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    593rd CSC Takes Action During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

    593d CSC SAAPM Closing Ceremony

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class P. Behringer | During the 593rd CSC's SAAPM closing ceremony on Denim Day, Col. Jamison Smith...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

    04.30.2025

    Story by Capt. Francesca Hamilton 

    593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

    April marks Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting proactive measures to prevent sexual assault within the Army and beyond. The 593rd Corps Sustainment Command exemplified this commitment by hosting a series of impactful events, emphasizing the importance of bystander intervention and prevention as vital components for Army readiness.

    The activities included creative, educational, and physical challenges designed to engage soldiers and staff in meaningful reflection and action. The SAAPM Denim Painting event provided a platform for participants to express solidarity and raise awareness through artistic expression. Events like "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" and crafted escape room scenarios highlighted the importance of empathy and teamwork in recognizing and intervening in harmful situations. The "Tell Their Story” Initiative fostered understanding and compassion, giving voice to survivors’ experiences while encouraging active listening and support.

    The Teal Team Challenge pushed participants to collaborate and think critically about prevention strategies, while the SAAPM Run brought the team together to symbolically move forward toward a future free of sexual violence. Finally, Denim Day served as a unifying call for all to show their commitment to ending sexual assault by wearing denim as a symbol of advocacy and change.

    During the SAAPM closing ceremony, Mrs. Chhamboni (Nita) Simmons, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for 593rd CSC, expressed gratitude to commanders, leaders, and bystanders for their support in preventing sexual violence and maintaining mission readiness. She emphasized the importance of continued efforts to educate, prevent, and support the military community, not just in April but always.

    Bystander intervention is a cornerstone of sexual assault prevention, as it empowers individuals to identify unsafe situations, take action, and foster a culture of respect and accountability. Prevention efforts are integral to Army readiness, ensuring every Soldier feels safe, valued, and supported within their community. By creating an environment where intervention and prevention are practiced regularly, the Army strengthens its mission and enhances the resilience of its force.

    Col. Jamison Smith, Chief of Staff of 593rd CSC, emphasized to the formation to, “Use your voice. Do the harder right over the easier wrong. Because when we protect each other, we preserve the very foundation of our Army values.”

    Through these SAAPM activities, the 593rd CSC demonstrated leadership, compassion, and a shared dedication to creating a safer, stronger Army. Together, we can champion a culture of vigilance and care—one step, one story, and one teal ribbon at a time.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.30.2025
    Date Posted: 04.30.2025 15:43
    Story ID: 496588
    Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US

    Web Views: 18
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN