LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The "We Are Family" campaign at Langley Air Force Base has caught the attention of key Air Force leadership, earning recognition from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody.
Following the Department of Defense's sexual assault prevention stand down earlier this year, Langley leadership created the 60-day campaign to revitalize the family concept and bolster wingman culture in an effort to eliminate sexual assault.
"We're creating a culture of family," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Trae King, 633rd Air Base Wing command chief. "If we can take care of [our wingmen] and think of each other as family instead of coworkers, then we can start preventing issues that are deteriorating our force."
The campaign aimed to reinforce the concepts of trust, respect and other components leaders believe are key to stamping out sexual assault. Events to help foster the family concept included an all call, a base retreat ceremony, a family reunion and a block party.
According to King, the events have proven successful.
"Since the beginning of the campaign, we've had more than ten individuals come forward with reports of sexual assault or sexual harassment," said King. "It shows the campaign is having a positive effect and people are feeling comfortable coming forward."
At several recent conferences and base visits, Cody recognized the military culture that Langley Airmen are creating.
"[Langley held] different events [where Airmen] began to appreciate each other in more meaningful ways ... [having] stronger relationships [and] trusting each other more," Cody said during the Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 16. "This is what it's all about. It's about our Airmen and our families."
Langley leadership began plans for future events, including guest speakers and small-group forums.
"We're extremely proud to be recognized by the CMSAF," said Capt. John Riley, 633rd ABW Sexual Assault Prevention and Response deputy coordinator. "We're not stopping there. We plan to keep the conversation going."
Langley has several plans to continue the campaign, but King said suggestions from Langley Airmen would be beneficial.
"We want to hear from the Airmen," King said. "We want them to come up with ideas that will impact them the most, things that will keep the conversation relevant."