Team MacDill and Tampa pledge to end Sexual Violence

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Leaders of Team MacDill, along with members of the Tampa Bay community, pledged to help end sexual violence during the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's "Take Back the Night" event at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa, April 27, 2014.

Michael Neely, pastor of New Millennium Community Church, gave the opening remarks before inviting each pledge participant onto the stage for introductions.

"If it's [sexual violence] going to end it must start with the men," said Neely. "We must help create a culture where women can exist in love and harmony; not fear."

Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, and six other men from various organizations in the Tampa community stood onstage in front of everyone in attendance and individually stated their pledges to stand up against sexual violence.

"I pledge to continue to make a difference," said DeThomas. "I will continue to partner with the local community to identify and prevent sexual assault and violence."

To conclude the pledge portion of the event, all of the men in the audience to include Col. Andre Briere, 6th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, Col. Reginald Godbolt, 6th Maintenance Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Mazzone, 6th AMW command chief, were invited to stand and also take a pledge to help end sexual violence.

To receive more information about "Take Back the Night" or to volunteer visit http://www.svtftampabay.com.