FORT CARSON, Co. –When most people hear the word sharp, they automatically think about a knife or a person who has a keen intellect. Those definitions can be used to describe Staff Sgt. Lakeisha Franklin, the 4th Sustainment Brigade, Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention, (SHARP), victim advocate.
Franklin has been working tirelessly to cut sexual harassment out of 4SB since she became the brigade SHARP representative in April of 2018. She recently graduated from the SHARP Career Course, in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, where she finished as the top student in her class.
“This means a lot to me, being at the top of the class,” Franklin said. “It lets me know, that I know, more than I thought I did. I’ve gained knowledge and I’m capable of helping victims of harassment and assault. I feel like I’m better equipped to deal with adverse situations and able to help people who have been exposed to traumatic events.”
Mrs. Angela Kimble, the civilian SHARP victim advocate for 4SB, has been working together with Franklin to make the brigade a safer place for Soldiers and civilians alike.
“I have been working in the SHARP program for 18 months,” Mrs. Kimble said. “I was a domestic violence victim advocate while in Italy. And before that I worked with children who were abused and neglected for 12 years. Similar to being a social worker.”
Mrs. Kimble also graduated at the top of her class when she attended the SHARP Career Course, in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, in January. The academic awardee is recognized by scoring the highest on all assessments and a first time go on the three capstones in the class.
“The academic excellence award honors an exceptional graduate whose outstanding character, accomplishments, and service embody the spirit of the academy’s mission to support the fight to eliminate sexual harassment and assault from our Army,” Mrs. Kimble said. “The graduate represents their class at the SHARP academy and is viewed as a catalyst of change in our efforts to build a culture of dignity and respect across our force.”
A knowledgeable victim advocate can help a person relax and open up about a recent traumatic event.
“I think the Army’s SHARP program is working,” Franklin said. “I’ve seen it turn lives around for traumatized victims. I think we have a good team here, and we can really make a difference in a Soldiers life.”
Mrs. Kimble and Franklin have been effectively transforming the perspective within the brigade, making sure that every leader is fully aware of the SHARP program and that training starts with them.
“We’ve recently completed leaders training for all of the command teams in 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, and senior leaders training for 22nd Human Resources Company,” Mrs. Kimble said. “Our team is working on a Peer to Peer mentoring program that focuses on being an active bystander, professional development, and the core Army Values.”