Lt. Col. Raymond Croslin, HQ, 98th Training Division (IET), bowled for the “Red Ribbon Campaign”, a symbol of support for the Drug Enforcement Administration efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and educational programs. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Hernandez, HQ, 98th Training Division (IET)
The “Red Ribbon Campaign” became a symbol of support for the Drug Enforcement Administration efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and educational programs.
Red Ribbon Week is recognized and celebrated, to help preserve the memory of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and further the cause for which he gave his life.
After serving in the Marines, Camarena worked as a fireman for the City of Calexico and attended Imperial Valley College, where he earned an associate’s degree. He joined the Calexico Police Department in 1970, and was later re-assigned to El Centro, California, working as a Narcotics Investigator for Imperial County.
Because of his concern about the drug problem in this country, Camarena became a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1974. He wanted to make a difference by helping the people that he cared about.
(left to right): Mr. Jose Gonzalez, 98th Training Division (IET) Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Ms. Tina O’Ree, Fort Benning, Ga., Garrison Family Advocacy Program, Sgt. 1st Class Alex Villasenor, HQ 98th Training Division (IET) and Ms. Karoushia Jordan, Fort Benning, Ga., Garrison Family Advocacy Program. The Purple Team bowled for “Red Ribbon Week”, a week that is recognized and celebrated, to help preserve the memory of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and further the cause for which he gave his life; to fight against drug trafficking and domestic violence.
After Camarena had been in Mexico for more than four years on the trail of Mexican marijuana and cocaine drug traffickers, he was due to be reassigned in three weeks because he had come dangerously close to exposing the top leaders of a multi-billion drug pipeline.
But during those three weeks, Camarena left the American Consulate in Guadalajara to meet his wife, Mika, for lunch. As he walked to his truck, five men approached him and shoved him in a vehicle. He never saw his wife or Family again.
Capt. Raymond Childress and Mr. Brian Kessler HHC, 1st Brigade, 98th Training Division (IET), “Throw a Strike Against Drugs and Domestic Violence” on 29 Oct. 2015 during “Red Ribbon Week” in support of the fight against drug trafficking and domestic violence. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Hernandez, HQ, 98th Training Division (IET)
To honor Camarena’s memory and pay homage to all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against drug trafficking and domestic violence, the 98th Training Division’s Army Substance Abuse Program hosted a Bowling event.
The Substance Abuse and Family Advocacy Programs joined forces to “Throw a Strike Against Drugs and Domestic Violence” on 29 Oct. 2015. Teams wore red or purple to make their stand with educational awareness provided by those who threw strikes and gutter balls during the event.
Soldiers, DoD Civilians and Family members who participated were from the 98th Training Division (IET), 104th Training Division (LT), 1207th United States Army Hospital and 648th Medical National Guard.
(left to right): Sgt. Tanya Songsong-Diaz, HQ, 98th Training Division (IET), Mrs. Penny Carter, 98th Training Division (IET), Alcohol & Drug Control Officer, Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Mason Jr. and Master Sgt. Cynthia Hightower, 1207th USAH on the Red Team bowling in support of The “Red Ribbon Campaign”, a symbol of support for the Drug Enforcement Administration efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and educational programs. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Hernandez, HQ, 98th Training Division (IET)