Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office gets new home

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office is slated to be at a new location in Building 2400 on the corner of Warren Shingle Road and C Street by the end of January.

Moving will give SAPRO, often referred to as the SARC office, more space for training and provide a more visible location to better serve Airmen.

Dr. Michael Stacy, 9th Reconnaissance Wing sexual assault response coordinator, said the move will provide a large classroom for volunteers, first responders and any Airman who requires SAPRO training.

"Everyone will be here at one point in time for annual training," he said. "When not being used for SAPRO training, the well equipped classroom will be available to any organization on base that needs to hold meetings, provide training or present briefings."

The current office at the Airman & Family Readiness Center stood up in 2005, but was not big enough or in a suitable location to fulfill base needs.

The move comes at a time when the Air Force's senior leaders are working diligently to eliminate sexual assault.

According to a "Letter to Airmen" sent Nov. 16, 2012, by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy, the Air Force must drive sexual assault from the ranks.

"You are a big part of the solution," the letter said. "Become personally involved. Recommit yourself to our core values. Be an advocate for professionalism and discipline. Let your fellow Airmen know you will not tolerate or support others who believe sexual assault is somehow acceptable - because it is not. Most importantly, if you are aware of sexual assault in your unit, report it."

For more information or to report sexual assault, call the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at 634-4000.