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While some choose to arm themselves with coffee, energy drinks and gum for a mandatory briefing, this was not the case during Airmen’s Day Nov. 18. Not only did Airmen’s Day leave Airmen wide awake, but it also communicated some valuable messages about sexual assault and alcohol-related incidents.
Directed by wing leadership for all dorm residents, Airmen’s Day included skits depicting the gray areas of sexual assault and the consequences of drinking irresponsibly.
“It’s created for you by you,” said Col. Angela Thompson, 435th Medical Group commander. “In other words, we didn’t come up with old-folk ideas. We came up with what you said would get each other’s attention today.”
The sexual assault skit brought awareness to situations that occur throughout the KMC.
“Sexual attackers are not always the guy in the ski mask and hat, but they can be everyday people you know,” said Senior Airman Maximilian Mcphee, 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron supply journeyman. “Often, alcohol makes the situation a cloudy one and people make choices they wouldn’t otherwise. The goal of the skit was to inform the Airmen of the real-life situations.”
While the skits used comical ways to communicate important messages, there was also a serious note when two Airmen talked to their peers about getting a DUI.
“I’m not normally a drinker, but it was my friend’s birthday, so we decided to go out,” said Airman 1st Class Ashley Burgess, 435th Security Forces Squadron. “The plan was to leave my car at the place we were at and get a taxi home, since I did not live far away.”
As the night progressed, Airman Burgess gradually got drunk, and her plan went out the window.
“I got in my car and not even 200 yards later, I was pulled over by the Polizei,” she said. “I was completely embarrassed. I had to spend the night in the cell and think about the mistake I made. I had to think about what my supervisor was going to say and what my parents would think.”
While Airman Burgess made a mistake, she hopes by sharing her story she will help deter others from making the same mistake.
“It can happen to anyone. That one time you think you are okay to drive because you only had a little, you can make a mistake and lose your career,” Airmen Burgess said. “When you go out, make sure you have a plan and stick to it.”
While the event was informative, it also offered a new perspective with which to communicate.
“Nobody has brought a message to these Airmen where they can be entertained and informed until now,” said Tech. Sgt. James Johnson, NCOIC of First Term Airmen Center.
The goal of the day was to equip Airmen with information to help them make the right choice when placed in a difficult situation.
“If one Airman will make a better decision when faced with a tough choice, then we have met our goal,” Sergeant Johnson said. “The sooner Airmen realize the way they acted prior to the military is not applicable, the sooner we will get to a culture of responsible choices.”
And while this was a new effort for Team Ramstein, the personal stories and interactive forums hit home with the Airmen.
“My favorite part was the real-life stories. It really showed me that these things can happen to everyday people,” said Airman 1st Class Jenna Bodmer, 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
“I really enjoyed how interactive everything was. It caught my attention, and I was so entertained that I forgot I was learning.”
