Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Headquarters sponsored a Professional Speaker Series event on National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention July 22 for military and civilians in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

The Presidential Proclamation states, "Today, millions of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking. This modern-day slavery occurs in countries throughout the world and in communities across our nation. These victims face a cruelty that has no place in a civilized world: children are made to be soldiers, teenage girls are beaten and forced into prostitution, and migrants are exploited and compelled to work for little or no pay."

In his introductory remarks, NAVSUP Chief of Staff Capt. Kevin Jones said, "this is an uncomfortable topic that is not easily talked about, but unfortunately it happens all over the world and even here in the United States." He welcomed the guest speaker, Special Agent "Chip" Morlier from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Special Agent Morlier began his presentation by saying, "Keep your eyes open - that's usually the biggest issue in this type of crime. People tell themselves for their own comfort that this does not happen in my community, this doesn't happen here, it doesn't happen in the United States, doesn't happen in central Pennsylvania. Unfortunately it does happen. It happens here; it happens right in your community."

He continued by encouraging people to "speak up and let someone know what's going on. If you say nothing, you let the trafficker win. Knowledge is power."

Suspicious criminal activity can be reported to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).

NAVSUP Assistant Commander for Contracting, Mark Bennington, closed the program by thanking Special Agent Morlier for "educating us on an issue that we may be aware of, but may know little about." Adding that, "for him personally, recent changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation is just another step on how real this type of activity is."

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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