Program aims to dissuade drug use Published Oct. 28, 2013 By Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Travis Unified School District, along with other California schools, will celebrate National Red Ribbon Week now through Thursday. National Red Ribbon Week is a drug-prevention program in which children wear red ribbons to demonstrate their pledge to live a drug-free life. "National Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program," said David Dillon, one of the founders of the program. "It was inspired by the kidnapping and tragic death of Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena by drug traffickers." After Camarena's death, hundreds of people from his hometown of Calexico, Calif., pledged to live drug-free lives, he said. In 1988, these pledges led to the launch of National Red Ribbon Week. National Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan serving as the first honorary chairs. In support of the week, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West rock band Mobility is scheduled to perform at the local Elementary Schools through Tuesday, said Timothy Finney, Travis Drug Demand Reduction Program coordinator. The 35-minute performance is designed to encourage the young people to make healthy decisions. The Drug Demand Reduction Program will have an information table at the Zombie Escape from 3:20 to 5:30 p.m. today with free giveaways and drug-prevention information. Other activities are scheduled throughout the week, Finney said. "We want to encourage dependents, many of whom go to Travis School District schools, to make healthy decisions and commit to live a drug-free life," Finney said. For more information on National Red Ribbon Week, visit www.nfp.org.