KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - On the morning of April 1, the Kandahar Airfield community was not fooling around when they laced up their running shoes and participated in the I. A.M. Strong Sexual Assault Awareness run.
Hundreds of servicemen and women, Department of Defense employees and civilian contractors joined together to do their part in the fight to end sexual assault and spread awareness.
“People enjoy these types of activities, so it’s a good way to bring people out to have some fun but also spread an important message,” Sgt. 1st Class Erin Debaun, the 43rd Sustainment Brigade CMRE equal opportunity and sexual harassment/assault response and prevention noncommissioned officer.
“A lot of times people aren’t aware that it’s happening out there, or they don’t believe it can happen to them or someone they know,” she said. “So we want to make sure everyone is aware of the steps they can take to prevent these things from happening.”
The event was one of many that will take place during the month of April, which is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Not only did hundreds show up to put shoes to pavement in support of the event, many personnel volunteered by setting up equipment, directing traffic, and doing anything they could to help the event go smoothly.
“I chose to volunteer because I really do feel that sexual assault is higher than what it should be in the military, and we definitely need to eliminate it,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Cooley, the 43rd SB CMRE communications chief. “Out of all the things I’ve volunteered for in the past, this is definitely the most important to me being the father of four girls. I don’t want any of them, if they so choose to join the military, to worry about this ever.”
| Date Taken: |
04.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: |
04.17.2013 03:37 |
| Story ID: |
105333 |
| Location: |
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Hometown: |
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
| Hometown: |
FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: |
181 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, KAF runs 5K for Sexual Assault Awareness, by SGT Khori Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
