Drug education a big part of Young Marines’ training program

ALBANY — The Albany Young Marines kicked off Red Ribbon Week on Sunday with the organization receiving a proclamation from the city of Albany and hearing words of encouragement from Albany Police Department Deputy Chief Wendy Luster.

Being drug-free is a huge part of the Young Marines group’s instruction, and unit members are required to attend at least three hours of drug-reduction training each quarter in order to qualify for promotion. Red Ribbon Week, which started on Monday, has been a staple for Young Marines nationally since the campaign kicked off in 1988.

“We’re constantly, all year long, making sure that’s happening,” group Commander Eric Crump said. “I think it’s important that (with) that whole connection of drugs in our community, the things you’re seeing with fentanyl. it may be more important now than it was in 1988.

“It’s one of the core programs we have with the Young Marines.”

Young Marines from the Albany group also toured the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s traveling exhibit that was in the city for six months in 2023, and the tour guides were impressed with the Young Marines’ knowledge, Crump said.

Luster’s remarks during the Sunday ceremony were inspirational as well, he said. The Young Marines also observed a canine demonstration from the Albany/Dougherty Drug Unit and heard a speaker from the APD’s Gang Unit.

“The schools are also recognizing this (Red Ribbon Week) as well this week,” the commander said. “(Young Marines) have been getting some training so they can speak on it and be leaders in their school and in their church.

“With me, it’s just that without the community support for this program, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do. This gives us a chance to give back to the community.”

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