Respect: a proud confederation Published June 21, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Dwight D. Eisenhower once referred to America as something that should become a "proud confederation of mutual trust and respect." In regards to sexual assault it is that very environment that all personnel in the military have been tasked with fostering. "We try to educate and emphasize awareness for members of team sheppard on how to treat one another," said Val Cook, 82nd Training Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "It's not about giving it, it's about getting it too." At Sheppard, respect is also looked at by many as something that needs to be a part of the overall Air Force culture. "When you know better, you do better," said Connie Ali, Equal Opportunity deputy director. "They will be climbing a culture of trust in a climate of respect." As a part of the Sexual Assault and Prevention Response team, Cook counts herself as one of many who can do their part to combat sexual assault and foster respect within the Air Force. "I'm the response part," Cook said. "It takes all of us to do the prevention part." With the controversy surrounding respect and sexual assault in the workplace Cook has no illusions about the difficulty of the task, and those who step up to the challenge of tackling the issue may be among an initial few. "I tell people this is no easy step," she said. "As time goes on it becomes the majority and not the minority." The Wingman concept is an idea that Cook counts as instrumental in molding a respectful environment. "We put a lot of emphasis on the wingman concept," she said. "Our job is to foster an environment that does not allow inappropriate behavior and misconduct." The belief that it is a small segment of the population that isn't adhering to what the Air Force and the military as a whole stand for is a growing sentiment on base. "The vast majority of our Airmen are well put-together," said Maj. Michael McCarthy, 82nd Medical Group Mental Health Chief. "I think there is a small minority, and we need to communicate to that small minority that it won't be tolerated." Regardless of the challenges she may face, Cook still holds value in what the military can accomplish. "We serve a purpose in today's military," she said. "We can't let something like this overshadow the good we do." Cook thinks the Air Force and the military has to set an example not just for themselves, but for society. "Somebody has to set the example, why not us," she said. "I believe in the Air Force and the product it puts out."