Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas –
Air Education and Training Command bases stand-down during the month of June to focus on dignity, trust and respect toward fellow Airmen.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a directive to each branch of service to use the stand-down to mitigate an ongoing trend of sexual misconduct across the DoD. He directs "purposeful and direct engagement by commanders" so every member of the armed forces understands they are accountable for fostering a climate where sexist behaviors, sexual harassment and sexual assault are not tolerated, condoned or ignored.
"AETC's stand-down day will be used to ensure there is buy-in by everyone that this problem exists, that each of us takes ownership of the problem and takes steps to be proactive and address it in whatever capacity we can," said Christine Burnett, AETC sexual assault and response coordinator. "All Airmen, from senior leaders down to lowest level, will know this is everyone's problem to solve."
"AETC SARCs are working with wing commanders to design and lead meaningful stand-down events that will build on what has already been accomplished," she said. "If we achieve the desired results, workplaces and work behaviors that are bound by respect and dignity for all, can only make AETC and our Air Force better and stronger."
Members of the 502nd Air Base Wing will observe the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Stand-Down Day Monday at each of the Joint Base San Antonio locations where Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta, 502nd ABW commander, will hold a commander's call at 8:30 a.m. at JBSA-Lackland's Bob Hope Theater; 10 a.m. at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston's Evans Theater and 12:30 p.m. at JBSA-Randolph's Fleenor Auditorium.
The day's events will include interactive commander's calls at group, squadron and directorate levels, plus small-group discussions and training where members can discuss situations involving sexual assault prevention and response.
The JBSA Sexual Assault Hotline is (210) 808-SARC (7272) and the DOD Safe Helpline is (877) 995-5247. Local response coordinators can be contacted at (210) 808-6316 for JBSA, (210) 8080-0110 for Fort Sam Houston, (210) 671-7273 for Lackland and (210) 652-4386 for Randolph.