Performances shed light on sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Teresa M. Hawkins
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Deana's Educational Theater wrapped up their tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases with a performance of "Remote Control" at RAF Mildenhall Feb. 28. 

The purpose of the performances were to refresh Airmen's understanding of sexual assault, how it hurts unit readiness and mission accomplishment, what consent in a sexual relationship looks like, and ways to be a responsible Wingman - perhaps intervening to prevent a sexual assault from occurring. 

Attendance was mandatory for all Airmen in the grades of E-5 and below. Airmen in those grades fall into the age category most affected by sexual assault - either as victims or perpetrators. 

"Remote Control" depicts dramatic dialogue and action that is very similar to situations Airmen experience while socializing. During the show a remote control device is activated occasionally to "stop the action" and get the audience to determine what might happen next. The person with the remote control then rewinds the scene, and the actors re-do the scene with a different outcome. 

"I believe that it benefited many Airmen to have an up close and personal view of the violence that could occur," said Master Sgt. Charles Tubbs, 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs chief of media relations. 

The performance put sexual assault awareness in a military-specific context. The innovative approach was designed to keep the audience entertained and involved. 

"I would definitely prefer that kind of presentation over a PowerPoint or briefer," Airman 1st Class Andrew Blasiman, 100th Communications Squadron infrastructure technician said. 

"Sometimes it's nice to hear real stories from a commander of events that have happened on base. That would bring it a little bit closer to home." 

"I think it was a topic that is important to highlight," said Staff Sgt. Vanessa Bastidas, 100th ARW unit deployment manager. "We each have a responsibility to take care of our friends, but we also have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. I think we can all relate to the situation no matter what side we might be on. Other people can only help so much before we need to gather the strength to stand up for ourselves." 

Editor's note: Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky contributed to this article.