Columbus AFB conducts SAPR stand down day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Columbus Air Force Base members conducted a Sexual Assault and Prevention Stand Down Day June 20 in an effort to promote the significance of dignity, trust and respect toward other Airmen.

"We have a very robust sexual assault prevention program focused on educating Airmen about sexual assault and prevention," said Col. Jim Sears, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander. "Our sexual assault response program was recently benchmarked across AETC for our efforts at both the education and victim care programs at Columbus AFB. However, until all Airmen recognize this is a problem that must be solved and then take ownership of the problem, our programs cannot have their full effect."

Along with the stand down day, base senior leaders met with small groups of Airman to discuss possible ways to prevent sexual assault and ensure every Airman's safety.

"Education and the open forum discussions, such as those that took place on Monday, will help people relate to the subject matter," said 1st Lt. Shailu Joshi, 14th Medical Support Squadron. "Conversation along with education is imperative in changing the culture when it comes to sexual assault."

"If senior leadership is directly involved then every Airman should feel empowered to be a part of the solution," said Sears. "This will take leadership at all levels which is why my all calls were focused on the problem."

Daisy Jones, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, said that it is important that people are educated on what sexual assault really is. She added that, once people have a better understanding, they can make well educated choices.

One of those more educated choices is always making sure to have someone designated as a Flight Lead.

"Having an Airman tasked as the flight lead is key in preventing sexual assault," said Sears. "The Flight Lead is the individual who has the responsibility of leading their wingmen as they go out and return safely"

"The flight lead is key in preventing sexual assault," said Sears. "This person takes the responsibility of leading their wingmen as they go out and return safely. They should feel empowered by their friends to ensure sound decision making and risk management occur."

Sears said that if someone is making decisions that will most likely have bad outcomes, the flight lead will have the courage to step in and make sure everybody comes home safely.

"Ideally, the flight lead is looking ahead to make sure actions are stopped before they lead to problems instead of waiting for problems that need to be fixed," said Sears. "Sound leadership in decision making and risk management is one way to prevent sexual assaults from happening."

"Sound leadership in decision making and risk management is one way to prevent sexual assaults from happening," said Sears.