Sexual assault review panel visiting Sheppard

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  A cross-functional review panel is examining reports of sexual assault by students at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

Gen. Donald G. Cook, commander of Air Education and Training Command, selected Col. K.C. McClain, AETC deputy director of operations for technical training, to lead the panel's review of the situation at the 82nd Training Wing. The group comprises officials from across the command.

"The Air Force abhors sexual assaults of any kind and we have, and will continue to do everything we possibly can to prevent (them)," General Cook said. "We have a number of programs in place to address this very troubling behavior. Our review process will ensure the plans, programs, policies and procedures we have instituted serve to prevent sexual assaults.

"But if, despite our best efforts, prevention fails, we must have a system that provides the basis for a swift and compassionate response to aid victims and punish perpetrators," he said.

Besides ensuring current policies provide appropriate actions when people report sexual assaults, the panel will also review previously reported assaults to determine if proper actions were taken.

As part of the team's review, General Cook directed the activation of two hotline telephone numbers airmen may use to aid the team with its assessment. The first number is reserved for airmen assigned to Sheppard and will be manned 6 a.m. to midnight (CST) daily. They can call (940) 676-0253 or DSN 736-0253. Airmen assigned to other locations throughout the Air Force can call (888) 351-9477 to provide information they think may be helpful in the team's appraisal.

"Sexual assault has no place in our Air Force, or society for that matter," General Cook said. "It is a crime and each proven case will be punished to the fullest extent. Sexual assault in an organization that depends on each individual in life and death situations is simply intolerable." (Courtesy of AETC News Service)