Photo By Cpl. Michelle Piehl | A Marine embraces Debrenna L. Glastervann, director of public relations with the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Service members, dependents and community members participated in a walk to raise awareness about sexual assault aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 2.
The 3rd Annual “Forward March” for Sexual Assault Awareness began at the Great Escape and ended at the parade deck. Col. Frank A. Richie, commanding officer of MCAS Miramar, led the one-mile walk through the air station.
“They start the walk at the barracks, because that is where most assaults happen on the installation,” said Latricia Kamins, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program manager with MCAS Miramar.
The walk is preceded by Sexual Assault Awareness month during April. Service members are encouraged to stay vigilant against sexual assault regardless of the season.
“It’s not just during the month of April. It’s important to be aware and take a stand, no matter what time of year,” said Kamins.
Following the walk, speakers addressed the crowd of walkers during a presentation. The presentation featured a personal testimony from DeBrenna L. Glastervann, a former sailor, now the director of public relations with the National Women’s Veterans Association of America.
The presentation also included an address from the commanding officer of MCAS Miramar.
The Forward March was promoted on the air station, as well as in the community. The free and public event boosted nearly 200 participants.
“It’s not just an active duty problem, anyone could be sexually assaulted,” said Kamins.
Cpl. James M. Ponpon, a legal clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and a Staten Island, N.Y., native, decided to march after undergoing the sexual assault prevention annual training.
“I wanted to come out after the [course] and support it,” said Ponpon. “It’s good to bring awareness to the table so that people can be alert and know what to look for. Get informed. Educate yourself and use the buddy system to prevent sexual assault.”
According to Kamins, 1-in-4 females and 1-in-6 males have been a victim of sexual assault in the Marine Corps.
“If we don’t bring awareness to this problem, then a majority of people think ‘Oh, it doesn’t happen much’ when it actually happens quite often,” said Kamins.
According to the SAPR program manager, the successful walk is expected to continue annually.
“This is my first walk. I hope there will be many more to come. I see a lot of motivated people out here, [service members] and civilians,” said Ponpon.
Service members and civilians are encouraged to stay vigilant to stomp out sexual assault. By having situational awareness and never leaving a buddy behind, service members can work to eliminate the threat of sexual assault.
Marines who need guidance regarding sexual assault can call the 24-hour victim advocate hotline at 858-880-5931.
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2012 18:05 |
| Story ID: | 87926 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | STATEN ISLAND, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 222 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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