Win $1,000 for school and an iPad2 for you during Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week 2011's contest: "It's Up to Me to Be Drug Free." Students can win $1,000 for their K-12 schools and an iPad2 for themselves from The National Family Partnership (NFP).

While we were in the military, I was active in Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31. It's important to let our youth know it's okay to say no to drugs.

Schools will celebrate Red Ribbon Week with our kids nationwide. When they come home, it's the perfect time to sit down and discuss what they have learned. It's also great to show your support by wearing a red ribbon, or decorating their homes with their family to get the word out to their community.

How the contest works: Students (K-12) can enter from now through October 31 by decorating their homes together with their parents - mailboxes, front doors or fences. Parents (18 or older) can upload photos or to www.facebook.com/RedRibbonWeek. Then ask your friends and family to vote for your entry from November 1-15. The entries in each region with most votes will win.

In Florida, the contest is sponsored by Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership, and the contest links are http://www.informedfamilies.org//contest and www.facebook.com/informedfamilies.

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is co-sponsoring this year's national contest.

Take the pledge, because it's up to you and me to be drug free!

Take the Red Ribbon Pledge now and be a part of the creation of a drug free America.

What's the Pledge about?

1. As parents, we will talk to our children about the dangers of drug abuse.

2. We will set clear rules for our children about not using drugs.

3. We will set a good example for our children by not using illegal drugs or medicine without a prescription.

4. We will monitor our children's behavior and enforce appropriate consequences, so that our rules are respected.

5. We will encourage family and friends to follow the same guidelines to keep children safe from substance abuse.

I pledge to set guidelines to help children grow up safe, healthy and drug-free.