Fort Knox Garrison Commander Col. Lance O’Bryan and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. William Fogle join installation sexual assault response coordinator Ella Foley April 6, 2022 to sign prevention pledges for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Fort Knox leaders joined many other Soldiers and civilians April 6 in pledging to help prevent sexual assault and harassment.

This Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Fort Knox sexual assault response coordinator Ella Foley has set up a table at the Main Exchange where community members can sign pledges and hang them on a garland. She said signing a pledge is a promise to be part of preventing sexual assault and harassment.

“When we pledge, we’re taking ownership of the responsibility,” said Foley. “By pledging, we’re committing to be one of the ambassadors for prevention, intervention, support and victim advocacy.”

Fort Knox Garrison Commander Col. Lance O’Bryan hangs his pledge pennant on the garland displayed at the Main Exchange April 6, 2022 after signing it as part of the ‘I pledge campaign’ for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Two of the first to sign pledges were Fort Knox Garrison Commander Col. Lance O’Bryan and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. William Fogle. O’Bryan said it was important for him to come and pledge in person.

“I’m a firm believer that as a leader we have to act,” said O’Bryan. “Putting prevention and intervention into practice is kind of our motto. I’m pledging that prevention starts with me because it does start with me.”

The pledge table will be set up at the Main Exchange every Wednesday in April from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. O’Bryan encouraged every member of the Fort Knox community to participate.

A group of Fort Knox Soldiers sign pledge pennants at the Main Exchange April 6, 2022 as part of the ‘I pledge campaign’ for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

“There are still incidences of this in the community and within the military, and we have to stamp it out,” said O’Bryan. “Whether you’re a civilian, you’re a spouse, you’re a family member or a Soldier, we need to be part of fixing that issue and become the permanent solution.”