Band of the Pacific-Hawaii participates in Red Ribbon Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNS) --  One Band of the Pacific-Hawaii NCO here led a drive to use music to help spread the drug-free message of Red Ribbon Week by performing in concerts for local elementary schools in late October.

Having three school-age children of his own created a desire in Tech. Sgt. Richard Vasquez, a Band of the Pacific-Hawaii vocalist, to start up a community program for grades 3 through 6 at six area schools here. 

"Sergeant Vasquez showed me a DVD of a Red Ribbon Week performance that his previous band had put on for some of the schools in San Antonio," said Chief Master Sgt. Larry MacTaggart, the band manager. "We were excited to do something similar here. Music is a powerful tool and it's also very prominent in children's lives."

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug-free campaign in the country. It generally takes place the last full week in October. The week also commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique Camerena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs.

The Kaleiopu'u Elementary School students' excitement was apparent as the band began setting up for their 45-minute show Oct. 22.

"We requested a band performance through the State Office Military Liaison," said Alan Aranaydo, the vice principal at the school. "About 125 of 970 students are military dependents, mostly Army and Navy. Kids today have a lot of distractions in their lives, like computers and cell phones. Being exposed to live music, which a lot of students don't have an opportunity to see much, is a great idea. Every means of getting the message across helps."

As the performance began, the band members played upbeat, popular radio and television music, prompting waves, cheers and smiles. Many students chose to sing along.

"Proud to be drug-free," they exclaimed.

"Be a good friend, because we need each other when times get bad," was one message passed along by the band. Other messages included staying away from drugs and alcohol and staying in school. One song even incorporated the message into its lyrics.

The band members presented each teacher with a copy of their latest CD as the concert neared its end. They then remained to shake hands and visit with the students afterward. 

"The kids' reaction to the concert was awesome," Sergeant Vasquez said. "Their energy fed us and motivated us to play better."

Several teachers agreed.

"What a great way to end the week," said Susan Nakama, a third grade teacher. "To have a band here, the kids are so lucky."