The Columbus Air Force Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office put on a Run For Recovery April 13, 2017, at Columbus AFB, Mississippi.
Each obstacle in the represented the different stages of recovery.
The first obstacle was the Three Legged Race that represents how victims need a strong support team to help them get through the road ahead. This is where wingmanship really comes into to play.
The second obstacle was the Over and Unders where participants would jump over a hurdle and then quickly crawl under the next. This represents the hurdles that a victim of this crime will go through. Some of the hurdles include investigations, legal battles and social life.
The third event was the Low Crawl where participants had to crawl under twine in the mud and wet grass. This obstacle signifies how dirty or low a survivor of sexual assault may be feeling.
The fourth event was the Keiser Sled where the participants had to swing a sledge hammer between their legs in order to move a heavy metal block. This represents a victim using their strength to knock out all of their emotional and physical pain the assault might have caused.
The fifth event was the Water Balloon Toss. Participants would toss the water balloon back and forth, backing up each time the balloon was successfully caught, until the balloon burst. The symbolism behind the water balloon is that when the when the water burst, the survivor has spoken out and the water then falls on the grass and nourishes it. This is where the road to recovery begins.
Each event was put on by different organization throughout the base including the 14th Student Squadron, 14th Medical Group, 14th Security Forces Squadron, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 14th Communication Squadron. The run brought everyone together to show victims that Team BLAZE is here for victims of sexual assault.