“We took this year’s theme and came up with [added] a ‘superhero’ theme,” said Stephanie Wilson, SAPR specialist and full-time victim advocate. “We’re trying to get the idea out about taking care of and protecting each other.”
The first scheduled event is a cook-out that will be co-sponsored by the First Sergeants Council and will take place at the dorms April 11. The event is open to all dorm residents.
“We want the Airmen to feel comfortable with the program,” said Annamae Willis, SAPR specialist and full-time victim advocate. “Also, for them to realize it’s more than just a program, see our faces and get to know who we are in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.”
On April 27, the annual “Race for Respect” 5K run will be a super hero-themed run/walk, and it will start and end at Dodge Fitness Center in Area A. The route will weave throughout the Bricks housing area.
“We’re making it more than just a race,” said April Barrows, Wright-Patterson installation sexual assault response coordinator and SAPR program manager. “It’ll be fun, whether people want to walk, run or just enjoy themselves – the purpose of these events are to help educate and get our message out.”
Members are encouraged to attend dressed up in their favorite superhero costume. There will be prizes for the best costume and best team costumes.
Food and dessert trucks, carnival games and activities will be available on-site and is open to all Wright-Patterson employees and their family members.
Other events SAPR outreach tables set up throughout the base to highlight available services, types of response and new ways prevention practices are being incorporated into the daily mission.
At each location, individuals can participate in a trivia wheel game to win prizes.
“Competition drives people, and it gives them the incentive,” said Barrows. “If they don’t get the answers right this time, they study up and come back to get it next month. It’s worked out really well and has encouraged people to learn the knowledge about the SAPR program.”
During the month, locations will be at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and the 88th Medical Group.
“We want to keep the locations the same during the same time each month so that people would know where we are and hope they would look forward to us coming,” she added.
The team is available to speak at Wingman Days, commanders calls and other unit events to ensure unit personnel are familiar with the SAPR Program.
Just recently, the SAPR office relocated to Bldg. 70 (Door 10) – an area co-located with the Equal Opportunity Office and Special Victims Council. The new location is more accessible and allows for more anonymity.
“Being in close proximity to various organizations allows for a more conducive work environment and allows for more privacy,” said Barrows.
In addition to being relocated, the team has recently undergone a 100 percent position turn-over with personnel.
For more information on the program or SAAPM events, contact the SAPR office at 937-257-7272.
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