MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. – A blue ribbon walk was held by Fort Carson families and soldiers to promote awareness and prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault Oct. 31 starting from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post.
Soldiers and family members from Company A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in the walk, and the accompanying training, which was coordinated by the company’s newest graduate of the Army’s Sexual Harrassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, Staff Sgt. LaTonya Dismuke.
Dismuke began the activities with a classroom lecture on the SHARP program. She said that in an effort to make the training more interactive she put together four different skits to help generate discussion with the soldiers and family members.
“I didn’t want people to be bored in the classroom just listening to me teach,” Dismuke said. “The skits get people involved and gives them scenarios we can discuss together.”
First Sgt. Ryan Parsons, Company A, 3 STB, said that it is important for families to know how to help soldiers or other family members who may be a victim of sexual harassment or assault.
“We have to keep people’s attention with this type of training because it is imperative for soldiers and families to know what to do in these types of situations,” Parsons said. “This training also helps the family members understand the programs the military has to help soldiers and families.”
Family member Amanda Unger said it was a great educational experience for everyone and would encourage other family members to attend the training if given the opportunity.
“I learned just how serious the Army is about the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault,” Unger said. “It’s good to know the Army is working to protect the service members even more.”
Following the training, the participants walked through the Garden of the Gods Park.