Teal ropes pinned at Sheppard Published April 23, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Teal ropes were pinned on Airmen in training here April 23 to show that Sheppard Air Force Base will now have a program that will supplement the Students Against Sexual Assault and Harassment (SASH) program. A teal rope designates the training and volunteerism the student has undergone to be able to assist peers in getting sexual assault assistance. "We wanted to have a presence in the squadrons," said Valerie Cook, Sexual Assault and Prevention Response coordinator. "What better way than to go to another wingman." The Teal Rope is a peer-based objective with the SASH program to serve as a visible tool to raise awareness for the SAPR program in the 82nd and 782nd Training Groups. "It's a great follow-up to our SASH program," said Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini, 82nd Training Wing commander. Teal Ropes serve as ambassadors of sexual assault awareness and prevention, who act as a conduit of information, providing information on SAPR referral services and program contact information. "It's about being a person who helps others so you can plug into our Air Force family," Fantini said. "It's about wingmen who take action."