18th MEDCOM (DS) focuses on important topics during family fun run, walk

By Staff Sgt. Nicole HowellApril 22, 2014

18th MEDCOM (DS) focuses on important topics during family fun run, walk
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii— As the members of the 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support) and their Families begin the unit's Family fun run, walk, Sadie Welton, the daughter of Sgt. Steven Welton, an 18th MEDCOM (DS) wheeled vehicle mechanic, take... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
18th MEDCOM (DS) focuses on important topics during family fun run, walk
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—Sgt. Jeremy Snider, the 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support) Chaplain's Assistant, discusses facts about the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program with Maj. Jittawadee Murphy, the 18th MEDCO... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
18th MEDCOM (DS) focuses on important topics during family fun run, walk
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—Lt. Col. Stephanie Latimer, the 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support) behavior health consultant, engages Maj. Jittawadee Murphy, the 18th MEDCOM (DS) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, with questions regarding the Se... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
18th MEDCOM (DS) focuses on important topics during family fun run, walk
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—18th Medical Command, Command Sgt. Maj. Alexis King, talks to the Soldiers and Family members during the unit's Family fun run, walk, as a way to encourage them to stay healthy and how the U.S. Army's Office of the Surgeon ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii--The 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support) raised awareness of the Health Promotion and Risk Reduction/ Suicide team, the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Program, and the U.S. Army Office of the Surgeon General's performance triad with a Family fun run, walk on Fort Shafter, April 12, 2014.

This event was a fun way to inform Soldiers and Family members about Army programs and resources available to them.

"More than 100 people consisting of Soldiers and their Families gathered early Saturday morning to enjoy a two-mile run, walk around Historic Palm Circle," said Capt. Gary Moore, the 18th MEDCOM (DS) company commander. "After the run, walk, Soldiers and their Families enjoyed a healthy breakfast and received educational inserts provided by the SHARP, and HP&RR/S teams. The SHARP handouts armed our Soldiers with information on how to report incidents of sexual assault and harassment, as well as facts on the different types of reporting. The HP&RR/S inserts provided information on the Office of the Surgeon General's Performance Triad, positive dietary habits, tips on how to remain resilient, and how to sustain a spiritually healthy lifestyle."

In support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the unit SHARP team took this time to educate the Soldiers and Families on the Army's number one priority. The on-site team answered questions and provided SHARP reading material as a way to reinforce the program and clarify any misperceptions.

"Providing the booth at the fun run gave us the opportunity to speak with family members about the goals of the SHARP program, the services we provide, and inform them that recourses are available for Family members as well as servicemembers, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Linne, the 18th MEDCOM (DS) command maintenance officer and a unit level SHARP victim's advocate.

Along with increasing the exposure of SHARP, the unit wanted to reinforce the Surgeon General's performance triad consisting of rest, activity and nutrition.

"Regardless of age or medical condition, the impact of restful sleep, regular physical activity, and good nutrition are visible in both the short- and long-term," according to Army Medicine. "While each component is independently important, optimal performance is achieved when all three are addressed simultaneously. Making lasting changes in health behaviors works best when approached through multiple channels."

As the event concluded, Moore released the Soldiers and their Families with more than a full stomach.

"Overall the event was a great turnout and directly supported the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness model and the OTSG's Performance Triad," said Moore. "I am confident that members of the 18th MEDCOM (DS) Family have taken away something more than an extra session of PT (Physical Training). Our team provided great educational information they need to create healthy habits in their lives, and we look forward to having more events like this in the future."