ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Arnold Air Force Base finished out its second annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month strong, hosting several successful events and displays.
SAAPM at Arnold started off with a gate wave on April 3 in which base leadership and the Arnold AFB Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team greeted team members as they entered through the gate, handing out more than 600 teal ribbon pins and SAAPM information.
SAPR also had support from more than 250 Department of Defense employees who signed a “Be There” poster proclaiming their support in helping and believing survivors. That poster was exhibited in the hall of the Administration and Engineering Building at Arnold AFB.
SAPR also provided moving displays rotating between Hap’s Eatery, the Test Operations Building and the Carroll Building that included a “What Were They Wearing?” exhibit. This exhibit featured narratives and recreations of outfits based on victims’ experiences and aimed to explore victim blaming and the false idea that a survivor could have prevented their assault had they worn something less revealing.
The SAPR team also created an art table showcasing numerous art pieces and poems written and drawn by survivors, as well as a list of educational songs and movies surrounding sexual violence.
Other displays included “Painting the Town Teal,” with a viewing of several teal ribbons hung on light poles around base, as well as the placement of more than 100 painted rocks that had various words of encouragement located at each of the walking trails that Arnold team members could find and keep. SAPR had wonderful feedback from this and has plans to continue this in the years to come.
Throughout the month, SAPR hosted four discussion and training sessions in a series called “Teal Talks.” Topics focused on male victimization, advances in the SAPR program, how to support survivors and what a victim experiences after an assault, from forensics exams to law enforcement interviews.
Arnold personnel participated in National Denim Day on April 30, standing in solidarity with survivors advocating for change.
Another successful event was the inaugural SAPR Amazing Race on April 23. Eight teams of two raced around the installation at various locations to include the Arnold Lakeside Complex, Arnold AFB Water Treatment Facility, Arnold AFB Fitness Center, SAPR office and more, competing in several mental and physical challenges. The winners Anita and Christopher Hatten with Arnold AFB Security Forces came in first place, winning donuts and coffee for their entire office. All of the teams had a wonderful time, and SAPR is excited to announce that this event will continue next year, bringing new challenges and roadblocks to compete in.
April is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing efforts to end sexual violence. It is also a moment to honor the strength and resilience of survivors and victims. SAAPM serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in creating safe environments in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
The Arnold SAPR team recognizes that April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month but wants to remind everyone that prevention is a year-round effort from all individuals to prevent assault and promote a culture of respect. SAPR emphasizes the need for individuals to stay proactive and take personal responsibility in creating a safer environment for everyone, regardless of the time of year.
Arnold Air Force Base will continue to take action through education and, in line with the 2025 theme of SAAPM, will Step Forward. Prevent. Report. Advocate.