Let's eliminate sexual assault

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Sexual assault is not just a women's issue. It's a cancerous crime that does not discriminate on gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, color, age, or rank. We know that 8,600 female and 10,700 male warriors, as estimated by the Department of Defense in 2010, were injured by these acts of violence.

Now, more than ever, Airmen need to come together and discuss our role and responsibilities in eliminating sexual violence from our ranks.

On June 24 and 25, the men and women of McChord Field will participate in the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) down day. This is our chance to demonstrate dignity and respect toward our brothers and sisters in uniform.

When we stand down, we actively demonstrate our commitment to changing our culture and eliminating sexual assaults from our service once and for all. I believe we can go from 3,374 reports in fiscal year 2012 down to 0 in 2014.