Shirts against violence

(From left) 435th Air Base Wing First Sergeants Senior Master Sgt. Emmette Bush, 435th Medical Group, Master Sgt. Leonard Hyland, 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, Master Sgt. Basil Forrest, 435th Services Squadron, and Master Sgt. Scott Windorf, 435th Munitions Squadron, celebrate their Jeopardy victory against the 86th Airlift Wing First Sergeants on Ramstein Oct. 18. ( photo by Airman 1st Class Marc I. Lane)

Shirts against violence

Published Oct. 30, 2007
By Airman 1st Class Marc I. Lane
435th Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The Integrated Delivery Services took time this month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to thank the men and women who make a difference.

"We are celebrating First Sergeants and all they do because they are on the front lines in the campaign against domestic violence. We can't do our jobs without their support," said Joy Bourhill, Family Advocacy Outreach Manager.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first recognized in October 1981 by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. Ending violence against women and their children is the goal.

Military Family Advocacy offers prevention, treatment and educational services to families. First Sergeants serve as support for the families experiencing the stressors of domestic violence and they are the liaison between any treatment agency and the family.

The IDS agencies that thanked First Sergeants were Family Advocacy, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, Health and Wellness Center, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, the Chapel, Adolescent Substance Abuse Counseling Services, Drug Demand Reduction, Child Development Center and Airman & Family Readiness Center.

The IDS mission is to ultimately build a cohesive, self-sustaining community.

First Sergeants are the key to accomplishing the IDS mission, Ms. Bourhill said. "People have, and always will be, the Air Force's greatest asset," she said. "First Sergeants are the first line of defense for ensuring the protection of this asset."