Sailors say ‘no to drugs’ at school Published Dec. 6, 2007 By Petty Officer 1st Class William E. Lewis Navy Operational Support Center, Oklahoma City TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Navy Operational Support Center, Oklahoma City Saying "no to drugs" is not just a cliché for the Sailors at Navy Operational Support Center, Oklahoma City. Instead, it's a way of life they take seriously because of what drugs do to their Navy brothers and sisters. "Drugs don't just affect the user," Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Lurins said. "They hurt whole communities." Money gained by illegal drugs sold is used, in part, to fund the enemy in the war on terrorism. It's used to buy weapons that kill our sailors and soldiers, he continued. This is why Petty Officer Lurins is so adamant about spreading the anti-drug use word, through Campaign Drug Free. This flagship program brings together military and local community resources to reduce drug abuse and provide today's youth with positive role models to help them make positive life choices. Petty Officer Lurins, along with five other NOSC Sailors, recently participated in Sooner Rose Elementary School's Red Ribbon week. This week has been historically set aside as an anti-drug week for Oklahoma City area schools. The kids symbolize their aversion toward drugs during this week by tying a red ribbon around the old oak tree on the school grounds. LouAnn LeClair, Sooner Rose Elementary principal, thanked the Sailors for their presentation. "It is great for children to hear life lessons from people other than their families and teachers," she said. "We greatly appreciate your visit." Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Bueno was the main speaker for the program. Because the children weren't quite old enough to understand drugs specifically, he chose to talk to them about something they could relate to -- poisons. "Would you consider eating something poisonous like soap you wash your clothes with?" Petty Officer Bueno asked the gymnasium full of students. "Ewwwoooo," they all cried in unison. "Yuck! Nooooo." "Then why would you put something in your body that would make you sick?" he rhetorically replied. Some of the children tried to answer, but couldn't find the words. Instead they giggled and squirmed on the floor waiting for the answer from the Navy Engineman. "You wouldn't," Petty Officer Bueno said. "Drugs are like poisons; they are really bad for and can only hurt you." Sooner Rose Elementary Counselor Mary Lawrence said, "The students seemed to really appreciate the opportunity to ask questions and you forthcoming in your answers. Thank you for answering them honestly, which let them know you were truly interested in them." The two petty officers, along with Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephanie James, Seaman Apprentice Lindsey Nabbefeld and Seaman Apprentice Brandi Caban, all passed out goodie bags filled with "count on me to be drug free" ruler, balloons, stickers and the "Drugasaurus" drug education activity book for the children. "It was very exciting to take on the Navy's mission of Campaign Drug Free, I am proud of our staff's involvement," said Petty Officer James, who coordinated the function. "It showed me that our staff at Navy Operation Support Center Oklahoma City, lives up to the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. "We are looking forward to speaking at others schools in the area, as we are dedicated to this as these are our children, too."