Grissom Airmen stand-down, arm to combat sexual assault

Published Dec. 8, 2014
By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The fight is not always on the battlefield, and the enemy is not always expected, but one opportunity helped Airmen differentiate between friend and foe.

Grissom Airmen took part in an annual Sexual Assault Response Prevention Stand-Down here Nov. 2.

"The stand-down arms Airmen with the knowledge about sexual assault and prevention so that we are focusing on the core values as well as enabling us to create a culture that prevents and elimates sexual assault," said Amy Little 434th Air Refueling Wing sexual assault and response coordinator and behavioral health support coordinator.

"This year's theme is focusing on offenders," said Little. "All of the material will emphasize on how offenders groom, think and operate.
The stand-down's aim is to support the three step strategies and objectives of the Air Force's SAPR program, said Little.

"Those objectives are that predators are detoured and eliminated, that victims come forward, and that we are building and reinforcing an Air Force climate full of dignity and respect for everyone," she added. "We turn the focus on the offender and what we know, how they operate and by then we're able to have more empathy for the victims, be better bystanders and intervene at the lowest level to prevent sexual assault."

In addition to knowing how offenders typically operate, there's also a certain responsibility that Airmen have with upholding their core values and being a good wingman.

"It's all of our responsibility to make sure that those around us are being good wingman and that this is indeed the oasis where people want to come, they trust each other and they have every opportunity to succeed," said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "That's just making it a positive work place.

"We will need all of your help; leadership can stand up and talk about this all day but really it's all on you in the work centers making sure that we're providing a positive environment," Schwartz added. "There's some great conversation and dialogue going around the wing."

During the training, Airmen were given the opportunity to participate in a group dialogue about the issue, wingmanship and what it takes to prevent sexual assault.

"We owe it to our fellow Airmen," said 1st Lt. John Pedro II, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight commander. "The key is to get them the help from the specialist who knows how to handle the situation best."

"If you don't do anything about it then you're wrong," Pedro added. "You then become part of the sexual assault."

Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Grissom Airmen stand-down, arm to combat sexual assault

Public Affairs Staff