Leadership Message graphic.    BUCKEYE GUARD, Vol 39, No 2  (March/April 2021)

Video by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Vega, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in both the civilian and military communities. In this video, Ohio National Guard senior leaders talk about the importance of “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission,” which emphasizes the important role all Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees have in preventing sexual assault. We want to focus on fostering a culture to eliminate sexual assault, and that requires a personal commitment from all personnel at every level.

TAG in front of slide show. TAG in front of slide show.

Adjutant general talks about the importance of SAPR in maintaining healthy, ready units
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Ohio adjutant general, speaks to Guard members on the importance of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program April 22, 2021, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio.

Soldiers sign pledge. Soldier signs pledge.

Guard members sign SHARP Pledge
Guard members sign the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program Pledge April 22, 2021, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio.

Three ONG members hold signed pledge.

Deployed aviation unit pledges to fight sexual assault, harassment
Lt. Col. John Whitney (center), commander of 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment, holds a signed proclamation to show support for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month as he stands with 1st Lt. Holly Wiley (left) and Capt. Johnathan Moore, battalion victim advocates, at the unit’s deployed location. The unit has been deployed for nearly a year providing aviation support and conducting partnership operations with regional countries in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

Brig. Gen. Rebecca O’Connor signs the SHARP pledge at table as commanders stand by.

Guard leaders at Cleveland CVC sign pledge
Ohio Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Rebecca O’Connor, Ohio’s Community Vaccination Center (CVC) dual-status commander, signs the SHARP pledge April 13, 2021, along with Ohio Army National Guard Col. Ovid Villarreal (left), CVC deputy commander, and Ohio Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Barga at Cleveland State University in Cleveland. Signing the SHARP pledge confirms a service member’s “commitment to act, intervene and sustain a high level of motivation to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace.”