Sailors Promote Drug-Free Living at Guam School

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Jeremy M. Starr, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

MAGNILAO, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors from the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) helped to educate students about the dangers of substance abuse at Henry B. Price Elementary School, Oct. 11.

Sailors assisted the Guam National Guard, Department of Education teachers and local law enforcement in celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign that educates and encourages youth to live a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.

"One of the things that Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen have in common is that we are drug-free," said Lt. Alan Fleming, Frank Cable chaplain, to 1st and 2nd grade students. "All services wear different uniforms, but we all believe abstaining from drugs is honorable in serving our country."

Gunner's Mate 1st Class Jerome Claybron, assigned to the Frank Cable, shared his story about living a life free of drugs.

"Many people say I am strong and tall," said Claybron to the students. "The reason I am this way is because I have never taken drugs in my life. Drugs damage the body, making you weak, tired and lazy, so don't use drugs."

The Guam National Guard Counter Drug Program extended the Red Ribbon Week to a full month to teach 50-plus schools about the message of living without drugs. Soldiers have visited nine schools so far and are on a fast pace schedule until Halloween.

"We want Guam to be entirely free from drugs," said Army 1st Sgt. John Pangelinan. "We want Guam to stay beautiful, and the Red Ribbon Month is lined up with activities such as poetry, rap, school gate decorating contests, and information tables located inside several malls on the island to support this mission."

Fleming also emphasized the importance of Sailors being role models to the younger generation.

"This was a good opportunity to give the students a picture of good role models," said Fleming. "The Sailors did that today by sharing their jobs on the submarines and ship, which I believe influenced the young minds in a positive way to help shape their future."

"We ask you here to pledge more than a week to being drug-free; we want you to pledge being drug-free your entire life," added Pangelinan.

Red Ribbon Week takes its name from the red campaign ribbons that honor Enrique Camarena, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was kidnapped and killed in Mexico City while investigating drug traffickers in 1985.

Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.