Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, ‘Respect Yourself- Published Oct. 22, 2015 By TSgt. Chris Hymes Drug Demand Reduction Program manager 507th Air Refueling Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Today I turned in a package that might possibly end a career. I personally don't remember them, but judging by their rank, they were on their first enlistment. They had barely started their military journey and it may already be coming to an end. They tested positive for THC, or tetrahydro-cannabinol, which is an active ingredient of marijuana. Marijuana, to some degree, has been legalized in 23 states and the District of Columbia, and four of those states, plus D.C., also allow for its recreational use. What does that mean for those of us here at Tinker? Absolutely nothing. Regardless of where we're serving, marijuana is not authorized for use by military members, or civilians. You say you didn't smoke it...? You must have inhaled it at the party you were at last weekend...? Nope; not even if you spent a week in the Scooby Doo van would you have absorbed enough smoke to pop positive on a drug test. And before you say that it must have been those hemp seeds you sprinkled on that casserole, or the hemp oil on your salad, or the hemp lotion you rubbed on your sweet baboo, let me stop you; the ingestion of products containing, or products derived from, hemp seed or hemp seed oil, is prohibited and a violation of Article 92 under the UCMJ. I wonder; did they have any kind of bonus when they enlisted? Gone. Was Tuition Assistance or any other educational benefit one of the reasons why they enlisted? Bummer. Were they hoping for an Honorable Discharge? Nope, I don't think so. It would truly be unfortunate if they had family members who depended on them for support. In a way, I feel as though I've let them down. Part of my job is to educate on the dangers of drug use and to warn about how any substance that impairs behavior or performance negatively impacts the mission. Maybe they've heard the message so many times, that it's just become white noise. Maybe they knew that they shouldn't have used the drug but wanted to 'relax', or they caved in to peer pressure, or were lonely, or just bored. What's disappointing is that they may have otherwise been a stellar Airman, but being under the influence puts themselves, and those they work with, at risk of serious harm. We invested in their development, presented opportunities, and encouraged them to succeed. Had we not seen hope and promise in their future, they would not have been here. We knew they had unlimited potential and had been a valuable asset to our community. But, it seems, they didn't see all those things that we did. What else could explain this lapse in judgment? So, to all military members and civilians: if you're here, it's because we want you here, and we need you to perform at 100 percent. If there is an issue going on in your life that you may be struggling with, there are so many agencies on base that can help you, if you let them; drugs and alcohol are not the answer. But don't 'Just Say No' because we told you so; do it because you respect yourself.