Winnie and the Morning Drive on WKOS interviewed NCPRS', Sharon Clarke to promote Food City's Kid's Day.

Tennessee National Guard at
Food City's Kids Day

Food City Kids Day Festivities

Tennessee National Guard with NCPRS's Sharon Clarke

Sharon Clarke at Food City Kids Day

Having Fun at Food City Kids Day

Tennessee National Guard
Drug Awareness Trailer

Food City Kids Day – Blountville, Tennessee

On Saturday, May 17, 2008 the Tennessee National Guard partnered with NCPRS’ Director of Community Outreach, Sharon Clarke, to support Food City Kids Day in Blountville, Tennessee. A radio interview with Winnie Byrd, from WKOS’ Morning Drive, was instrumental in drawing a crowd to this very special event.

Captain Linda Williams, of the Tennessee National Guard, provided the impressive Counterdrug Taskforce Drug Education Trailer, in an effort to educate children, and families, about the dangers of drug use. SSG Billy Yatesmatoy and PFC Ciji Laws spent the day talking with families, and sharing information about the Stay on Track program, which is currently being implemented in over 85 counties throughout the state. Their knowledge, and ability to captivate the crowd, brought valuable insight and awareness to all in attendance.

CW3 Scott Mason arranged to have the Kiawa Warrior, OH 58 military helicopter land in the Food City parking lot, managed by Tommy Stanley and District Manager, Haskel Bledsoe. The helicopter, piloted by CW2 Chris B. Campbell and CW3 Charles E. Bumpas, was greeted by a sea of waving hands and cheers from below. Heavy fog almost prevented them from landing, but they made it safely, and were even able to stay an extra two hours to speak with the children and their families. Both children and adults were also given the opportunity to climb into the cockpit and have their pictures taken. The dedication of the National Guard was tremendously appreciated!

Sharon Clarke brought prevention materials and Stay on Track Activity Books to be distributed, as well as Pledge Books, in which the kids make a decision to live a drug free life. Many parents commented on how appreciative they were for the National Guard’s efforts, while some shared tearful stories about how drugs have destroyed the lives of family members. These moments throughout the day had a profound impact on everyone participating, and served as a reminder of how important and powerful this mission is.

This unique opportunity to spotlight the National Guard’s Counter Drug efforts was a result of the parallel mission that Food City Stores, Stay on Track, and the National Guard share, focusing on the health and well-being of our youth.

Brandy Pendergrass and her director, Ron Bonacci of Food City, invited Mrs. Clarke to participate in Kids Day 2008, and as a result, are interested in working together and spotlighting Stay on Track in many future events throughout Virginia and Tennessee. It is a mutually beneficial partnership, and one that is greatly appreciated!

Sharon Clarke
Director of Community Outreach

Sharon Clarke, Director of Community Outreach Interviewed By Winnie on the Morning Drive!

Sharon Clarke, Director of Community Outreach, was interviewed by Winnie on the WKOS Morning Drive in Bristol, Virginia. WKOS helped Sharon get the word out about Race Against Drugs, Stay On Track, RAD Scholarship recipients, Food City's Kid's Day (Saturday, May 17), Tennessee National Guard and sponsorship opportunities with NCPRS. Thank you Winnie and WKOS The Peak!

Listen to this radio interview! (mp3 download)

Contact Sharon Clarke!

Visit WKOS online!

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