During the month of April, soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recognized sexual assault awareness and prevention through a series of proclamations and observances. I Corps kicked off the month early, March 29, at the Nelson Recreation Center.

I Corps deputy commanding general Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Milhorn, recognized several key members of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator teams from across the installation.

"The month is significant not only for Joint Base Lewis-McChord but nationwide," said Milhorn. "We are absolutely going to do our part not only for the month of April, but 365 days a year. We will continue to focus in on the theme ‘SHARP, shaping a culture of trust,' which for us is the foundation of everything that we do."

Sgt. 1st Class Maria Rivera, I Corps Lead Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, is the direct representative for Lt. Gen. Gary Volesky, I Corps commander, and is responsible for ensuring the SHARP and support programs are followed across I Corps.

"I want all of the brigade SARCs, all of the victim advocates to include the DoD civilians who are victim advocates, to communicate with me to make the program better than any program in the Army," Rivera said.

While most soldiers may be familiar with SHARP, SARC or victim advocate, one program that may not be on the radar is R.A.D. -- Rape Aggression Defense. The training, offered for free to military members, their families and DoD civilians, focuses on identifying threats and defense against an attacker.

"What we're doing here with the R.A.D. program is we're empowering women and men," said Scott Acosta, a volunteer instructor with R.A.D. "We're empowering them to take a step back and realize that they can defend themselves if they have to."

For more program information, contact your battalion SHARP/SARC representative or visit the SHARP Resource Center, Bldg. 2027C, Pendleton Ave. A representative may also be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 253.389.8469.