Families benefit from annual Kick Butts Day

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey | A member of the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force watches as students...... read more read more

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey | A member of the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force watches as students participating in the Rugged Outdoor Physical Experience System (ROPES) course try to move as a cohesive unit during the annual Kick Butts Day in Niland, Calif., March 21, 2012. The event was hosted by the Calipatria Unified School District and the Imperial County Public Health Department and was aimed at providing information about healthy lifestyles for parents and children in a predominately Spanish-speaking community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo/ Master Sgt. Julie Avey/ Released)  see less | View Image Page

NILAND, CA, UNITED STATES

03.21.2012

Courtesy Story

California Counterdrug Task Force

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NILAND, Calif. – Niland, a community off the beaten path in a remote part of California, partnered with the California National Guard for “Kick Butts Day” March 21, 2012. The annual event was held by the Calipatria Unified School District and the Imperial County Public Health Department and was aimed at providing information for parents and children in a predominately Spanish-speaking community. The event brought together several community coalitions as well as over 300 elementary students and their parents. Members of the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Team delivered healthy lifestyle messages to the students and their families.

“Our goal is to work with the community coalitions to mentor the next generation,” said, Sgt. 1st Class Leo Castillo, a prevention specialist for the DDR program. “Tobacco is the most addictive legal substance out there and is seen as a stepping stone to other drugs. As we work together, we hope to start changing minds and teaching healthy lifestyles. We hope to mentor kids in a positive direction through our interactions and actually reach out to the young people in the community in hopes of mentoring them to make healthy choices and remain drug free.”

The Imperial County Public Health Department requested the Counterdrug Task Force to provide trained DDR representatives as a resource to educate students on the dangers of smoking, alcohol, and drugs.

The team brought their healthy lifestyle messages though fun activities like the Rugged Outdoor Physical Experience System (ROPES) course which challenges students to interact as a team to achieve a common goal, and hands-on tools like the vision impairment goggles which simulate being intoxicated to demonstrate the hazards of drinking.

“The Counterdrug Program conveys anti-drug messages through a dynamic mentoring program and provides a new approach to delivering information to the children in the community,” Maria Nava-Froelich, the principal of Grace Kelly Elementary school said. “It is a plus to have bilingual speakers able to reach out to families - communicating information in their native language or, in some cases, provide translation from students to parents. The program adds great benefits to our community.”

Staff Sgt. Alfredo Bello, a Counterdrug member said, “I want to communicate to the students the importance of a community. Through the course of working with the other coalitions I am able to show the students first-hand the fun we can bring to their neighborhood.”

Bello talked about new ideas on teamwork for everyday situations as the students rearranged themselves without falling off a balance beam.

“I feel a real sense of being a citizen Soldier when giving to my community through the DDR program,” he said.

The DDR team also provided bilingual brochures on substance abuse prevention they conducted interactive lessons in Spanish. The team members incorporated lessons on the negative consequences and effects drugs and alcohol have on the body, the overall benefits of positive lifestyles and the importance of empowering youth.

“When we are out in the community I feel as though I can make positive changes and have a real impact on lives,” said, Staff Sgt. Juan Salinas. “I can share my military experiences, Counterdrug skills, as well as my family heritage. I like communicating with the students in Spanish and English to give them a sense of pride for their heritage.”

Sgt. 1st Class April Lake, another member of the Counterdrug team, echoed these sentiments, adding that “Our program makes a difference as our involvement in the communities enriches the student’s lives. It is rewarding to mentor in our communities and empower the next generation.”

By working directly with communities, school and civilian coalitions, the Counterdrug team is able to reach large numbers of individuals.

“Giving back to our communities is not just a job but a benefit to our families,” Castillo said. “We live in the communities we serve and take to heart building the community.