April 1, 2016 –
INDIANAPOLIS - Recently, the first-ever 310th ESC Readiness Initiative SHARP Summit Campaign (RISSC) was held at the SPC Luke P. Frist Army Reserve Center, Indianapolis, IN.
This historic conference brought Commanders and Victim Advocates together with local resources to improve readiness and focus on recognizing and preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment. The audience was comprised of both Army Reserve & Civilian Victim Advocates, along with Commanders from across the 310th ESC footprint. The forum was planned and executed by the 310th ESC SHARP office, which coordinates resources to conduct senior leader training and ensure that victim advocacy services are available 24/7.
After a short welcome by the Commanding General of the 310th ESC, the forum kicked off with an update on Special Victims Counsel (SVC) and Ethics Training from Maj. Joseph Godbey, OPS\INTL Law Officer for the 310th ESC. Guest speakers from around the country and an I A.M. Strong Play by Kelvin Wade Entertainment, Decatur, GA provided interactive and refreshing presentations focused on eliminating sexual harassment and sexual assault through collaborative exchanges of ideas.
The main theme for the conference was “Cultural Change,” and the key note speaker’s presentation during the Leadership Workshop Day reflected this theme well. Mr. Russell Strand, Chief, Behavioral Sciences Education & Training Division, U.S. Army Military Police School, utilized interaction with audience members to motivate leaders into changing the very culture of their command. The key to sexual assault prevention and response is understanding it is really just about taking care of people.
Other guest speakers at the forum included Ms. Gloria Carlucci, Chief, Special Soldier Programs, HRC; Ms. Michelle Corrao, Assistant Director, Prevail Inc.; Ms. Erica Crawford, HRO, 103rd ESC; Ms. Rikki Mapes, SARC, INARNG; Mr. Chris Warren, Director of Community Engagement, Domestic Violence Network; SSG Brinson, SARC, INARNG; CH (MAJ) Hedrick, Chaplain, 310th ESC; SFC McKnight, NCOIC, G-8, 310th ESC, SFC McWhorter, SARC 38th Sust. Brig., and SFC Simpson, SARC, 55th Sust. Brig.
With our focus on cultural change and continually improving readiness, the training of command teams is intended to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault through awareness and knowledge. The conference wrapped up with command teams completing personnel actions with assistance from the G-1 Team, 310th ESC.
I encourage suggestions and anticipate that each of you will make a concentrated effort to become part of the solution to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault. There is a huge need for cultural change in our Army, so please share the message…our goal is that everyone be treated with dignity and respect.