Warren 'stands down' for day of training

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stacy Foster
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  In an effort to raise awareness of the existing sexual assault issues not only in the Air Force, but the entire military, members of the 90th Missile Wing recently "stood down" for a day to discuss prevention and response initiatives, in accordance with Department of Defense directives.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III directed all Air Force wing commanders to hold a "stand down" day in order to focus on SAPR training through commander's calls and discussion groups aimed at bringing awareness to the recent trend of sexual assaults in the military.

Warren service members and civilians attended a commander's call, hosted by Col. Tracey Hayes, 90th MW commander, and all of Warren's group commanders in the base theater. Hayes spoke about the importance of recognizing this issue and relying on each other to work together to meet the Air Force's goal of "zero tolerance" regarding sexual assault.

"There are two things I do not tolerate -- crime and lack of integrity," Hayes said. "Make no mistake, sexual assault is a crime and a breach of integrity, and together, we will work to eliminate sexual assault from our Air Force."

Mary Brown, 90th MW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, echoed Hayes' sentiments and discussed the roles everyone can play in preventing sexual assault.

"You don't have to be a commander or a supervisor to fight this issue," Brown said. "If you are in the Air Force, you're a leader, a role model, and a mentor. What you do and say makes a difference to those around you."

After Brown's presentation, members of the wing broke out into small groups to participate in discussions using AF provided materials such as videos, slideshows and discussion topics. Airmen, noncommissioned officers, senior NCOs, officers and civilians were presented with statistics and scenarios involving sexual assault and offered insight on recognizing possible issues and how to prevent or respond.

"We watched a documentary that covered a few different cases of sexual assault," Staff Sgt. Jennifer Dowling, 90th MW executive to the command chief, said. "I felt bad about what these victims went through and sad about how they viewed the military after their ordeal. It really is up to every Airman to eliminate this issue from our Air Force."

According to Brown, this kind of feedback was the intended goal for the wing's stand down day.

"I hope that everyone will become more aware of the issues and the impacts to all of us," Brown said. "We need to respect and protect all our brothers and sisters in arms -- we are a family."