BAUMHOLDER, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz held a Volksmarch at the Baumholder Hall of Champions on Smith Barracks, April 3, to raise awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM).
Observed annually in April, SAAPM serves as an essential time to raise awareness about sexual assault and harassment, while emphasizing the importance of preventing such incidents.
The theme for 2024 is “Change Through Unity: Empower. Protect. Prevent.” This theme stresses unity in the fight against sexual assault; promotion of respect and empowerment for all; and the role of all members of the Army team to create a healthy climate while reinforcing their responsibility to act to prevent sexual assault and harassment.
Prior to the Volksmarch, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander, Col. Reid Furman along with Sgt. Maj. Raymond Wrensch and other garrison leaders signed a proclamation reaffirming the garrisons’ commitment to the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Prevention Program (SHARP).
“Personally, I am committed to safeguarding an environment that is free of sexual assault and sexual harassment,” said Furman. “It is imperative that we create and maintain an organizational climate that promotes inclusion, diversity, human dignity, and respect. This is something that leaders at all levels must commit to.”
While literal steps were taken to support SAAPM during the march, participants were greeted with informational booths highlighting services available through Army Community Service (ACS), USO and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) that served the Baumholder military community.
“Though the main focus of the Volksmarch was about SAAPM, I wanted to let the community know what other services are offered in Baumholder such as EFMP, RSO and additional SHARP booths,” said Tammy Greene, sexual assault response coordinator. “During SAAPM, there is a concerted effort to acknowledge, honor and provide support to survivors of sexual assault who have experienced trauma,” she adds.
Prevention is a team effort that starts with each one of us. Everyone plays a vital role at every level within our units, organizations and communities.
For more information about SHARP and SAAPM, contact Tammy Greene at DSN: 314-541-9024 or Commercial: 0611-143-541-9024
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz serves, supports, and secures the total force community enabling power projection for the European Theater.
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