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    Educate, Race, Repeat: Soldier raises awareness

    COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

    10.12.2018

    Story by 2nd Lt. Ryan Bradley 

    1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

    A leader with 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, has been using her strengths to raise awareness about sexual assault and abuse.

    1st Lt. Victoria Robertson, executive officer, Charlie Company, 4th BSB, 1st SBCT, joined the military after attending Reserve Officer Training Corps at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania.

    “I wanted the opportunity to work with and lead Soldiers,” said Robertson. “Their enthusiasm drives me to better myself so that I may be a better leader for them.”

    Robertson strives to be a strong leader in every position she is placed in.

    “Lt. Robertson is one of Charlie Company’s greatest assests,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Giardina, medical platoon sergeant, 4th BSB, 1st SBCT. “As a well rounded and fit leader she has a direct impact that uplifts the morale of the company and keeps Charlie Company ahead of the game.”

    Robertson is a well rounded leader and an active member in the local community.

    During her off time, Roberts actively seeks ways to spread awareness and prevent sexual harassment and assault among military personnel and their Families. Her journey to raise awareness began in 2015 when “Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network” (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti sexual violence organization, hosted a 5K run.

    “I have personally seen people affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse,” said Robertson. “I feel like volunteering to help these kinds of organizations, in anyway that I can, will help me be a positive figure that those affected can look up to.”

    Being outside, enjoying mountain post living and supporting the local community while raising awareness for an organization she believes in feels like a perk to Robertson.

    “I have always loved to race,” said Robertson. “When I discovered that I could use my passion for racing to raise awareness and help in the fight against sexual assault, I felt like I had found my calling.”


    Over the past three years, Robertson has taken part in 10 races, ranging from 5 kilometers to 70.3 miles, raising more than $1,200 for organizations that support victims of sexual assault and rape.

    Robertson opened the line of communication with her Soldiers at Fort Carson by not only educating Soldiers on how to prevent sexual violence, but by also providing resources they can contact in case they were directly or indirectly effected.

    “The Soldiers really enjoy the positivity she brings to the team,” said Capt. Amanda Dietzen, commander, Charlie Company, 4th BSB, 1st SBCT.

    “Educating my Soldiers on the resources available enables communication across the formation, ensuring they are more aware, not only for themselves but their future Soldiers,” said Robertson. “I provide them (with) a phone number to the DOD Safe Helpline, where they will assist Soldiers who may be in need of services. It really brings awareness and helps out the people who are survivors by letting them know that they are not alone in the struggle that they face.”

    For help or someone to talk to call the 24/7 Fort Carson SHARP phone number at 338-9654 or the DOD Safe Helpline at 800-656-4673 (HOPE).

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.12.2018
    Date Posted: 10.24.2018 18:19
    Story ID: 297598
    Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US

    Web Views: 40
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN