Program promotes drug-free future leaders Published March 2, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- One KMC program specializes in providing youths the tools needed to avoid bad life choices while also having a good time and creating long lasting friendships - the Drug Education for Youth program. "The DEFY program affords kids the opportunity to learn necessary life skills to be successful in all they do," said Col. Don Bacon, 435th Air Base Wing commander. "The program does not only focus solely on drug education, but also educates on gang resistance, nutrition and leadership skills." Its mission is to provide commanders with a drug demand reduction program that facilitates and enhances family readiness to promote mission accomplishment. DEFY benefits the community by building self-esteem that counters negative peer pressure, giving students the power to lead peers in the right direction, which ultimately reduces drug usage and gang affiliation within the community, the colonel said. The program was reintroduced to the KMC in 2007, and is available to family members ages 9 to12 of all branches of military, Department of Defense civilians and ID card holders. While there are only a small number of adolescents that get in trouble, like for vandalism and drug use, we get zero joy in having to discipline them, Colonel Bacon said, "Our hope is DEFY will prevent some of these situations from occurring and that our youth will flourish in the KMC and help against adolescent crimes." The program consists of two phases that work together for a year-long experience. Phase one of the program focuses on teaching the youth hard skills in leadership, team building, conflict resolution goal setting and increasing self-confidence, said Alex Tremble, Ramstein's Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. Part of this phase includes leadership camps, which allow the maximum of focused quality training time while still permitting a relaxed but organized and memorable experience. Based on mentoring events, the second phase of the program aims to reinforce the skills, techniques and procedures taught initially in the Leadership Camp. "A 10-month mentoring program during the school year in which DEFY youths are matched with an adult mentor team throughout the school year is a big part of the program," said Mr. Tremble. "In addition, events are also structured to provide a showcase for the role models represented in each program by the DEFY adults." Parent engagement is a big focus throughout phase two, while team leaders and mentors actively encourage parents and guardians to become involved in supporting their children's commitment to a positive, drug-free lifestyle. "Each DEFY adult is responsible for ensuring that all DEFY graduates receive the necessary support and encouragement," added Mr. Tremble, adding that they must be well versed in youth programs, requirements, support facilities and placement opportunities within their communities. The final step of the program is outplacement, which works to ensure that the youth stay engaged with the community. "Although they are not required, many DEFY adults continue their mentoring relationships well past the yearlong DEFY program," said Mr. Tremble. "Overall, I hope that students will build strong relationships with their DEFY peers, mentor and community partners, utilize the skills learned to make healthy life choices and become role models amongst their peers," said Colonel Bacon.