EVENT: Michigan National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Team Presentation
DATE AND TIME: April 23, 3 p.m.
LOCATION: MICHIGAN ARMY NATIONAL GUARD HEADQUARTERS
3411 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, LANSING
 

Local media is invited to join the Michigan National Guard (MING), Senator Martha G. Scott, Representative Fran Amos, and the National Foundation for Women's Legislators at Michigan Army National Guard Headquarters for a presentation of Freedom Calls. The presentation is a multi-screen production that educates students about their National Freedom (the freedom others have fought for so all Americans may be free), and encourages students to protect their Personal Freedom by living their lives with conviction, courage, and ambition. Thought provoking scenes with modern music, celebrities, real-life stories told by middle school and high school adolescents, cinematic dramatizations and dynamic visuals are used to reinforce the film's message.

The MING will also be discussing "Stay on Track" (SOT), a national drug education initiative currently being implemented by National Guard members in 48 states including Michigan. Stay on Track targets middle school students (6, 7 and 8th grades) with 12 lessons per grade level. The SOT program teaches the important skills of communication, decision-making, goal-setting, a healthy drug-free lifestyle while calling for the commitment of youth all across America to believe that "Drug Free Starts with Me."

"The Michigan National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Program works with Michigan youth, challenging them to make good decisions when it comes to peer pressure and drug use, "said Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Cutler, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard. "Our Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are positive role models for Michigan youth."

About the National Guard Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Programs: In 2007, DDR programs impacted more than 3.7 million youth nationwide. The Michigan National Guard Drug Demand Reduction efforts support leadership, education and training of America's youth toward a commitment to be drug free and include community based activities designed to help young people make the right decisions when faced with drug related pressures and situations. All DDR efforts are coordinated through community support, school programs, and coalition development.

For more information contact: Angela Simpson, Joint Force Headquarters Deputy Public Information Officer 517) 449-8893, angela.simpson3@us.army.mil