Classes teach self defense

  • Published
  • By Airman Samantha S. DeVries
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Perpetrators beware: people across the base learned how to better protect themselves against sexual predators during a series of self defense classes held April 24 and 26 at the base fitness center.

Sponsored by the base's sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, the classes were part of the base's sexual assault awareness month.

Open to military members, retirees and their families, the classes served as a tool to empower people, increase their self-esteem and confidence, raise awareness of tactics used against victims and to teach skills any adult can use to open an avenue of escape against these attacks, according to Cindi Drake, the base's SARC.

The classes began last year during the first sexual assault awareness month, or SAAM, and its positive response and requests for further classes prompted the SARC to hold more this year, added Ms. Drake.

Master Sgt. Dave Wheeler, the course's instructor and second-degree black belt, began training in martial arts 10 years ago after being threatened by a person yielding a two-by-four, he said.

Along with the help of Staff Sgt. Kevin Alford, 366th Operation Group, the two volunteers showed participants basic moves to break away from an attacker.

"I was a little skeptical whether I could truly hold my own, even after taking the class," said Elise Mathias, 366th Fighter Wing deputy inspector general.

But after trying her new moves on her husband and son, Ms. Mathias said, "The instructors broke the mindset that if the attacker is bigger and stronger one doesn't stand a chance. They showed us we can be prepared and gave us the knowledge and confidence to get out of a situation."

Other events for SAAM include the Arts after Five program in downtown Mountain Home April 26. The event features artwork created by local artists using the Department of Defense's 2007 theme, "Stand Up Against Sexual Assualt . . . Make a Difference."

The Air Force remains committed to fighting these inexcusable assaults, and those who commit these crimes face swift, severe legal and command-directed ramifications, Ms. Drake said.

As the SARC, Ms. Drake is on call 24/7 to respond to all hotline calls from agencies on and off base involving victims of sexual assault.

She also trains victim advocates, or VAs, to respond to victims and help their chain of command educate their people regarding sexual assault.

For referrals to professional counseling, medical care, legal information or a support group, call the base's sexual assault response coordinator at 828-6622. For confidential support, military members and their families can also contact the SARC's reporting hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 828-7272.