As part of resiliency efforts and 2019 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) headquarters hosted a U.S. Fleet Forces Command workshop April 9 onboard Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, to counter destructive behaviors.

Addressing the workshop participants, NAVSUP Commander Rear Adm. Michelle C. Skubic emphasized the need for “recognizing the early indicators of destructive behavior and what we can do to prevent it” in order to cultivate “a culture of excellence.”  Calling attention to the way destructive behaviors impact our mission and the lives of Sailors, she brought this year’s SAAPM theme—“Protecting our People Protects our Mission”—to the center of the conversation. In a call to action, she continued, “make the commitment to eradicating sexual assault. Make the commitment to our core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Make the commitment to be a good shipmate.”

Guest speaker Ray Leonard Jr., son of legendary boxing champion “Sugar” Ray Leonard, discussed his experiences with destructive behavior and its effects on families and loved ones.

“Being strong is not about being silent.” Leonard explained, stressing the damage done by silence he experienced first-hand. He went on to discuss the benefits of speaking out, not the least of which being the discovery that no one is alone in their struggle.

“When you find out you’re not the only one,” he stated, “it helps.”

Leonard concluded by saying that he and his family now openly talk about everything and how these conversations have had a positive impact on his life and the lives of his loved ones. He said, with his family’s permission, he now openly discusses the struggles his family experienced so that others can learn from those experiences and take action in their own lives to counter destructive behavior.

Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.

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