Page 22 - Armed Forces Directory - Aberdeen Proving Ground

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

The program started with a welcome from Community Ready and Resilient
Integrator Sean Green with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command.
The Army’s 2024 SAAPM theme is “Change Through Unity: Empower, Protect
and Prevent.” This theme emphasizes that the Army community can collectively
create a cohesive and healthy environment.

“[The theme] is a reminder to our Soldiers, civilians, and families that we all have
a role and responsibility in keeping one another safe,” Green said.

According to Green, we need to work together to create a workplace free
from sexual harassment and assault year-round. This year, APG is emphasizing
the need to raise awareness of male sexual trauma because it has historically
been underreported and stigmatized, he explained. Green then introduced an
educational video featuring APG senior leaders, which described the need to
share the stories of male victims.

Following the video, APG Senior Commander and CECOM Commanding
General Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II pinned teal badges to three
Directorate of Emergency Services personnel: Security Officer Lt. Joseph
Williams and Police Officers Sgt. Latrina Brown and Tracey Gavin. DES
personnel wore these badges in April.

Edmonson thanked DES for their support and commitment to the safety of our
installation. Edmonson said people are our Army’s greatest asset, and we must
work together to build a healthy workplace environment and create a culture
where sexual abuse is not tolerated.

“In this Army, we must all play a critical role in strengthening our respective
command climates by engaging in behaviors that protect one another,” he said.
“And by supporting each other to achieve personal and professional success.”

He thanked APG’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention
professionals, calling them “Good Samaritans.”

“[They are] individuals who are standing by, ready to lean in,” he said. “[They are]
part of the prevention, part of the reaction to help support those who are in need.”

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