Photo By Pfc. Rayonne Bissant | U.S. Army Master Sgt. King Garcia, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company,...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - “Change through unity” is the theme echoed for this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 2, 2024.
Keynote speaker, U.S Army Master Sgt. King Garcia, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, delved into the need to create a positive culture within units by standing in unity with those affected by sexual assault and sexual harassment.
“SAAPM visibility gives every Soldier that doesn't normally know about it a chance to see what the month is about and brings awareness to victims and survivors alike,” said Garcia.
In both civilian and military spaces, sexual assault and harassment awareness are observed during the month of April to recognize the importance of prevention and advocating for those in need.
Leaders of 593rd ESC are making it their obligation to create unity within the ranks of their unit by showcasing programs for those who believe they are voiceless.
“I think often victims go unnoticed,” said Garcia when talking about the need for awareness regarding victims.
“The junior enlisted Soldiers don't get an opportunity to find those programs available,” said Garcia. “There is no tolerance for sexual assault and us bringing awareness to that is important.”
Bringing awareness to these issues produces a positive culture for all. Being committed is something that Col. Kevin L. Cotman, the commander of 593rd ESC reiterated throughout his speech.
“While SAAPM occurs in April, we live our personal commitment to support that provision every day,” said Cotman. “We must support and prevent this type of behavior, by demonstrating respectful and personal behavior and protecting each other as a family.”
Cotman emphasized the importance of cohesiveness for a team, not just for the sake of the mission but to better the environment as a whole.
“By doing this we can create a stronger team, we can create a stronger family, and we can create a stronger Expeditionary Sustainment Command,” said Cotman.
This type of work is an individual investment for service members and builds camaraderie for all in the service. By educating all teams in the unit on the importance of awareness, incidents become preventable and an increase in morale can become attainable.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2024 19:38 |
| Story ID: | 467612 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD , WA, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, “Change through unity”: 593rd ESC hosts Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, by PFC Rayonne Bissant, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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