Student barracks competed to be recognized for their poster making skills in a Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month themed contest judged by Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes leadership increasing attention to month, April 27.

Held at the Epicenter, the event featured bowling, pizza, movies and various other activities focused on raising attention to the Month's theme "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission."

"Even though we have made significant progress in our 13 years of addressing sexual assault, it still remains one of the most under-reported violent crimes," said Capt. Mark Meskimen, commanding officer of TSC. "This year's theme reminds us that these crimes affect not only the individuals involved but the entire command and mission. This event, like all the other events during this month, reminds us that there is so much left to do. Let's get together and root out this heinous crime, there is no place for this in our Navy."

Multiple formal Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training events are held throughout the year. Although this event is held in a more relaxed environment does not take away from the importance of the subject matter.

"We provide incoming students with initial training during indoctrination and quite of bit of training to both staff and students periodically at TSC," said Navy Military Training Instructor Chief Fire Controlman Technician Daniel Erickson, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response command liaison for TSC.

"This event is a good reminder for the staff and students that SAPR awareness is a priority here at TSC, and the more informal setting here allows us to let our guard down and really focus on the matter at hand. Also, in the spirit of the theme for this year, I feel it's important that the Command knows that we place them as a priority and look forward to providing positive activities for them to participate in during their liberty time."

One message Erikson would like students to learn is that the Navy is one big team.

"It may be difficult at times for students to realize that the chain of command is here to provide them with the tools and resources they require to carry out their mission; including tools addressing SAPR," Erickson said. "We need to ensure that all of our shipmates are willing and capable to use the tools we provide them so they can be their very best and contribute to mission success."

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