FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — April is observed as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, or SAAPM, a time when the Department of Defense highlights efforts of creating an environment to eliminate sexual assault.
The theme for this year’s SAAPM is “Step Forward. Prevent. Report. Advocate.”
The campaign is a “call to action for all individuals to use their personal and collective strength to advance meaningful change in preventing and responding to sexual violence,” according to the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, or SAPR, Office.
At Fort Cavazos, leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to preventing and eliminating harmful behaviors that can lead to sexual harassment and assault with proclamation signings and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a renovated Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, or SHARP, office Friday.
Proclamation signing
U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos Commander Col. Lakicia Stokes, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades and Deputy to the Garrison Commander Greta Buccellato signed the 2025 SAAPM proclamation Friday at III Armored Corps Headquarters.
“Today we come together to renew our commitment to maintaining and creating a safe environment, not only for our team, but for our community as well,” Stokes said. “We are going to sign this proclamation as a reminder that sexual assault has no place in our Army, and it is our shared responsibility to prevent it.”
Directors from each of the Garrison’s directorates and separate offices also signed the proclamation, demonstrating their commitment.
“During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and beyond, we reaffirm our commitment to preventing sexual violence, supporting survivors, holding offenders accountable and fostering a culture of dignity and respect,” the proclamation states.
The garrison commander noted the importance of united efforts against sexual violence.
“We must continue to work together to foster a culture of dignity, respect and trust,” Stokes said. “That is the foundation of everything we do.”
The installation has scheduled activities and discussions centered on the prevention of sexual harassment and assault throughout the month to raise awareness about the issues, available resources and support for victims.
Stokes encouraged directors to allow their personnel to attend the events to mark SAAPM.
“That will further our understanding of the issue of how we prevent (sexual assault) and also how we support those that are affected,” she said.
“Being proactive, engaged leaders and community members will help foster a safe environment for all,” Stokes continued.“Together we can make a difference and continue to stand strong in our commitment to ensure that all our Soldiers, civilians and families are safe and respected.”
Jeanine A. Lewis, sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, for the garrison, read the 2025 proclamation aloud and spoke about the toll sexual violence takes on victims.
“Over half of women and one-third of men in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence, leading to long-term consequences, like depression, anxiety and post traumatic disorder,” Lewis said. “These acts disrupt lives, damage trust and weaken the foundation of discipline in our ranks.”
She said everyone has a role in preventing sexual violence.
“Sexual harassment and assault have no place in our Army or our society,” Lewis said. “At Fort Cavazos, we must create an environment where everyone can live free from the fear
of harm.”
Ribbon cutting
Fort Cavazos leadership joined civilians for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the renovated SHARP office Friday at the Shoemaker Center.
Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos commanding general, and III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos senior-enlisted advisor Command Sgt. Maj. John P. McDwyer signed the III Armored Corps 2025 SAAPM proclamation and then joined SAPR/SHARP representatives in cutting a teal ribbon to signify the opening of the recently renovated office.
The office, located on the fifth floor of the expansive Shoemaker Center, houses the supervisory SARC representatives.
Elsira Preston, interim lead SARC, said the proclamation signing was not only to reaffirm the mission of the SAPR program and SAAPM month, but also to signify Admiral’s and McDwyer’s endorsement of the program with
their signatures.
Preston is one of four supervisory SARCs to work out of the fifth floor office at the Shoemaker Center.
The office was mostly renovated in December, but the team decided to save the ribbon cutting to mark the office’s official opening until April because of some continued construction in the office and the significance of the month as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Preston led the III Armored Corps command team through the new office, highlighting the features that will assist her team in better serving victims of sexual violence.
Retired Col. Jason Westbrock, former U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos commander, now heads the People Directorate, which oversees Army Community Service programs including the SAPR/SHARP program. He said the new office will continue to add to the seamless delivery of services as it joins other ACS programs at the Shoemaker Center.
“With the new ACS office opening up here on the fifth floor of the Shoemaker, a new, innovative space that looks great, it’s purpose-built and -designed for the SHARP program to be able to address the issues that they so delicately deal with,” Westbrock said about the office.
He said the office space was remodeled to produce a calming environment with light colors and rooms designed to be comfortable and relaxing.
“It’s a low-threat situation to help victims and people who are dealing with difficult situations,” Westbrock said. “It gives them the ability to be in a relaxed, nonthreatening environment and to talk to people and get the resources
they need.”
Contacting SAPR/SHARP
Fort Cavazos has nearly four dozen SARCS, most embedded within their assigned units, distributed across the installation to assist victims and provide training to prevent sexual violence.
For more information about the SHARP program at Fort Cavazos, visit the SHARP office in Shoemaker Center 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, call 254-553-8392. or visit home.army.mil/cavazos/units-tenants/iii-corps/iii-corps-sharp.
For help, the 24/7 SHARP hotline is 254-319-4671. The DOD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 is also available 24/7.
Social Sharing