Page 5 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, April 20 2018

Desert lightning news s. nevADA news April 20, 2018 5 www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb Facebook.com/NellisDesertLightningNews
Protecting Our People, Protects Our Mission
Each April, Department of Defense communities observe Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Activities throughout month offer an opportunity to improve outreach and support to victims while also expanding prevention efforts.
This year’s theme is “Protecting our People, Protects our Mission.”
“Protecting our People...” Each Air- man has a vital role to ensure fellow ser- vice members can live and work without the threat of sexual assault. Regardless of rank each member must know, under- stand and adhere to the Air Force core values and standards of behavior in order to eliminate sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior in the work place.
Addressing sexual harassment in a unit is an important step to preventing sexual assaults, since many victims of sexual harassment, later experience a sexual assault.
Understanding how to recognize op- portunities for intervention is vital to stopping unsafe behavior, to include any form of retaliation.
“Protects our Mission.” In addition to the devastating impact on a victim, a sexual assault can severely impact a unit’s readiness to perform its mission.
All Airmen must encourage posi- tive behaviors by recognizing acts that contribute to a supportive command climate.
Members can protect the mission by ensuring everyone within DOD is committed to advancing an environ- ment where sexist behaviors, sexual harassment, hazing, bullying, and sexual assault are not tolerated, condoned, or ignored.
To increase awareness, the Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases Sexual Assault Prevention Response offices have several events scheduled the en- tire month. Static displays have been setup around both installations to offer educational information.
SAAPM events:
• April 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Creech SAPR office is hosting a “Chalk the walk and information fair” at the Creech dining facility. Several helping agencies will have booths set up to in- form attendees of the services they offer.
• April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a booth will be set up at the Nellis Exchange
• April 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a booth will be set up at the Commissary
On April 6, in honor of SAAPM, the Nellis and Creech SAPR offices hosted an appreciation breakfast for their 36 active victim advocates who provide essential support, liaison services and care to victims of sexual assault.
Victim advocates report directly to the installation’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and assist in providing 24/7 response capability for
Air Force photograph by Lorenz Crespo
Airmen assigned to the 99th Medical Group pose for a photo after completing the 2018 Color Run at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 13, 2018. The Color Run is an event that brings awareness to Sexual Assault and other campaigns taking place throughout the month of April.
the program. They provide crisis in- tervention and information on avail- able options and resources to assist victims of sexual assaults in making informed decisions.
Along with the SAPR staff, victim advocates can take a restricted or unrestricted report of sexual assault.
A person can report a sexual as- sault 24/7 by calling the Nellis/Creech
SAPR hotline at 702-652-7272. During duty hours a victim will speak with SAPR staff member, after duty the phones will be answered by
a certified victim advocate.
Air Force photograph by Lorenz Crespo
An Airman races toward the finish line during the Color Run at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. April 13, 2018. Base personnel were encouraged to come out in support of numerous campaigns held by base agencies throughout the month.
Tech. Michael Babcock (left), 99th Civil Engineer Squadron structure planner, and daughter Aria enjoy a morning together during the Color Run held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 13, 2018. The Color Run raises awareness for base support programs to include Comprehensive Airmen Fitness, Sexual Assault Prevention, Alcohol Awareness, Month of the Military Child, and Autism Awareness.
Air Force photograph by Lorenz Crespo