DDRP is Department of Defense mandated program throughout the Air Force.

Mission Statement: To deter the use and abuse of controlled and illegal substances by military and civilian personnel through a comprehensive drug testing program in support of the DoD objective to provide a drug-free, mission-ready force and workplace at all times.

The story of Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week was ignited through the story of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, born July 26, 1947, Mexicali, Mexico. Enrique grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference. As a little boy, he told his mother when he grew up, he wanted to become a police officer and was always playing with his toy gun.  

Camarena's family moved to the United States in search of a better life, and Camarena attended Calexico High School, California, graduating in 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for two years. After his service, Camarena worked his way through college and eventually became a police officer. 

Still unsatisfied with the difference he was making, he joined the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1974. His mother tried to talk him out of it due to the risks involved; however, despite her warning, he asked to be transferred to Guadalajara, Mexico, the center of the drug trafficking empire. 

During his assignment, while investigating a multi-billion dollar drug scam, he confiscated thousands of pounds of cocaine, and hundreds of pounds of marijuana; additionally, while undercover Camarena suspected officers within the Mexican Army, police and members of the government to be involved in the drug trade. 

Despite his efforts to combat the cartel, Camarena was identified Feb. 7, 1985, after he left his office to meet his wife for lunch and five men appeared at the agent’s side and shoved him in a car. Unfortunately, one month later, his body was found in a shallow grave; he had been tortured to death. 

Because Camarena believed one person can make a difference, he sacrificed his life preventing drugs from entering the United States. 

Today, National Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated across the nation and abroad to preserve Special Agent Camarena’s memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. Additionally, the Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA’s efforts to reduce the demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. 

It is a travesty the negative impact illegal drugs are having in our society,: destroying families, neighborhoods, and minds every day. During Red Ribbon Week, the last week of October, we can make a difference by wearing a red ribbon to demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs. 

Red Ribbon is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country, so as you wear the red ribbon for the last week of October, wear it with pride, because now you know the history of Red Ribbon Week.