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| ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 25, 2016) Command Master Chief Tyrone Blockton signals the start of the Breast Cancer/Domestic Violence Awareness 5K run on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The ship and its Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer/Released) |
ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- October is nationally recognized as Domestic
Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and aircraft carrier USS
Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) recently organized multiple events
to promote both causes.
"As they say, common sense is not always so common, especially in these times when we can become desensitized to the tragic things around us," said Chief Petty Officer Arthur Gray, who helped coordinate Ike's participation in the month's events. "Even though we talk a lot about these topics, they often become background noise, so these awareness months that encourage us to focus on some of the bigger issues we face are invaluable to our health and success."
In honor of the victims and survivors of both causes, Ike held a 5K run on the flight deck Oct. 25, and a information fair on the aft mess decks the next day. The "Think Pink, Think Purple" information fair was worked by the medical department, the deployed resiliency counselor, members of the Family Advocacy Program, Women's Wellness, Women-at-Sea, First Class Petty Officer Association, and Second Class Petty Officer Association who were on hand to answer questions and provide pamphlets of useful information to educate the crew so they can learn what options are available to them.
"The event went very well," said Senior Chief Crystal Webb, who helped organize the fair. "The fair was set up for those who have suffered from breast cancer or domestic violence, those who support them, and those who'd like to learn more. This was an event where we could get resources to the crew, and hear stories from Sailors who may have dealt with these issues. Our hope is that everyone left here well informed and armed with information that can be helpful if they find themselves or others in these situations."
The event struck a very personal note for some Ike Sailors who, by sharing their experiences with breast cancer and domestic violence, put a human face to the tragedy.
"Bringing awareness to domestic violence is important because a lot of people are living in fear," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenlesia Reynolds, who brought along a picture of her mother to share with the crew in hopes it would motivate someone in a violent relationship to get help. "My mother was killed by an abusive boyfriend when I was five years old. She didn't reach out in time, and when she finally got courage to leave, she didn't make it. It's important for people to know that others are there to help them and how to get that help."
Ike's Senior Medical Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Schultheiss, said early detection is still the best defense against breast cancer and encouraged everyone, male and female, to be diligent in staying current on their physical examinations.
"The important thing for our active-duty personnel is getting their women's wellness exam when it's required," said Schultheiss, who added breast cancer also affects one out of every 1,000 men. "If you have a family history of breast cancer, that's a cardinal sign that you should speak to a health care provider and determine your risks."
Ike, the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, and the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
"As they say, common sense is not always so common, especially in these times when we can become desensitized to the tragic things around us," said Chief Petty Officer Arthur Gray, who helped coordinate Ike's participation in the month's events. "Even though we talk a lot about these topics, they often become background noise, so these awareness months that encourage us to focus on some of the bigger issues we face are invaluable to our health and success."
In honor of the victims and survivors of both causes, Ike held a 5K run on the flight deck Oct. 25, and a information fair on the aft mess decks the next day. The "Think Pink, Think Purple" information fair was worked by the medical department, the deployed resiliency counselor, members of the Family Advocacy Program, Women's Wellness, Women-at-Sea, First Class Petty Officer Association, and Second Class Petty Officer Association who were on hand to answer questions and provide pamphlets of useful information to educate the crew so they can learn what options are available to them.
"The event went very well," said Senior Chief Crystal Webb, who helped organize the fair. "The fair was set up for those who have suffered from breast cancer or domestic violence, those who support them, and those who'd like to learn more. This was an event where we could get resources to the crew, and hear stories from Sailors who may have dealt with these issues. Our hope is that everyone left here well informed and armed with information that can be helpful if they find themselves or others in these situations."
The event struck a very personal note for some Ike Sailors who, by sharing their experiences with breast cancer and domestic violence, put a human face to the tragedy.
"Bringing awareness to domestic violence is important because a lot of people are living in fear," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenlesia Reynolds, who brought along a picture of her mother to share with the crew in hopes it would motivate someone in a violent relationship to get help. "My mother was killed by an abusive boyfriend when I was five years old. She didn't reach out in time, and when she finally got courage to leave, she didn't make it. It's important for people to know that others are there to help them and how to get that help."
Ike's Senior Medical Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Schultheiss, said early detection is still the best defense against breast cancer and encouraged everyone, male and female, to be diligent in staying current on their physical examinations.
"The important thing for our active-duty personnel is getting their women's wellness exam when it's required," said Schultheiss, who added breast cancer also affects one out of every 1,000 men. "If you have a family history of breast cancer, that's a cardinal sign that you should speak to a health care provider and determine your risks."
Ike, the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, and the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
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