FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Morning drizzle and cloudy, gray skies did little to dampen the mood of runners at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club Tuesday, who lined up to participate in a 3K run in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.
Individuals and units alike came out for the early morning event. The observance's 2010 theme is "Hurts one. Affects all. Preventing sexual assault is everyone's duty."
The morning began with a proclamation signing, which addressed the importance of preventing and speaking out against sexual assault. Installation Commander Col. Jerry Blixt and Command Sgt. Major Gabriel Berhane were on hand for the ceremony.
After the signing, runners were directed to line up at the starting point, where the hilly race trail wound them through the scenic greens, just as the morning sun broke through the clouds.
The first 150 runners to cross the finish line were awarded a T-shirt for their participation.
Breva Spencer, Installation Victim Advocate with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator in the Family Advocacy Program, said the event served as the official kickoff to Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Last year, the race welcomed nearly 300 Soldiers, according to Lisa Heck, SARC's Victim Advocate Coordinator.
Numbers like those encouraged ACS to offer the race again this year. "We had a great turnout last year, so we thought we'd do it again," Spencer said.
Heck said the race offered a twofold opportunity - to give Soldiers a fitness opportunity while sharing an important message.
"Soldiers have to participate in PT every day, and we thought the run would be a great way to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routine.
"Also, sexual assault awareness is a priority for the Army," Heck continued. "We need to make sure everyone knows this kind of thing happens and can happen anywhere. It's important for people to know what's going on and what resources are available if they're needed."
More information on the Belvoir FAP Victim Advocacy Program and other Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities is available at 703-805-2693.
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