LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Arkansas - Team Little Rock personnel came together to attend the Survivors Breakfast, the testimony of two service members hosted by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office, April 13, in the Walter's Community Support Center ballroom.
As U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ashley Hasan-Kerr walked to the lectern, the room grew silent.
Starting her journey in Air Force more than nine years ago, Hasan-Kerr had been a material management supervisor, in addition to being an active volunteer, taking on the role of becoming a victim advocate.
She was heavily invested in her Airmen until she was sexually assaulted at work by someone she had trusted and worked with.
Hasan-Kerr recounted for the audience what her recovery process was and the struggles she faced along the way.
Being a victim advocate, the struggle was not finding a program or an avenue of help.
"I needed a Wingman." Hasan-Kerr said
This need was met when one of her co-workers stepped up to help her seek guidance and believed her.
"Someone believing me helped," Hasan-Kerr said. "It made me feel safe."
Hasan-Kerr struggled with self-blame, making the process of seeking closure and help difficult.
"I blamed myself so I could feel like I was in control," Hasan-Kerr said.
Urging TLR personnel to listen to victims of sexual assault, the staff ergeant finished recounting her story.
"Be a Wingman," Hasan-Kerr said. "Believe them."
Her courage in recounting her story was met with applause, as the next speaker, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Felica Exum, came forward.
Having the support of Wingmen was also important in the process of her recovering from domestic violence.
"Who is going to want me?" Exum asked herself before she had support from her fellow Wingmen.
With the conclusion of the testimonies, U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Brown, 19th Airlift Wing Commander, thanked the survivors for sharing their stories and spoke of the importance of professionalism and the Air Force's Zero tolerance policy toward assault.
"We're all Combat Airlifters, we're all humans, and we all have dignity and respect," Brown said.
Both briefer's stories promoted the idea that having a Wingman is an important part of the recovery process. For more information about recovery, or to seek help, call (501)-987-2685. For the sexual assault 24/7 hotline, call (501)-987-7272. For confidential support for sexual assault victims, call the 24/7 safe helpline at (877)-995-5247. |