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CREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH NEWSPAPER Friday, April 9, 2004 From: Drug Free Mercer County In the past few months, COFY has seen modest growth membership and has pulled in some really effective partners to help our youth stay drug free. One such partner working with elementary age kids in a school based setting is Veterans Against Drugs. Sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Blue-Grey Chapter No. 628, the program focused on six core values; Respect and camaraderie, loyalty and compassion, honesty and integrity, meaningful achievement, advocacy and patriotism. Headed up locally by Dave and Elaine Simmons of Princeton, Veterans Against Drugs works with area youth in a school setting by having veteran volunteers visit local classrooms to share their military experiences and promote the core values. "We hope that if we keep them involved in these core values, they are less likely to become involved in drugs," said Elaine. "At Glenwood School, one of the participating schools, fifth graders are really learning about patriotism and what it means to be responsible. By staying true to our message, we will be able to reach them in a very effective way." This is the third year Veterans Against Drugs has been offered in Mercer County. Dave Simmons said 245 student swill graduate from the program this year. "A 'graduation style' ceremony celebration will be held May 14th at Princeton Town Square and the Blue-Gray Chapter's offices on Mercer Street." He added that, "Prior to the ceremony, students will visit the Vietnam Memorial at the Princeton Tourist Information Center and the Those Who Served War Museum in Princeton." Youth participating in the program have also made get well cards to patients in an area veterans hospital. "They are expressing their compassion, giving get well wishes to a group that really needs some cheering up," said Elaine. The cards, hand colored in red, white and blue, featured American flags, eagles and other patriotic symbols. For information on the program, contact them at (304) 248-8488 or e-mail incountryvet@sunlitsurf.com Greg Puckett
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