JTF-NCR Command Team Signs SAAPM Proclamation

By: Hannah Frenchick

Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin and Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin Velez, commanding general and command sergeant major of the Joint-Task Force-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington, signed the U.S. Army Military District of Washington & Joint Task Force-National Capital Region Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month (SAAPM) Proclamation on March 29, 2023 at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. They are joined by JTF-NCR/MDW Supervisory Sexual Assault Response Coordinators Makumbu A. Malukisa and Samantha B. Herring, MSW.

Each April the Department of Defense and U.S. Army focus on Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention in an effort to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. Maj. Gen. Allan M . Pepin and Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin Velez, commanding general and command sergeant major of the Joint-Task Force-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington, signed the U.S. Army Military District of Washington & Joint Task Force-National Capital Region Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month (SAAPM) Proclamation on March 29, 2023 at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., to show their commitment to the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program’s efforts.

Pepin spoke to command Soldiers and Civilians about the importance of SAAPM before signing the proclamation.

“We need to achieve zero [sexual assaults] in our society,” said Pepin. “We need to achieve zero in our formation. This effects mothers and fathers. It effects our brothers and sisters. It affects our kids. It effects our grandkids. It effects our teammates.”

He implored leaders to take an active role by ensuring that awareness and prevention are central to meeting the goal of zero sexual assaults.

“Commanders are at the forefront of prevention,” said Samantha Herring JTF-NCR/MDW Supervisory Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SAR-WF). “Their involvement and support play a valuable role in providing victim care.”

Pepin noted that educating our Soldiers and Civilians is key to bringing that number down to zero. Another important part of achieving that goal involves respect. Pepin noted that living by the Army Values and treating each other accordingly is impactful in reducing corrosive behaviors.

“Sexual harassment and sexual assault are inconsistent with Army Values and will not be tolerated,” said Herring. “Commanders’ commitment to being on the front line helps foster a climate of trust that respects and protects our Soldiers, Civilians, and Family Members.”

After Pepin concluded his remarks Staff Sgt. Katy Larkin, a SHARP victim advocate at the Soldier Recovery Unit-Fort Belvoir, read the 2023 SAAPM Proclamation.

The proclamation outlined the 2023 Department of Defense SAAPM theme, “Step Forward: Prevent, Report, Advocate”, and the Department of the Army’s SAAPM theme “Intervene We Are a Team. There is US in TrUSt. Can They Trust You?”.

It also reaffirmed the importance of respect and trust, and highlighted that everyone must continuously work together all year long, to achieve the goals of the SHARP program.

“Although April is our nation’s and our service’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, this is our responsibility every day,” said Pepin.