Team Offutt highlights Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout the Department of Defense and Team Offutt is using this opportunity to highlight the program and build on existing momentum to fight this crime and ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The DOD's theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month is, "Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault," and the Offutt Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team has organized multiple activities throughout the month to highlight this vision.

"Our aim is to increase awareness and reinforce our personal and unit commitments to the elimination of the crime of sexual assault in the military," said Jennifer McCabe, Offutt's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

U.S. Air Force Col. Hans Palaoro, 55th Wing vice commander, officially kicked off the month-long event at a ceremony April 1 outside the SAC Chapel with opening remarks and a reading of the Offutt Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation by U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Newman, interim 55th Wing command chief. They then joined with others in attendance tying ribbons to a tree as a symbol of showing solidarity for victims of sexual assault as well as a commitment to end this crime at Offutt.

"It is important that we remember that our actions as leaders - commanders, superintendents, first sergeants and Airmen of every rank or civilian grade - must reinforce proper standards of behavior and values every day, all year long," he said. "We call upon Airmen at every level to maintain the climate of dignity and respect, that one day will eliminate sexual assault from our ranks."

Other events scheduled throughout the month include trivia Tuesdays via email, movie Wednesdays, Duck Days on Thursdays at the Offutt Field House as well as a golf tournament, bowling tournament and a 5k run.

"Movie Wednesdays start at 10 a.m. at the Air Force Weather Agency Auditorium and will include short video viewings and a discussion time," McCabe said. "Movies include Wrestling With Manhood, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes, and Tough Guise."

McCabe said the overall goal of these events is to encourage cultural change where bystanders are motivated to intervene and where offenders know that they will be held accountable.

"Underpinning our entire program is the need for every service member - from new recruit to general officer - to live the core values," said Donna Lindenstruth, Offutt's Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. "We continue to strive for an environment where professional values, team commitment and respect define how we treat one another at every command, workplace and throughout our community."

Anyone who participates in any Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities throughout the month will be entered to win prizes.

To find out more about the program or these events, please call 232-9999.