JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. April 2, 2021 —

Bde. SHARP professionals leading the fight against sexual assault
Sgt. First Class Jesse Johnson and Malcolm Scales install a visual display in front of the 597th Transportation Bde. headquarters to promote a series of events and activities scheduled during the month of April to promote Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. April 2.

Johnson and Scales lead the 597th Transportation Brigade's Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention program. Every April, the Army observes national Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to educate Soldiers, civilians and families about resources available to them.

(Photo Credit: Julie Kelemen)
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The 597th Transportation Brigade announced it will partner with local units and other organizations at Joint Base Eustis-Langley, Va. in a series of events to raise awareness of the Army’s Sexual Assault Prevention efforts throughout the month of April.

This year’s awareness events will be held virtually or in a socially-distanced setting due to the pandemic, but there will be many ways to get involved, even for those teleworking, according to Sgt. First Class Jesse Johnson, 597th Transportation Bde. SHARP Representative.

“We will be asking people to show awareness and appreciation of the SHARP program by wearing teal, like a hat, a t-shirt or a ribbon every Tuesday,” Johnson said.

The “Teal Tuesday” event was the most popular event last year,

so this year, the person who displays the most spirit and enthusiasm for the program will win a prize at the end of the month.

Other new events planned for April include a SHARP-themed escape room and a physical fitness event inspired by the ‘Amazing Race’ TV show, with participants running from point to point answering questions, according to Malcolm Scales, Victim Advocate.

“Everyone at the 597th Transportation Brigade is a vital part of the organization's overall culture, and we want to encourage everyone to participate in the events in order to put our people first and maintain a culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” Scales said.

April 9: Training Event for unit Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Victim Advocates.

April 21: 6-8 a.m. SHARP Escape Room at Fort Eustis hosted by the 128th Aviation Bde. Call (757) 878-6661 for more information.

April 26-30 9:30–11 a.m. & 1:30-3 p.m. SHARP Escape Room at Fort Eustis hosted by the 128th Aviation Bde. Call (757) 878-6661 for more information.

April 28: Submit your “Denim Day” photo to the Public Affairs Office. Email julie.a.kelemen.civ@mail.mil.

April 29: Virtual lecture for leaders hosted by the 597th Transportation Bde.

Participants interested in representing the brigade at the SHARP run should contact Sgt. First Class Jesse Johnson.

Submit Denim Day and Teal Tuesday photos to the Public Affairs Office at julie.a.kelemen.civ@mail.mil.