102 IW holds first SAPR 5k

by Staff Sgt. Tom Swanson
102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs

8/30/2015 - OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. -- Members of the 102nd Intelligence Wing came together on base to participate in the first Sexual Assault Prevention and Response 5K Run/Walk on August 29.

The purpose of the event was to promote awareness of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.

The 5K course had signs posted along the route that provided statistical information about sexual assault prevention. The purpose of the signs was to teach and bring attention to the magnitude of the problem we face as a military community.

"We want male and female members to know that they can report any incidents of sexual assault to one of the victim advocates here at the 102nd Intelligence Wing." said Senior Master Sgt. John Noland, Wing Victim Advocate.

Victim advocates are non-biased wing personnel who help survivors get the services they need, in addition to assisting them in reporting the incident through restricted or unrestricted reporting channels.

"It is a silent issue that affects many." said 102nd Intelligence Wing Chaplin Derek White. "The more awareness we can raise, the better for our wingmen.

There were over 150 participants and volunteers who enjoyed the afternoon event. Runners registered as individuals and as members of their unit to compete in the monthly Commander's Cup competition. This month the 102nd Medical Group won the Commanders Cup. Individually, the top three women to finish the race were 1st Lt. Elise Galvanin-Ellsworth  of the 102 Medical Group, Tech. Sgt. Mary Hartford of the 101st Intelligence Squadron, and Capt. Suzanne Carson of the 102 Air Operations Group.  The men were led by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Hero of the 202nd Weather Flight, followed by Rank Airman First Class Ian Connell of the 102nd Security Forces Squadron, and Senior Airman Antonio Polson of the 101st Intelligence Squadron.

Currently the wing Victim Advocates are Maj. Michael McGourty, Senior Master Sgt. John Noland, Master Sgt. Tracy Sylvia and Tech. Sgt. Alexis Colonna.  The wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is Lt. Col. Lisa Ahaesy.

"This is a wonderful way to raise awareness about this issue in the military, and we did it together to raise support," said Chaplain White.