Base town hall meeting focuses on illegal drug use May 10

Published May 1, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Ellsworth drug demand reduction program staff is teaming up with narcotics experts from the area to host a town hall meeting from 6 to 7 p.m., May 10, at the Dakota's Ballroom to provide information about synthetic drug abuse and trends for Airmen.

"Synthetic drug use is a growing concern on base," said Shelley Satterlee, 28th Medical Operations Squadron Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. "Military members have used synthetic drugs, had frightening symptoms, and ruined their careers.
Leadership is holding this conference to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers, and to protect Airmen and their families from these dangerous drugs."

Experts from the Rapid City Police Department, Detachment 226, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Joint Drug Enforcement Team will speak about a variety of issues affecting Airmen at Ellsworth, including synthetic marijuana or Spice use, other illegal drugs and prescription drug abuse.

Satterlee said that Ellsworth is using all methods and resources it can to discourage drug abuse and prevent any further drug-related incidents.

"We're currently administering synthetic drug tests," said Satterlee. "In the last two months, 534 personnel have been tested for synthetics, some because they were suspected of using them and some as part of unit sweeps. In the coming months, we want to educate the base populace to prevent any further incidents from occurring."

Satterlee added that everyone on base is welcome to attend the meeting.

For more information, call Shelley Satterlee at (605) 385-3231.