A delegation from the DEA Educational Foundation and the DEA Museum
in Arlington, VA recently visited Bogota, Colombia and met with
representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Colombian government, DEA
Bogota, and the Colombian National Police, to discuss fighting drugs
through education.
Led by Board President William Alden, a retired DEA agent and former
Head of Congressional and Public Affairs for DEA, the group of
Foundation Board members, advocates, and staff, received briefings on
enforcement and eradication issues, and were given the opportunity to
tour jungle coca fields, and travel to Cartagena for a tour of a Marine
Interdiction Program.
The group was hosted at a reception given in their honor at the
residence of U.S. Ambassador to Colombia, William H. Brownfield. At
the reception, Alden, along with Foundation supporter and Los
Angeles,
California business executive and community leader Helen Mars,
presented President Carlos Alberto Leyva Franco, Fundacion Corazon
Verde, and Major General Oscar Adolfo Naranjo Trujillo, Colombian
National Police Director General, a contribution to the Green Hearts
Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides financial support to the
widows and orphans of Colombian Police Officers killed in the line of
duty. Ms. Mars, who has been a longtime advocate and supporter of
the DEA Educational Foundation, was thrilled to provide the gift.
“I am honored to be able to provide support to The Green Heart Foundation. They truly improve the quality of life for the widows and orphans of the members of the National Police killed in action, by assisting with education, housing, and counseling.â€
According to Alden, “Helen, along with each of our Board members and
supporters, are committed to the Foundation’s mission of fighting drugs
through education. Our hope is that as more people are educated on
the costs and consequences of drug abuse, we won’t suffer the tragic loss of human life, be it illegal drug users, innocent bystanders, or
members of law enforcement.â€
For more information:
www.deaeducationalfoundation.org
and www.deamuseum.org.
