Sheppard reinforces Wingman Concept, sexual assault prevention to Airmen in Training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Wingman Concept was reinforced to Airmen in Training on Dec. 17 during sexual assault awareness training at the base theater. 

Officer Kris Henning of the Wichita Falls Police Department conducted the first half of the briefing, modifying it for her audience's unexpectedly large male contingent. 

"Sexual assault happens to men, too," she told the male AiT's, "and you also need to know how to look out for your military sisters." 

Officer Henning spoke on situational awareness, self respect, self-defense tactics, abusive relationships and who to contact for help. 

Once Officer Henning finished her briefing, the male AiT's were dismissed for the evening. With an exclusively female audience remaining, The installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Office and Chief Master Sgt. Jeannie McLean, 82nd Training Wing Command Chief, made the training a bit more specific. 

The AiT's were reminded of their avenues for confidentiality, including the base chaplain, and that even though sexual assault can happen between two sober people, that's not the trend at Sheppard; there's usually alcohol involved. They were also reminded of the reporting spike SARC experiences right after holiday Exodus, as some AiT's are reunited with unhealthy situations in their hometowns. 

"Just know we're here when you get back. Even if nothing happens, something might strike a nerve, and we're here if you need to talk," said 1st Lt. Jason Long, 82nd TRW deputy SARC. 

Chief McLean pressed the young females to recognize their authority in caring for themselves and their friends. 

"If you are female and you're planning to drink, you need to find a wing woman," the chief said. "It is extremely important that women take care of women," she said. 

The AiT's seemed to take the words to heart. 

"The Chief made sense, and what she said is relevant to what happens here," said Airman 1st Class Stacey Dean, 383rd Training Squadron. 

"It was very informative," agreed Airman Natalie Sliver, also from the 383rd TRS, "she talked about the wingman concept in depth; I hadn't really thought about it like that." 

Hopefully, the information offered that night will follow the enlisted females throughout their careers. 

"We're just trying to give them another piece of the puzzle to the Whole Airman Concept," said Tech. Sgt. Jon Baumeyer, an MTL for 361st TRS and organizer of the briefing.