D-M raises awareness in April

  • Published
  • By Story by Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Airmen are more than just military members, Airmen are wingmen. Airmen are family. As a family, Airmen are charged with looking out for fellow Airmen and their loved ones.

Therefore, Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander, proclaimed the month of April to be Military Child, Child Abuse Prevention, Alcohol Awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness Month on D-M.

Child abuse and neglect, alcohol abuse and sexual assault and abuse are problems that have a negative impact on not only those involved, but also the whole populace here on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, civilian and military.

"Everyone who works and lives at Davis-Monthan AFB, to include our Airmen, civilians, contractors and family members of every age, is entitled to a culture of safety, security and support," Colonel Cherrey said. "It is every person's individual responsibility to make choices that positively impact our community beginning with respect for our children, ourselves and one another."

There are groups on base such as the Family Advocacy Program, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center working together to promote prevention and support programs that help lessen the incidents and risk for child maltreatment, alcohol abuse and sexual assault.

These groups will be hosting events throughout the month of April to bring awareness to these issues.

The Family Advocacy office is hosting "Day in the Park" on April 9.

The Blue Ribbon Tree and their "Step Away From Child Abuse" children's shoe display will be shown at various locations across base each week to increase awareness.

The Sexual Assault Response and Prevention program is hosting and participating in "Take Back the Night" on April 12, a screening of the film "Heaven's Rain" with the producer Brooks Douglass on April 14, "Denim Day" and "Dine out for Safety" on April 20.

They will also be handing out information at the different gates April 6 throughout the day. Information booths will also be set up around the base at various dates.

The Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment center will have a booth outside of the BX April 19, to help raise awareness of alcohol abuse.

For more information on the events offered, please contact the SARC office at 228-7272, the Family Advocacy office at 228-2104 or the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment center at 228-5507.