# Aviation employees unite in support of awareness and preventing sexual assault

/ Published May 10, 2023
RICHMOND, Va., 
                Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Katrina Leverette conducts a safety briefing for employees from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, the Army’s 80th Training Command and Virginia National Guard Headquarters taking part in a 5k run/walk held in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, April 26, 2023.                            Aviation employees unite in support of awareness and preventing sexual assault                            Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Katrina Leverette conducts a safety briefing for employees from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, the Army’s 80th Training Command and Virginia National Guard Headquarters taking part in a 5k run/walk held in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, April 26, 2023.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dominique J. SheltonVIRIN: 230426-D-QH078-1022Employees from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, the Army’s 80th Training Command, the Virginia National Guard Headquarters and DLA Aviation at San Diego took part in enterprisewide events in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia and Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California, April 26 -27.

In Richmond, DLA Aviation joined forces with the Army’s 80th Training Command and the Virginia National Guard Headquarters to host a 5k run/walk.

The event kicked off with a warm-up, prayer and safety briefing. This event gave participants the chance to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention, while also taking advantage of the opportunity to get out of the office and enjoy the great outdoors.

“It’s important to hold events like this because a lot of people don’t understand the severity or the frequency of which sexual assault actually occurs,” said Aviation’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Katrina Leverette. “Events like this not only gives victims/survivors a platform to be able to say we’re being celebrated for being victorious, but it also gives people the opportunity to say, ‘I support you in your progress and your challenges.’”

                Employees from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at San Diego, California’s hydraulics team, showcase customized sweatshirts they created to raise awareness of Sexual Assault during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month on Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California April 27, 2023.                            Aviation employees unite in support of awareness and preventing sexual assault                            Employees from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at San Diego, California’s hydraulics team, showcase customized sweatshirts they created to raise awareness of Sexual Assault during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month on Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California April 27, 2023.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dominique J. SheltonVIRIN: 230427-D-D0441-1002The 5k course wound through the grounds of DSCR, offering stunning views of the Bellwood elk and other parts of the installation. As participants crossed the finish line, they were greeted with cheers and high fives from their fellow participants, followed by snacks and refreshments.

All participants were awarded a medal for participation while the top three participants were presented a trophy in addition to their medal.

While this is the fifth time this event has taken place in Richmond, it’s the first since 2019. 

“The event was a huge success! It was a reminder that even in challenging times, when we come together and support one another, we can accomplish great things,” Leverette said.

Employees at DLA Aviation at San Diego joined in on the fun, with employees taking part in the Naval Base Coronado SAPR 5k walk/run, April 27.

Similar to the medals awarded in Richmond, every person who participated in the Coronado 5k was awarded a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response awareness t-shirt.

The DLA Aviation at San Diego hydraulics team went a step further, creating customized sweatshirts that resonated well with the rest of the staff and helped boost ideas for next year.

                Employees assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at San Diego Command Group come together in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month during ‘Teal Tuesday’ on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California April 27, 2023. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, teal has been the recognized awareness color for sexual assault awareness and prevention since the year 2000 and individuals are encouraged to wear teal every Tuesday throughout the month of April.                            Aviation employees unite in support of awareness and preventing sexual assault                            Employees assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at San Diego Command Group come together in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month during ‘Teal Tuesday’ on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California April 27, 2023. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, teal has been the recognized awareness color for sexual assault awareness and prevention since the year 2000 and individuals are encouraged to wear teal every Tuesday throughout the month of April.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dominique J. SheltonVIRIN: 230427-D-D0441-1005In addition to the 5k, DLA Aviation at San Diego senior leadership encouraged members of the workforce to actively participate in the many team-building initiatives held in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. 

One of the major initiatives included having individuals wear teal every Tuesday throughout the month of April, which garnered huge support from the San Diego team.  

The command concluded its efforts with a group photo showcasing strong team building and fostering a sense of camaraderie for the cause.

“All of these team building activities are essential in creating a healthy and responsible workplace culture focused on awareness,” said Zita Oubre, a management analyst in the Material Management Division of DLA Aviation at San Diego. “These activities facilitated the creation of a safer, more informed working environment where everyone has a voice and is encouraged to act, raise awareness and proactively address the issue of sexual assault. Such initiatives have been championed by DLA Aviation at San Diego leadership in a committed effort to build a safer, stronger and more resilient workplace culture.”