The following information was released by the U.S. Marine Corps:

What began 27 years ago in Los Angeles, in an effort to educate kids about drugs, gangs and violence, the program, known as Drug Abuse Resistance Education, has been at Marine Corps Base Quantico for more than 10 years.

Security Battalion has appointed a Marine, normally a noncommissioned officer, to be the D.A.R.E. officer. For the first time, a lance corporal is on the job. "The D.A.R.E. officer must be mature and possess good communication skills," said Gunnery Sgt. Damaion Polite, who took part in screening qualified Marines for the billet.

Since May 2009, Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Cromwell, a military police officer, has taken on the responsibility of being the D.A.R.E. officer. Cromwell was one out of 12 Marines who volunteered for the billet. "I volunteered to be the officer because I wanted to make a difference; it's something I feel strongly about," explained Cromwell, who grew up around drugs.

The mission, as stated in the D.A.R.E. Web site, is to equip kids with the tools that will enable them to avoid negative influences and instead, allow them to focus on their strengths and potential. "Right now I work with 5th graders at Burrows Elementary School," said Cromwell who sees approximately 70 students.

"Lance Cpl. Cromwell has a good rapport with the students, he built trust and a relationship knowing that you can go to an adult," said Lorraine Crocco, a fifth grade teacher at Burrows. "He really gets the children thinking and they get really excited when he comes."

More than 300,000 classrooms nationwide participate in the D.A.R.E. program, including more than 43 other countries. "The program makes the base, housing and the community a safer place," said Cromwell.

"We teach kids the facts and consequences about drugs." To become a D.A.R.E. officer Cromwell took a two week course in Peach Tree City, Ga. "I had the opportunity to go to an inner city school in Georgia and teach the students there," said Cromwell. "It was really rewarding to teach the kids."

Also certified as a school resource officer, Cromwell can teach lessons about school violence, drug problems or bullying as well as provide additional security at the schools.

"Once the school year ends I will go back to being a patrolman," said Cromwell, whose hard work and dedication will affect more than just the children aboard Quantico, but the children at the military installation they go to next.

For more information about the program, visit www.dare.org