Run is just one way to refresh awareness

Photo By Sgt. Zach Zuber | At the finish line of the sexual assault prevention and response 5K run on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Green, the Arrowhead Brigade's deployed sexual assault response coordinator, greets Soldiers with a gift. The run was sponsored by I Corps as an event to promote sexual assault awareness.  

DIYALA PROVINCE, IRAQ

02.18.2010

Story by Pvt. Zach Zuber 

1-2 SBCT, 7th Infantry Division

DIYALA, Iraq — As the sun rose over Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Soldiers from the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, gathered on the basketball courts in front of the Sallie Gym to take part in a 5K run/walk. While the run itself is not necessarily out of the ordinary, the reasons for it are.

This event was organized to increase sexual assault awareness for the Arrowhead Brigade.

"The run was recommended by I Corps, and was done by everyone in the division, which is a great deal," said Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Greene, a deployed sexual assault response coordinator for 3-2 SBCT.

Prevention and awareness of this issue is not just a one time event but is emphasized to all Soldiers in the brigade. There are many different events and programs scheduled throughout the rest of the deployment to educate Soldiers in our brigade about preventative measures.

"As of right now we are brainstorming more events like this to bring people out in support of our cause," said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ogawa, a DSARC for the 3-2 SBCT.

"We do monthly risk assessments at the different FOB's to report any dangerous areas, and we are providing easy access to reporting officials," said Sgt. 1st Class Greene.

During risk assessments representatives look for areas that are too dark, or places where people could hide, said Sgt. 1st Class Greene. There are a total of 14 reporting officials in every location managed by the 3-2 SBCT, providing a person to contact for every Soldier at every FOB.

Two types of contacts are available to a victim of an assault. Unit Victim Advocates, who manage the reporting process, facilitate medical needs, and chaplain visits if desired. The DSARC's oversee the entire process, providing avenues of support if the UVA's cannot meet all the needs of a victim.

"As a DSARC, my job is to provide everything a victim could need, as well as promote awareness throughout the brigade," said Sgt. 1st Class Greene. "I also keep track of the investigation process if a victim chooses to pursue that route."

Sexual assaults can destroy teamwork in units, and distract Soldiers from their mission, which is what makes prevention so important. The Department of Defense states that 163 assaults were reported last year in Iraq and Afghanistan alone, it is important to provide deployed Soldiers with as much information as possible.

"There have been no assaults in the brigade since we have been in country," said Sgt. 1st Class Ogawa.

The representatives are working to make sure there are none for the remainder of the Arrowhead Brigade's time in Iraq.

"We are thankful for everyone that came out today," said Sgt. 1st Class Greene, "and we try to make sure everyone understands the most important thing is to be safe!"

• Date Taken: 02.18.2010
• Date Posted: 02.18.2010 02:10
• Story ID: 45497
• Location: DIYALA PROVINCE, IQ