Service members assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler donated $600 to an area women's shelter May 23.

CNATTU Keesler Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kenneth Wallace and staff members presented the funds to the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Non-Violence, marking the culmination of CNATTU Keesler's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) campaign.

"Being part of a community, reaching out to individuals who are our neighbors, is something we [Sailors] do," Wallace said. "Raising money during SAAPM to donate to the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Non-Violence is something I'm proud of the CNATTU Keesler team for accomplishing, and their willingness to engage our neighbors is commendable."

Funds were raised through Biloxi Shuckers Fundraising Nights, a partnership between the Biloxi baseball team and Biloxi-area organizations. CNATTU Keesler service members volunteered to staff concession stands at the baseball games, raising money to donate to the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Non-Violence. Organized by CNATTU Keesler's Chief Petty Officers Association, the event provided an opportunity to socialize as well as donate to a charitable cause.

Other CNATTU Keesler SAAPM events included a clothing drive -- along with toys and diapers -- for children at the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Non-Violence, as well as a command-wide 5K run May 22 to demonstrate the organization's commitment to the Navy's stance on sexual assault. CNATTU Keesler students, led by Aerographer's Mate 3rd Class Kimberly Gallego created a banner used during the run.

Chief Aerographer's Mate Jason Fisher said the series of SAAPM events in May are part of what the CNATTU Keesler team instills in students attending classes.

"We're not only teaching these students about their rates in the Navy," he said, "but we're ensuring the Sailors who come through our doors are well-rounded, that they understand the procedures and policies about issues such as sexual assault and continue to be good stewards in their communities and represent the Navy."

CNATTU Keesler trains service members in the electronic calibration of afloat and aviation equipment, meteorological and oceanographic observing and forecasting and the maintenance and repair of meteorological equipment.

CNATTU Keesler is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

CNATT is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.

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