MCAS New River hosts ultimate frisbee tournament to promote sexual assault prevention
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River teamed up with Installation Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) personnel to host an installation-wide ultimate frisbee competition on Sept. 17, aimed at raising awareness of sexual assault and supporting prevention efforts.
The event brought Marines, Sailors and civilian personnel from across the air station and Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune together for a day of competition and camaraderie while reinforcing the importance of creating a culture where individuals understand the resources available to them and recognize their role in preventing sexual assault.
“Combating sexual assault is directly tied to our combat readiness,” said Shanna Colman, supervisory Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, MCAS New River. “Utilizing a sports tournament, we bring SAPR education, awareness and resources out of the traditional classroom and directly to our Marines in an active, engaging environment. It reinforces that MCAS New River is a community built on mutual trust, respect and zero tolerance for destructive behaviors.”
In previous years, MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River have supported sexual assault prevention through events including 5k and color runs, as well as bowling tournaments. The ultimate frisbee competition provided another avenue for the SAPR team to connect with service members and installation personnel in an informal setting while reinforcing the importance of prevention and community involvement.
“The Marines and Sailors of MCAS New River are driven, motivated and hardworking active-duty service members,” Colman said. “The operational tempo across the air station is demanding.Giving Marines and Sailors a chance to step away from the flight line or the office builds genuine camaraderie, trust and esprit de corps.” While the tournament provided an opportunity for friendly competition, its value extended beyond the playing field.
MCAS New River’s incoming senior enlisted leader, Sgt. Maj. Matthew G. Fraley, who previously served as the senior enlisted leader of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, emphasized the importance of bringing service members together with the resources and personnel available to support them. During his opening remarks, Fraley stated, “prevention matters, supporting one another matters and recognizing the value of the resources available to our Marines and Sailors matters. We can all make a difference; it starts with us.”
Through events like the ultimate frisbee competition, MCAS New River and the installation SAPR team continue to create opportunities to connect with prevention resources, build trust and take an active role in fostering a culture of respect and support.
Prevention starts with everyonewas echoed by command leaders and the SAPR team.
Colman added, “You do not need to be a victim advocate to make a difference;supporting SAPR and preventing sexual violence means looking out for your peers, shutting down inappropriate behavior early and ensuring your fellow Marines and Sailors know who and where to go for help. A strong unit watches each other’s backs on and off duty.”
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