RICHMOND, Va. - Children, spouses, and co-workers. These were some of the reasons people took part in the 80th Training Command’s 5K Run/Walk held at the Defense Supply Center-Richmond here on April 28, 2017. The outdoor event was part of the activities designed to increase awareness and prevention throughout April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
The SAAPM theme for 2017 is "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission." The main goal of the run/walk was to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault. It was also a good way for people on the installation to come together for a great cause where they could build camaraderie.
Mr. William Downey is the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program Manager for the 80th Training Command, headquartered on the installation. He explained that the SHARP Program is not only for Army personnel, but it’s also for Department of the Army civilians.
“It’s important that civilians and Soldiers know they have the right to be treated with dignity, equity, and respect,” said Downey. "We put together this run/walk not only to raise awareness, but to show all military and civilian personnel on the installation that we are united in our efforts to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault, as well as letting everyone know who they can go to for help in any situation."
Ensuring safe work environments improves the readiness of the workforce. This sets up everyone for success, explained Mr. Daniel Fink, the SHARP Victim Advocate for the 80th TC. “There’s no place for sexual harassment or assault anywhere. You don’t make allowances for it to even begin,” he said. “We need to protect our people, which in turn, protects our mission."
Many participants commented on how the run/walk made a positive impression on them. “During this 5K, several walkers and runners said to me ‘thank you so much for hosting this event,’ ” said Fink. “Their positive remarks spoke volumes to the impact the SHARP Program continues to have on the military environment.”
About 80 service members and Department of Defense civilians of all ages came out for the Friday morning run/walk. Ages of runners and walkers ranged from 15-months-old to 71. Some participants brought their family members, where the youngest “walker” got to enjoy a ride in his stroller. Runner Greg Francher said he was motivated to participate because, “It’s for a great cause, and I enjoy running, too.” A DOD civilian who works on the installation, Francher said that protecting his teenage daughter and son were also reasons for running in the event.
Fostering the Army climate with dignity and respect for everyone is the foundation in sustaining the most capable, combat-ready and lethal force in our nation. To this end, prevention is the key in defeating sexual harassment and assault.