Army Cyber Brigade Kicks-Off SHARP Month with a Pledge Signing Event

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MARYLAND -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber) Soldiers and Army civilians started the commemoration with a pledge signing event in front of the brigade headquarters, April 5.

According to Kimberly Henne, the brigade's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), she and the other seven Victim's Advocates (VA) wanted each Brigade team member to sign the Sexual Harassment / Sexual Assault Response & Prevention (SHARP) Pledge, as their commitment, to prevent sexual assaults and sexual harassment, be aware of the issue, and stand-up for others.

"Prevention and awareness -- we need to understand that we still have an issue within the Army, not necessarily our unit, but throughout the Army," said Henne. "Sexual harassment and sexual assault is occurring. We need to stand up, be aware, and prevent it."

The pledge signing is just one of the brigade's commemoration events. The unit has a Victim Advocate recognition ceremony on April 25, and a unit-wide training event on April 26. The 780th MI BDE is also putting together several teams to compete in the Fort Meade garrison's SHARP 'Amazing Race," on April 27. Additionally, there will be other garrison events throughout the month that the Brigade will be supporting.

For one Victim's Advocate, his participation is more than just an appointed duty.

"I was a Victim's Advocate in my previous unit in Germany, I came here and was still credentialed, and volunteered to continue to stay in the program," said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Fitzwater. "I support the program. I've had some friends and family members that were victims of sexual assault. They were in the civilian sector and there really wasn't anything there for them. And in the military, I've had fellow service members that were assaulted. The program has come a long way from where it was many years ago. I think it's important to show the community that we take care of each other."

In all, more than 150 people signed the pledge -- a commitment to Intervene, Act, and Motivate and stop sexual harassment and sexual assault. When asked why he signed the pledge, Sgt. 1st Class Brian Zabler said, "It shows our commitment to the SHARP Program, and it's a reminder that this continues to be an issue that needs to be addressed and it shows that it's not just the leadership that's involved -- everyone is going to be involved."