Alaska Reserve unit devotes day to sexual assault prevention Published July 18, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The 477th Fighter Group held a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response stand-down day for all of the group members during the Unit Training Assembly here July 13. The purpose of the SAPR stand-down was to educate our unit on how perpetrators operate and how the Air Force members can help prevent sexual assaults as well as informing members about what resources are available to survivors of this crime. The first half of the day consisted of a group commander's call with an overview of sexual assault and how it directly impacts mission readiness, led by the 477th FG commander, Col. Tyler Otten. "Our understanding of sexual assault in our ranks is improving. This down day is an opportunity to share that understanding with our unit members, so we can all work together to prevent sexual assaults," said Otten. Following the commanders call facilitators, who were certified by the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's SAPR office, led small group discussions focused on identifying offenders and learning how they operate. By focusing on their harmful behaviors members are more likely to be able to intervene and prevent sexual assault, not allowing it to disrupt the mission. "Sexual assault has no place in our Air Force," said General Mark A. Welsh III, USAF Chief of Staff. "We live in a culture of respect. We cherish our core values of integrity, service and excellence. But in order to ensure all Airmen experience and benefit from those values, we must eliminate sexual assault in our ranks."