FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Soldiers and leaders of the 10th Transportation Battalion (Waterborne), 7th Sustainment Brigade, are determined to put a stop to domestic violence as demonstrated by their hosting of a Domestic Violence Awareness run/walk the morning of Nov. 4 at the Waterborne headquarters.
The Army recognizes October as the official month for Domestic Violence Awareness, yet for members of the Waterborne family, it remains a critical area of focus throughout the year. In spite of a demanding training schedule, the importance of taking time to acknowledge and promote domestic violence awareness is a top priority for the battalion.
"The battalion's goal is to continue educating our Soldiers on the prevention of domestic violence in our military," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Williams, commander, 10th Trans. Bn. "The Waterborne family is committed to increasing its awareness in order to safeguard themselves, and their family members against the potential to become victims of domestic violence."
During his address, Williams remembered Staff Sgt. Crystal Ragin, whose recent death is being investigated as a potential domestic violence case.
"This morning is a celebration of Staff Sergeant Ragin's life," said Williams, and all the good memories she left with the battalion."
Senior leaders from across the brigade to include Col. Steve Cherry, commander, 7th Sust. Bde. (Provisional), and Command Sgt. Maj. Zacarias Rivera, provisional brigade command sergeant major, along with installation representatives A.J. Brandt, family advocacy outreach manager, and Marci Wright, director of transitions, were on hand to show their support for the battalion's early morning two-mile run, reinforcing the leadership's commitment to the prevention and education of domestic violence.
After the run/walk, a balloon-releasing ceremony was conducted by members of the 149th Seaport Operations Company, the unit where Ragin was assigned. The purpose of the ceremony was to celebrate the lives of people who have had a profound impact on those around them.
As company commander, Capt. Zachary Bock read the poem, 'If Tears Could Build a Stairway,' a Soldier would release a balloon as another Soldier blew out the flame of a candle indicating "gone but never forgotten." During the ceremony, Williams unveiled a portrait of Ragin, paying homage to her time spent as part of the 149th SOC, 10th Trans. Bn.
"Army strong, Waterborne strong, and family strong," said Cherry in his closing remarks, with emphasis placed on the importance for Soldiers and family members to use their chain of command, and the available support services located on Fort Eustis, to help put a stop to domestic violence.