SAPR down day provides Airmen opportunity to respond

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Editor's note: The Incirlik Air Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response pamphlet handed out during the SAPR down day can be downloaded here: http://www.incirlik.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130624-007.pdf

Airmen across Incirlik AB participated in a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response down day here June 19.

The SAPR down day, a Department of Defense initiative to combat sexual assault in the armed forces, began with a wing run at Arkadas Park as part of the 39th Air Base Wing's mission of "Fit, Focused, Ready."

"As we come together for this, I want us to be talking to each other and find out what is going on in each other's lives," said Col. Chris Craige, 39th ABW commander. "We are family here, and we need to be looking out for each other."

The run was followed by a commander's call later that morning where Craige discussed the day's agenda - the importance of addressing sexual assault, how it undermines the mission, and, more importantly, what we all can do to help stop it.

"Community is what makes us strong," Craige said. "We are in this together."

After the commander's call, Airmen broke off into their respective units to discuss issues and solutions they have come across regarding sexual assault. Groups were given support materials to guide conversations as well as arm Airmen with information on sexual assault, reporting procedures and help agencies.

Airman 1st Class Valerie Essman, 39th Medical Operations Squadron ambulance services journeyman, took the opportunity to tell some of her stories through the group sessions.

"I was surprised how much I benefitted from sharing my experiences," said Essman. "And, these were just through my short time in the Air Force through basic, tech school and here."

These open discussions brought a greater realization of the issue of sexual assault and ways to combat it to members of Incirlik.

"Hearing these stories and talking about this openly with others was a real eye-opener," said Staff Sgt. Brad Kasch, Armed Forces Network broadcaster.