Leadership encourages Red Ribbon Week participation Published Oct. 24, 2007 AFMC/Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Air Force Materiel Command senior officials want to remind the command's work force that in order to provide the warfighter with the best support, workers need to remain drug free. In order to raise awareness of AFMC's commitment to a drug-free community, AFMC's senior leaders encourage commanders and their units at AFMC bases to participate in National Red Ribbon Week activities. Red Ribbon Week is a national observance that began Oct. 23 and continues through Oct. 31. This year's theme is, "Better things to do than drugs." This nationwide program strives to educate people on how to combat alcohol, drug and tobacco use. As part of the Department of Defense, the Air Force has officially participated in National Red Ribbon Week since 1990 in an attempt to reduce drug abuse among workers and their families.