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SAPR Stand-Down at Selfridge ANGB

  • Published
  • By Capt. Anthony J. Lesterson
  • 127th Wing Public Affairs
The 127th Wing held a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) stand-down day at the Dining Facility on both Aug. 15 and Aug. 17, at Selfridge Air National Guard, Mich. for all Airmen and civilian employees.

The stand-down was a halt in standard operations to put an emphasis on eliminating sexual assault in the Armed Forces, implementing a directive given by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Wing members reported to the joint dining facility and began with a session by Col. Michael T. Thomas, 127th Wing commander, who expressed his concern to the Airmen the importance of sexual assault awareness in the Air Force, and that it will not be tolerated.

"The amounts of sexual assaults in the military that take place are surprising," said Thomas. "I was appalled at what I heard and as your commander I will not stand for this behavior."

The training sessions were designed to ensure all military and civilian personnel understand appropriate professional behavior, survivor concerns and rights, legal consequences for perpetrators, the reporting process, as well as avenues to reach out for advocacy. Capt. Bryan Amara, SAPR coordinator who is also the 127th Wing executive officer, instructed Wing members and expressed the importance of the program and his position in the Wing.

"I am the single point of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim care services," said Amara. "The SAPR program is, in my opinion, the number one program when it comes to helping the survivors of sexual assaults in the. It's a way for them to confidentially report and get the help they need."

Every Airman has the responsibility of reporting any sexual assaults, sexual harassment and any form of prejudice regardless of rank or position. Remember, be a good Wingman and do the right thing. At Selfridge there are several avenues to reach out and get the help and support needed without reprisal and with discretion.

For more information on sexual assault response and prevention or to report an incident contact the 127th Wing SARC at 586-239-2268, visit the Department of Defense SAPR website at http://www.sapr.mil/, or contact SafeHelpline.org.