Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) finished a month of education and activities focused on the Navy's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) program, April 26.

The month of activities included four cornerstone events, beginning with an official SAAPM proclamation and ending with "denim day," a day where staff members were encouraged to wear blue jeans in solidarity as a means to call awareness to misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

The other two cornerstone events included a SAAPM 5k run and a one-mile walk as well as a "human ribbon" photo opportunity.

Rear Adm. James McNeal, NAVSUP GLS commander, signed the SAAPM proclamation at an all hands call that took place early in the month.

The proclamation captured the significance of taking an entire month to understand and reflect upon the gravity of sexual assault awareness, and how greater understanding can positively influence a unit's cohesion and readiness.

In part, the proclamation reads, "...with leadership, dedication and encouragement, there is compelling evidence that we can be successful in reducing sexual violence within the Navy through prevention education, increased awareness, and holding perpetrators of sexual assault responsible for their actions."

In addition to the four cornerstone events, information tables were set-up to provide SAAPM pamphlets and reading material on a weekly basis.

Lastly, a "line of courage" clothesline invited members who have been touched by a sexual assault incident in any way to anonymously tell their stories so that others may learn from true-life experiences.

This year, the NAVSUP GLS SAAPM team partnered with SAAPM representatives from Commander, Navy Region Southwest. The end result was a higher level of participation in all of the events over last year's SAAPM program.

"Judging by the high numbers of participation we had for all four of our cornerstone events, our month of SAAPM education was a huge success," said Lt. Manyin Williams, NAVSUP GLS SAAPM coordinator.

"We had more turn-out for the 5K run, denim day and human ribbon photo op this year over last year, which indicates that the word is getting out concerning how SAAPM issues can touch the entire command," said Williams.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, visit http://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news/ or http://www.facebook.com/navsupgls/.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.