Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government
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ElVol. 2 Issue 7 MorroSentinel of the Caribbean April 2016 Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government Story on page 5 April 2016 From the Garrison Commander Buenos Fort Buchanan has taken a these crimes and support the survivors Dias Team multipronged approach to help parents – not only to live our core values and 76, April is a provide a safe, healthy, nurturing protect one another, but also to ensure month where environment for their children. Through our people can focus on the mission. we focus on military treatment facilities, nurses and This is an issue our community, both of two significant doctors can support military families’ today and tomorrow, cares deeply about. events unique needs. Fort Buchanan also has a That is why it is the responsibility of impacting our New Parent Support Program, in which every service member to help make our Fort Buchanan parents can seek help through family military the last place a sexual offender community. advocacy and even in-home visits to wants to be. Together, we must assure We dedicate reinforce safety and help them avoid an environment where sexual assault each April as the “Month of the Military risks of neglect or abuse. We understand is neither condoned nor ignored; we Child” and also recognize this time of military families are moving every two must reinforce a culture of prevention, year as it pertains to a more sobering to three years taking you away from your accountability, dignity, and respect topic: National Child Abuse Prevention extended family, or service members are throughout our ranks; and we must Month. April is also the month we deployed, and requires a stay-at-home advocate for and staunchly support all increase our awareness and training parent who’s by himself or herself, and who courageously report this crime. during Sexual Assault Awareness and we want to make sure the resources are Our nation looks to us to lead boldly on Prevention Month. available to strengthen their parenting this front – and to care for our fellow men I could tell you that our military skills. and women who bravely serve. Every children are resourceful and resilient. I Additionally, the National Center for single one of us must know our part, could tell you they’re courageous and Telehealth and Technology’s website do our part, and keep doing whatever it compassionate. And I could tell you offers tips and tools to help military and takes to eliminate sexual assault in the they’re proud of their parents and proud veteran parents during different stages of military. to serve alongside them...but instead, I’m their children’s growth and development. Shifting targets, I also want to mention going to let a military child tell you in Military OneSource is another option a Training Exercise we conducted her own words. A poem titled “Military which offers confidential, nonmedical recently that resulted in our installation Girl” was written by Katie, a 6th grader, counseling that helps parents learn gates being closed for a brief period of and her words are truly reflective of what communication skills to better identify time. This exercise was conducted with our military kids sacrifice, and understand behavioral changes in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug “…I am not in the rank of command, their children, particularly those in the Enforcement Agency, and other federal orders I do not get. But my dad is the one toddler stages, she added. and local law enforcement agencies to test who does, this I cannot forget. I am not The Fort Buchanan community is a our ability to work together in responding the one who fires the weapon, who puts place where we want all members to to emergencies on the installation. While my life on the line. But my job is just feel safe, secure and have a successful I understand the inconvenience this as tough, I am the one who left friends future. No one deserves to live in fear. exercise caused, it is my responsibility to behind...My dad makes the sacrifice; my This command, community, nation has ensure we protect all who live, work or dad works to keep this country free, But zero tolerance for child abuse. One visit our installation and these exercises so do my mom, brother, sister, and me. abused and neglected child is one too are crucial to forging collective tactics, Even though it might get a little wild, I many. Let’s work together and keep our techniques, and procedures for our stand with the rank known as the Military children safe, raising them to become Directorate of Emergency Services to Child.” happy, secure and stable adults. respond to future incidents. Katie, is one of nearly 2 million This April, we also observe Sexual We proudly shout “We Are Fort military children whose parents’ serve Assault Awareness and Prevention Buchanan” as we recently celebrated among our active-duty, Guard, and Month. While we must spread awareness accomplishments of our workforce during Reserve. Please join me in thanking and prevent these crimes each and every a Town Hall meeting, being awarded a them for their sacrifice every opportunity day, this is an important opportunity to second Safety Streamer, the historical you get. remind ourselves why ridding our ranks promotion to the rank of Assistant Fire Along with the celebration of the of sexual assault and sexual harassment Chiefs of two of our captains from the Month of the Military Child is the is so critical. Fire Department, Rojas and Roig, the observance of the National Child Abuse The values of honor and trust are the selection of Ms. Carmen Veray from Prevention Month. Each and every one lifeblood of our military and every act Antilles Middle School as DoDEA of us has a role to play in supporting of sexual assault directly undermines District Teacher of the Year, Petty children’s health and safety. While those values. So too does every act of Officer 1st Class Radamés J. Martínez parenting is one of the hardest jobs and retaliation against those who report these from Juana Díaz selected Sailor of the responsibilities that we’ll ever have, it is crimes. Year, the recognition of LTC Miranda also one of the most rewarding. We all have a responsibility to prevent from the PRANG, Irma Santiago and (continue on following page) 2 El Morro December 2013 April 2016 From the Garrison Command Sergeant Major Garrison Commander April is a month full of celebration, not only COL Michael T. Harvey because the tax season is almost over, but because all activities that highlight the importance of Garrison Command Sergeant Major our future generations. In April we celebrate the CSM Luis A. Rosario Month of the Military Child and the Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month was established to Deputy Garrison Commander emphasize the important role children play in the LTC Joseph M. Dreksler Armed Forces community and to raise awareness to the myriad of programs available for them. Deputy to the Garrison Commander William S. Leyh Child Abuse Prevention month reassures public awareness of child abuse and neglect, recommit resources to the cause, and Public Affairs Officer promote community involvement through local activities. As a parent, I Grissel Rosa encourage you to reward your children with attention and kind words. Take time at the end of each day to connect with your children with a hug, a kiss, Command Information a smile, or a few minutes of listening and talking. Find ways to engage your Rosie Irizarry children while completing everyday tasks. Teach the right way and they will pay it forward. Mailing address- April is also the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, a Public Affairs Office program that falls under Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention ATTN: IMSE-BUC-PA 390 Crane Loop, Suite 311 Program (SHARP). This program provides support and resources to the Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico 00934-4616 victims, and raise awareness to prevent or eradicate the future incidents. This program not only protect the victims, it brings the perpetrator to justice, Story Submissions- and sends a strong message to our communities. Email to: [email protected] As I stated before, this month highlights the importance of our future, our children and the well-being of our communities. I invite you be part Telephone numbers of all the activities that increase awareness on our kids programs and our (787) 707-4013/4486 SHARP campaign. Our future depends on the message we provide to the Fax: (787) 707-3362 new generation and the resources we make available for them to enjoy. God Bless You All! EL MORRO is an authorized publication, posted in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. Contents of EL MORRO are not necessarily the From the Garrison Commander (cont.) official views of, or endorsed by, the Rey Rodriguez from the garrison after from the Adult San Patricio 5K Run go U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, 30 plus years of loyal service to their to the Children’s Hospital in Guaynabo. Department of the Army or organizations and the United States Army The hospital is the only Health and U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Buchanan. and many more success stories that you Pediatric Rehabilitation House on the will see throughout the pages of this island that offers prolonged stay and EL MORRO is published monthly by the edition of El Morro. convalescence for patients 0-21 years Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Garrison. Finally, please join Team 76 (We of age with physical and/or mental All editorial content of EL MORRO is prepared, are Fort Buchanan) when we have the conditions.