Fort McCoy recognizes April observances with special event

Photo By Scott Sturkol | Installation leaders sign proclamations during the April Awareness Kickoff Event on April 11, 2018, at Fort McCoy, Wis. This was a special event to observe April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Autism Awareness Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It included morning and afternoon sessions with two guest speakers. One of the speakers was a survivor who, under request to remain anonymous, discussed her life experiences that covered all aspects of each monthly observance. She explained how she survived child abuse and sexual assault, dealt with autism, and overcame “self-medicating” herself by abusing alcohol. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)  

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

04.24.2018

Story by Scott Sturkol                                                                                        

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

Hundreds of Fort McCoy team members gathered April 11 to participate in the installation’s April Awareness Kickoff Event in the building 60 auditorium.

The event observed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Autism Awareness Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It included morning and afternoon sessions with two guest speakers.

One of the speakers was a survivor who, under request to remain anonymous, discussed her life experiences that covered all aspects of each monthly observance. She explained how she survived child abuse and sexual assault, dealt with autism, and overcame “self-medicating” herself by abusing alcohol.

“She truly is a survivor and her story is inspiring,” said Fort McCoy Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Manager Terry Rogalla in his introduction of her during one of the sessions.

The event also included the signing of proclamations for each monthly observance. Garrison Commander Col. David J. Pinter Sr., as well as other leaders at Fort McCoy participated in the proclamation signing.

Those other leaders included Maj. Gen. Patrick Reinart, 88th Readiness Division commanding general and Fort McCoy senior commander; Col. Brooks Shultze, 181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade commander; Jim Davis, 86th Training Division; and Maj. Gloria Rosario, Regional Training Site-Maintenance.

As the signing took place, a proclamation speech was held by Fort McCoy team members who lead the charge in each of the areas covered by the observances.

Rogalla discussed alcohol and substance-abuse prevention. He noted how drinking too much alcohol increases people’s risk of injuries, violence, and other problems, and that spreading the word about strategies for preventing alcohol misuse or abuse is important.

“The ASAP program is there to help you anytime you have questions,” he said. Contact the ASAP office at 608-388-2441 for more information.

Garrison Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Jamie Cram spoke about the Army and Fort McCoy Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program (SHARP). She reminded everyone how each April, civilian and military communities observe Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to raise awareness, prevent sexual violence, and provide essential support to survivors.

The 2018 observance reinforces opportunities for the Army to illustrate its progress and innovation in combating sexual violence in its formations. Contact Cram at 608-388-8989 for more information about SHARP. To report sexual assault or harassment, call the hotline at 608-388-3000.
Garrison Family Advocacy Program Manager Carrie Olson talked about child-abuse prevention. Olson reflected that National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual reminder that not every home is a haven for acceptance and unconditional love — similar to what is reflected in the 2018 presidential proclamation for the monthly observance.  

“Every child is a precious and unique gift who deserves the security of a loving and nurturing home,” the 2018 proclamation by President Donald Trump states. “When supported by encouraging Families and safe, strong communities, all children have the chance to reach their full potential and access the unlimited opportunities that our great nation has to offer. To realize this truth, we must dedicate ourselves to the noble cause of protecting and caring for our children.”

Olson said people should contact her at Army Community Service (ACS) at 608-388-2412 for more information about child-abuse prevention.
Fort McCoy’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Coordinator Carmen Ortiz discussed the importance of autism awareness. Autism Awareness Month is an entire month dedicated to spreading awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Ortiz said the EFMP is Fort McCoy’s connection to helping people get the resources they need to help deal with autism and other disorders and disabilities. Call Ortiz at ACS at 608-388-7262 for more information about the installation EFMP program.

In his closing remarks about the kickoff event, Pinter said everyone should remember the reason behind each observance and do his or her part to make things better.

“Thank you to my fellow leaders who signed these proclamations with me,” Pinter said. “We all must do our part to make our communities better, safer, and more aware as to what each of these observances represent.”

• Date Taken: 04.24.2018
• Date Posted: 04.24.2018 16:58
• Story ID: 274324
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WI, US