Social pillar, sexual assault prevention focus of base CAF day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SD --  To promote the social pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness concept, the base conducted a series of training sessions and engaging activities April 25.

Dennis Wier, 28th Bomb Wing community support coordinator, said each CAF day focuses on a different pillar of overall wellness and fitness, with this day emphasizing the importance of the social pillar.

"The goal is to help Airmen make good decisions, pick friends that better themselves and go out and find new things to do," Wier said.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training was a key focus of the day's activities that combined a CAF/SAPR day dedicated to improving social resilience, sexual assault risk reduction, as well as increased awareness of activities available throughout the Black Hills.

"There are many benefits of the CAF/SAPR day," said Lee Sasse, 28th Bomb Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "It promotes a supportive social environment to positively discuss difficult issues, make new friends, and discover what the Black Hills have to offer us all."

As a part of the SAPR focus, Sasse trained multiple Airmen to conduct squadron discussions on SAPR awareness, identifying sexual assault offender characteristics, personal responsibility and being a good wingman.

Sasse said sexual assault prevention was critical because most sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victims know.

"By maintaining healthy social contacts and supportive relationships, we enhance our risk reduction and personal responsibility," Sasse said.

Wier added that if Airmen reach out to their peers, they may find that some people are dealing with the same struggles they are, which can help them find support in each other.

As a part of the day's activities, personnel attended wing and group commander's calls addressing base accomplishments and the importance of mission readiness, in addition to emphasizing the importance of social resiliency and maintaining wingmanship to help prevent sexual assault.

The base also hosted a Discover the Hills event in the Pride Hangar with more than 30 vendors from across the Black Hills, ranging from sports opportunities to bed and breakfasts and military outlets to show all Airmen what is available to them.

Wier said the stakes are high, but base leadership remains committed to finding ways to boost resilience so we can minimize or eliminate the many negative behaviors that impact Airman's lives, their families, and mission accomplishment.

"Resiliency training will help Airmen thrive in their personal and professional lives," Wier said. "This helps provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay safe."