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#notjustApril kicks off SAAPM

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The month of April represents the fourth month of the calendar year; but for the Department of Defense, it's a time to reaffirm how eliminating sexual assault is a year-round endeavor and never exclusive to one month.

Spangdahlem Air Base will observe Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month with a variety of activities throughout the month of April 2016.

The 52nd Fighter Wing's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program's support for the events will coincide with DoD-wide efforts to foster a culture of dignity and respect.

"Together, we must assure an environment where sexual assault is neither condoned nor ignored; we must reinforce a culture of prevention, accountability, dignity, and respect throughout our ranks; and we must advocate for and staunchly support all who courageously report this crime," said Ash Carter, secretary of Defense, in a 2015 message. "Our nation looks to us to lead boldly on this front - and to care for our fellow men and women who bravely serve. Every single one of us must know our part, do our part, and keep doing whatever it takes to eliminate sexual assault in the military."

This year's theme focuses on "Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know your Part. Do your Part," placing an emphasis on bystander intervention.

Lydia Leasher, 52nd FW SAPR victim advocate, said she hopes all of the month's activities - from information booths and a dodgeball tournament to just knowing the color teal represents SAPR - will empower individuals to make a difference at any time and not just in April.

"One person can prevent sexual assault; your actions may seem so minor, but can make such an impact," Leasher said. "If you saw a loved one that was in danger or in a situation that was uneasy -- wouldn't you want someone else to intervene?"

Leasher also said the program is hoping for a great turn out for all of the events so attendees will become better acquainted with the SAPR team and victim advocates.

"We want people to know that we are here for the community and they can come to us for help and resources," she said. "Just speaking with us will not initiate opening a case. We can still hear their story and guide them in the next steps to be taken if they choose to do so. I like to say that we are a victim's GPS: we are here to offer resources, support, and guide the victim through reporting processes."

SAAPM Events
- April 1: A 5K Fun Run at the Outdoor Track behind the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center at 8:30 a.m.
- April 6, 13, 20 and 27: Information Booths at Various Locations (Base Exchange, Mosel Dining Facility, Commissary, and Kuhl Beans)
- April 22 Dodgeball Tournament at the Eifel Powerhaus (Contact Tech. Sgt. Marcie Ireland at 452-6272/0656561-6272 for more details)
- April 29: SAPR Burger Burn from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Wing Pavilion

For more information about SAPR or SAAPM, contact Leasher at 0656561-7272 or 452-7272.