SAPR sponsors self protection classes on Holloman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Holloman Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program partnered with Overstreet Taekwondo Academy to bring the base the personal protection class, Training for Life -- a class in Tom Patire's Personal Safety Protection Program -- Sept. 12 at the Community Activity Center.

The class taught self-escape techniques to create a window of opportunity and scanning patterns to help avoid a bad situation. The training used body mechanics that are used in everyday life, such as clapping hands, turning a key and knocking on a door.

"There were requests for a self defense program, and other Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs in (Air Combat Command) are providing self defense classes," said Tracey Spencer, 49th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Coordinator. "My program assistant, Jennifer Rupe, and I thought it would be awesome if Holloman SAPR could provide a self defense class too."

The class was a hit among the people who attended, which ranged from military members and dependants to male and female participants. It taught them how to defend themselves and build on their self esteem.

"This is a class that not only teaches on self defense, but building up your self esteem as well," said Senior Airman Heather Evans, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "Just the thought of how many women are abducted each year and knowing these simple few steps to help in defending myself really makes me feel safer when I'm out by myself."

Senior Airman Heather Prouse, 49th Medical Support Squadron, said she went because she is a sexual assault victim advocate and wanted to learn something for her own safety.

Word of mouth is already beginning to spread as some of the participants are recommending the next classes to friends and coworkers.

"Ever since I went I have told all my friends about it," said Airman Prouse. "I told some of my coworkers who have young daughters. They will be sending them to the teenager class. It was fun and easy to learn."

The Training for Life classes are geared toward adults, however, there are future classes scheduled for teens and children over the next 10 months. Know and Go, for 7- to 11-year-olds, is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. and Teen Safe, for 12- to 19-year olds is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. with the next Training for Life scheduled for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. All classes are held at the Community Center and parents must be in attendance if children under 18 are participating.

For more information contact the SAPR office at 575-572-1548 or 1444.