Jenrette Receives GEICO Public Service Award for Design of New Air Force Drug Abuse Education Program

Retired U.S. Air Force captain and College of Education alumnus Don Jenrette was recently recognized for his design of a new national drug abuse education program aimed at more than 76,000 airmen and 4,100 civilian employees at 53 Air Force installations across the country.

Jenrette, who earned a doctorate degree at UGA in occupational studies in 2004, is currently a federal civil service employee, working as the Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager for the Air Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. He also serves as an adjunct professor with Macon State College, teaching criminology classes.

Jenrette led a team of medical and public affairs professionals in building a science-based drug abuse education and prevention program titled, TRUE BLUE. He was selected as the GEICO Public Service Award winner at the Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force–levels.

GEICO annually presents awards in three categories (substance abuse prevention, fire prevention, and safety) from nomination packages received from all of the federal government and military branches in recognition for outstanding services to their communities.

Before launching the program to the command's 53 sites the TRUE BLUE program was tested at an Air Force Reserve unit to ensure that the technological aspects and strategic messages were effective. The program's contents are distributed via interactive computer programs allowing viewers to evaluate the contents. Information is presented in the form of word documents, power point presentations and video streams.

An evaluation form built into the program provides invaluable feedback to the program manager.

“The goal of the program is to have a better informed population on the dangers and consequences of abusing drugs and alcohol through the use of four themes – family, career, workforce, and health,” he said.

Jenrette retired from the Air Force in 1995 after serving 24 years on active duty. The Adel, Ga., native earned his master's degree in criminology from the University of Southern Mississippi and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Troy University in Alabama.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Writer: Angela Hains, 706.542.5889, anicole7@uga.edu
Contact: Don Jenrette, don.jenrette@AFRC.AF.MIL