Moody recognizes Red Ribbon Week

The Drug Demand Reduction program hosted a lunch and learn session at the Base Chapel on Moody Air Force Base, Ga., in recognition of Red Ribbon Week Oct. 20, 2011. Many events were held to educate Airmen on the signs of drug abuse. Informational pamphlets, t-shirts and other items were handed out during the luncheon to help raise drug awareness. Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, drug and violence prevention awareness campaign. It is observed annually in October, and began in 1985 after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs/Released)

Knowledge is key

U.S. Air Force Investigator Christopher Taylor, Office of Special Investigations Detachment 211 joint drug enforcement team member , speaks to Airmen during a Lunch and Learn session at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Oct. 20, 2011. Taylor informed Airmen about the warning signs and side effects of illegal drug use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs/Released)

Increasing awareness

U.S. Air Force retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles Boyd Jr., Drug Demand Reduction program administrative manager at Moody Air Force Base Ga., utilizes an informational display table for the Drug Demand Reduction program at the Exchange Oct. 21, 2011. The display is set up to educate the base populace and increase awareness of drug use. It also is used to inform Airmen on how to easily identify warning signs of drug use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs/Released)

Keeping Moody drug free

Published Oct. 21, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Red Ribbon Week is Oct. 23 to 31 and is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program reaching millions of Americans. Since 1990, the Department of Defense has officially participated in this event to raise public awareness to combat drug use among military personnel, civilians and their families.

In observance of Red Ribbon Week Gail Brown, Drug Demand Reduction program manager, held a Lunch and Learn Oct. 20 about the warning signs of cocaine, marijuana and spice use.

In the last year, 25 Airmen at Moody were discharged from the Air Force for drug use.

"You never know who may be using drugs," said Brown. "We need to be able to recognize the signs associated with drug use."

During the lunch and learn attendees were taught some warning signs of drug use to look for in Airmen.

Some of those signs include: Change in habits and behavior, red blood shot eyes, change in hygiene, nervousness, agitation and pupil size.

"It's really important for supervisors to look out and recognize the signs of drug use in their Airmen," said U.S. Air Force Investigator Christopher Taylor, Office of Special Investigations Detachment 211, joint drug enforcement team member.

According to Air Force Instruction 44-121, "Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program," the Air Force does not tolerate the illegal or improper use of drugs by Air Force personnel.

The knowing use of any intoxicating substance, other than the lawful use of alcohol or tobacco products that is inhaled, injected, consumed, or introduced into the body in any manner to alter mood or function is prohibited in the Air Force.

Some of these substances include but are not limited to: spice, salvia, marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs used in a manner they weren't intended to be used for or past the expiration date.

Several stores downtown sell products such as spice, but it is illegal for military members to purchase it and use it, said Brown.

Drug testing occurs within all the armed services and is random. Any military personnel, regardless of rank, can be asked to provide a urine sample if suspected of illegal drug use.

For more information on signs of drug use contact the DDR program at 229-257-5900. To anonymously report any criminal information, such as drug use call the Blue Crime Tip Line at 229-257-3578.