COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- On a mission to strengthen community ties and enhance the support network for survivors of violence, the staff from Mississippi State University's Office of Survivor Support recently visited Team 14 at Columbus Air Force Base.
The 14th Flying Training Wing Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce IPPW and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response SAPR offices hosted MSU’s Survivor Support team during the visit.
“The visit increased collaboration and support amongst helping agencies in the areas of child abuse, suicide prevention, domestic violence and sexual assault by sharing knowledge of resources that provide better ways to maintain healthy self-care routine,” said Raven A. Brownlee, IPPW prevention specialist. “These evidence-based practices may offer our pilot trainers tools that can assist with keeping them mission ready by focusing on their work life balance versus their life stresses.”
Throughout the day, staff members from both organizations engaged in discussions about the various prevention strategies they employ. MSU's Office of Survivor Support shared insights into their university-wide initiatives, including workshops, training sessions and support services that are designed to educate students, faculty and staff about violence prevention and response.
“This collaboration enhanced CAFB’s capacity to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma,” said Maria Rodriguez, Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. “The visit also allowed mutual learning along with the opportunity to strengthen resources for victims from both military and civilian sectors.”
MSU staff were able to step outside their normal roles and get an up-close tour of the Radar Approach Control RAPCON and Air Traffic Control Tower operations as well as see what it’s like to sit in the seat of a flight simulator. Subject matter experts from CAFB such as: TSgt Bryce Heywood, Capt. Emma Wells and Capt. Kevin Brown; shared their knowledge about the pilot training mission and the stressors student pilots experience while enrolled in Undergraduate Pilot Training.
“One of the highlights of the day’s visit was obtaining knowledge about pilot training and the mission of the Airmen in the tower and the importance of their role in pilot training,” said Brownlee.
The collaboration between the MSU Office of Survivor Support and 14 FTW IPPW and SAPR offices exemplify a commitment to fostering a safer, more supportive community for all. By sharing ideas and resources, both organizations are taking proactive steps toward creating environments where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered.
One of the key outcomes of this visit was the identification of future collaborative initiatives. Both organizations expressed a strong interest in developing joint training sessions, workshops and community outreach programs. These initiatives would not only benefit the MSU and CAFB communities but could also serve as a model for other institutions looking to build similar professional development relationships.
If you are struggling or just need someone to talk to, please reach out to our IPPW team at (662) 434-1244. You can also text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States Armed Forces.