MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Marine Corps Forces Central Command hosted a Sexual Assault Prevention Response 5K run at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida., April 27, 2017, to bring members of Team MacDill together and raise awareness of sexual assault prevention across the DoD.
“This year’s theme was ‘Protecting our people protects our mission,’” said Lt. Cmdr. Shannon Grant, command sexual assault response coordinator, assigned to Marine Corps Forces Central Command. “We had support from everyone around MacDill, as well as Army Medical Reserve Command, which was extremely awesome for us.”
Every year Team MacDill hosts a SAPR run in support of the fight against sexual assault.
“Preparation for this event started in October 2016,” said Kathy Foley, sexual assault response coordinator with the 6th Air Mobility Wing SAPR office. “We met on a monthly basis to discuss response and prevention issues, and to help us unify our message across the service branches.”
Members of Team MacDill from every branch of service came out to support the run and their fellow service members.
“Personally I couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome of the event,” said Foley. “I was especially pleased to see the mix of military branches and the large number of participants.”
Attendees gathered before the event to hear opening remarks and a safety briefing before the run. Shortly, after a five minute warning allowing everyone to get in position, they began the run; taking off down the road and out of sight.
Only 17 minutes later, the first runner crossed the finish line with others following shortly behind.
“This wasn’t just a normal run around MacDill. We wanted to bring awareness to everyone so they know we all have a role in preventing sexual assault and violence against others,” said Foley. “We believe each service member, regardless of grade, can encourage behaviors that foster a climate of dignity and respect, and in bringing service members together for a run, helps ensure our mission readiness to complete the DOD’s mission.”
Once all runners crossed the finish line, they gathered to announce the winners and present trophies.
“Overall, this was an extremely successful event with over 140 participants,” said Foley. “I hope that by hosting events like this we can open the eyes of service members and really make a difference.”