Pacific Signal-Cyber Team Supports SHARP, Advocates for Survivors

By Maj. Liana KimJune 2, 2021

Throughout the month of April, the 311th Signal Command Theater, SC (T) and the 516th Signal Battalion (SB) teams observed SAAPM with numerous events including a 24-hour run/walk.  
(Photo by Alyxandria Paslay, 516th Signal Brigade, Victim Advocate)
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Throughout the month of April, the 311th Signal Command Theater, SC (T) and the 516th Signal Battalion (SB) teams observed SAAPM with numerous events including a 24-hour run/walk.
(Photo by Alyxandria Paslay, 516th Signal Brigade, Victim Advocate) (Photo Credit: Maj. Liana Kim)
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Carrying his teal-colored boots in honor of SAAPM, Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington, of Alpha Company, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, pauses to take in the view atop the “Stairway to Heaven” on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, during a group hike in April of 2021 to honor survivors of sexual assault. (Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion)
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Carrying his teal-colored boots in honor of SAAPM, Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington, of Alpha Company, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, pauses to take in the view atop the “Stairway to Heaven” on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, during a group hike in April of 2021 to honor survivors of sexual assault. (Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
2nd Lt. Gabriel Trieu (left) and Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington (right), both of the Alpha Company, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, pause for a photo atop the “Stairway to Heaven” on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, during a group hike in April of 2021 to honor survivors of sexual assault.
(Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion)
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 2nd Lt. Gabriel Trieu (left) and Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington (right), both of the Alpha Company, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, pause for a photo atop the “Stairway to Heaven” on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, during a group hike in April of 2021 to honor survivors of sexual assault.
(Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Demarco Pennington, 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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Col. Kenneth Haynes, Chief of Staff, 311th SC (T), takes aim at the bowling pins during a SAAPM Bowling Tournament at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Apr. 22.
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Kenneth Haynes, Chief of Staff, 311th SC (T), takes aim at the bowling pins during a SAAPM Bowling Tournament at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Apr. 22. (Photo Credit: Marc Ayalin) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers of the 311th SC (T)’s Information Management Office Team pause for a photo with SAAPM prizes during a SAAPM Bowling Tournament at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Apr. 22.
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers of the 311th SC (T)’s Information Management Office Team pause for a photo with SAAPM prizes during a SAAPM Bowling Tournament at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Apr. 22. (Photo Credit: Marc Ayalin) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sgt. 1st Class Alise Ashley, 311th SC (T) SARC (left), and Alyxandria Paslay (right), Victim Advocate for the 516th Signal Brigade, proudly display two of many "Teal Combat Boot,' displays created to further build awareness, support and advocacy for survivors of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Alise Ashley, 311th SC (T) SARC (left), and Alyxandria Paslay (right), Victim Advocate for the 516th Signal Brigade, proudly display two of many "Teal Combat Boot,' displays created to further build awareness, support and advocacy for survivors of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment. (Photo Credit: Maj. Liana Kim) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – Throughout the month of April, Soldiers and Civilians of the 311th Signal Command (Theater)’s Pacific Signal-Cyber Team led numerous events in observance of April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

"This month went viral, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to honor our survivors and walk beside them as they heal," said Alyxandria Paslay, a Victim Advocate for the 516th Signal Brigade.

Organizations across the Indo-Pacific region assigned to the 311th SC (T) hosted SAAPM events in alignment with this year’s theme of Building Cohesive Teams through Character, Trust and Resilience.

These events included a 24-hour run/walk challenge, weekly Monday PX pop-up tables and jeopardy games, Facebook live teal talks, teal boot displays, scavenger hunts, escape room group activities, a bowling competition, a brigade teal run, a mentorship session with ROTC students, denim day observances, a Sisters in Arms bystander skit and discussion, a proclamation signing, and finally a SHARP newcomers hike.

According to Paslay, the teal boot displays provided an important visual connection towards victim support and advocacy across the command.

“The teal boot displays are meant to honor sexual assault survivors in our formations. These victims stand with us, alongside us performing the mission each and every day, but they carry a silent burden,” Paslay said. “With these displays across our battalions, we salute these soldiers and pledge to traverse this path with them as protectors and gatekeepers.”

“Your SHARP team has an extremely supportive command team and an excellent crew of front line battalion victim advocates and SWAT team members,” said Paslay. "Together we will take this momentum and continue the conversation about culture change and stamping out sexual harassment and assault in our Army."

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

DOD safe helpline: 877-955-5247

24/7 SHARP HI hotline: (808) 655-9474

BDE SARC, Sgt. 1st Class Ashley: (910) 206-5148