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officially kicked off the National Red Ribbon Campaign on Wednesday, October 28th, in a ceremony at its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
The National Red Ribbon Campaign, which is the nation’s largest drug prevention effort, began after drug traffickers in Mexico, tortured and brutally murdered Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, in March 1985. Officially, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated nationally from October 23-31. The Red Ribbon Campaign honors Special Agent Camarena and is dedicated to helping preserve his memory and further the cause for which he gave his life, the fight against the violence of drug crime and the misery of addiction. Today, millions of young people, born well after the death of Special Agent Camarena, wear Red Ribbons and sign pledges to remain drug free. By gathering together in special events and wearing a Red Ribbon, during the last week in October, Americans from all walks of life demonstrate their opposition to drugs.
As a part of the DEA National Red Ribbon Campaign, a DEA helicopter landed in the rear parking lot of the Dale Jackson Career Center on October 27. Principal Alan Strong and all Dale Jackson students, wearing DEA Red Ribbons, turned out to welcome the DEA Special Agents. The helicopter is used in DEA enforcement operations. This particular helicopter was a new Bell helicopter which cost approximately $3,500,000.00. The helicopter pilot, DEA Special Agent Steve Baston accompanied by DEA Special Agent Steve Laird; DEA Intelligence Specialist Diane Norwood; and Supervisory Special Agent Michelle Deaver addressed the Dale Jackson students and answered their questions. Also present, was Texas Army National Guard Specialist Jeremy Solis, the son of Trisha Solis, Dale Jackson Attendance Clerk. Specialist Solis was a flight medic on a “Blackhawk” helicopter and served as such in Iraq from November 2008 to August 2009. Specialist Solis spoke to the Dale Jackson students about his experiences while in Iraq and warned the students of the dangers of drug use.
A very special thanks to Sgt. Gordon Blair and Officer Greg Stern of the Lewisville Police Department for providing security and maintaining a safe environment for this event. The event was organized by Dale Jackson Criminal Justice instructor Chris Thompson. Mr. Thompson is a former DEA agent. He also has worked for the FBI and CIA. On behalf of the Lewisville Independent School District, Principal Alan Strong sincerely thanks the Drug Enforcement Administration for their presentation and for including LISD and the Dale Jackson Career Center in this most significant drug awareness program. click on all photos for larger view |
