# DLA Distribution Korea walks, hikes, bikes 1,151 miles for DLA Teal Ribbon Relay

/ Published May 26, 2021
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Korea supported the DLA Teal Ribbon Relay for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month by logging 1,151 miles.

Army Lt. Col. Corinne McClellan, DLA Distribution Korea commander and Macy Ooka, DDDK deputy commander, kicked the month off by signing the agency’s awareness month proclamation, decreeing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and beginning the start of the DLA Teal Ribbon Relay for DDDK, a creative way DLA sexual assault and response coordinators engaged employees in a year that saw many events transition to nontraditional formats.

                Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Korea Employees proudly wear teal ribbon t-shirts in honor of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month during the unit cook out on National Denim Day.  This event was the unit's culmination of SAAPM month activities.                            DLA Distribution Korea walks, hikes, bikes 1,151 miles for DLA Teal Ribbon Relay                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Korea Employees proudly wear teal ribbon t-shirts in honor of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month during the unit cook out on National Denim Day.  This event was the unit's culmination of SAAPM month activities.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 210415-D-D0441-3129

Every Wednesday in April, DDDK employees were encouraged to walk, run or bike along the Nakdong River for the Teal Ribbon Relay. Unit members were also given the option to hike Hill 303 to the Korean War memorial site. The command team approved two time slots that enabled the workforce to participate when it was conducive to their work schedules. DDDK logged 1,151 miles for the DLA Teal Ribbon Relay.

In addition to the Teal Ribbon Relay, DLA South Korea also participated in the 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion’s 72-hour relay walk and the 19th Expeditionary Command’s Women in Movement Symposium, the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Commandment SHARP Round Table and the unit’s National Denim Day and cookout. All of these events were focused on bringing awareness to Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and bringing awareness to and the eradication of victim blaming.

Ooka believes these events were a good way for unit members to acknowledge and recognize the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

“Our team was experiencing COVID-19 fatigue after more than a year with USFK [U.S. Forces Korea] and ROK [Republic of Korea] government restrictions on travel,” she said. “It was important that we experience the beginning of spring and exit the confines of the warehouse while addressing the importance of SAAPM month. While we highlight sexual assault awareness and prevention in April, it is vitally important to make prevention and awareness a year-round commitment. Together, we must continually strive to establish a culture of dignity and respect where sexual harassment and assault are ‘Not in our DLA!’,” Ooka said.

                Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Deputy Commander, Macy Ooka, left and Melvin Esperon pose in front of the Hill 303 Memorial observation tower they hiked during the DLA Team Ribbon Relay for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.                            DLA Distribution Korea walks, hikes, bikes 1,151 miles for DLA Teal Ribbon Relay                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Deputy Commander, Macy Ooka, left and Melvin Esperon pose in front of the Hill 303 Memorial observation tower they hiked during the DLA Team Ribbon Relay for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 210415-D-D0441-3130

McClellan also believes that it is important to emphasize the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

“We saw this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining our culture where our employees are not exposed to the traumatizing effects of sexual assault or harassment,” she said. “Additionally, we strive to maintain an environment where employees feel safe and supported if they ever need to report reprehensible behavior.”

“Being a part of a team means ensuring every employee knows they are supported and our standards of zero tolerance are enforced by their teammates, leads, supervisors, myself and the deputy without fail. We have zero tolerance for any behavior that violates the sacred trust that we owe our employees. It is fortunate for me as the Commander that Distribution is part of a truly supportive and morally engaged community. We are very proud at how the team collectively supported SAAPM month and continue to support this campaign throughout the year and #notjustApril,” McClellan said.