The 1st Teal Rope at DINFOS

Published June 21, 2013
By by Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
336th Training Squadron, Detachment 2

FT. GEORGE G. MEADE, MD. -- Airman 1st Class Laurel Richards graduated from the Defense Information School here on Monday, but not before making a little history and news of her own by completing her service as the school's first service member to wear the teal rope.

"I am honored to be the first teal rope for the Air Force training detachment here at Ft. Meade because this is an extremely important program and I want to set a standard that teal ropes after me will follow and add to," said the 19-year-old daughter of Marty and Teri Richards from Ithaca, Wis. "The fact that the Air Force has decided to create the teal rope program is very important because of it's proof that the Air Force cares about creating a culture where everyone can be treated with dignity and respect by developing an environment that is free from sexual harassment and sexual assault."

Richards is a member of the 336th Training Squadron, Detachment 2, a geographically separated unit of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., where the teal rope program originated.

The teal rope program is designed to address issues surrounding sexual assault through student involvement. Keesler AFB leaders developed the program with the goal of increasing prevention and awareness within the technical training student community and providing outreach events that challenge the beliefs and behaviors that enable sexual violence among peers.

The color symbolizes sexual assault awareness and victim support -- within the student population. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office provides the teal rope barer specialized training, which allows him or her to serve as a link between non-prior service students and SAPRO for information and referral support.

Although the teal rope program originated with the Air Force, Richards made it clear that her reason to help as a teal rope was not limited to her fellow Airmen.

"I wanted to become a teal rope because I want to be there for my fellow Airmen and other service members whether they are Navy, Marines, Army, or Coast Guard," said Richards. "The teal rope is a great program because it gives the students someone they are able to feel comfortable with to talk to about any issues related to sexual assault they may have."

Richard's selfless dedication to serve others was one of the character traits her detachment commander, Capt. Thomas A. Trask, identified early on when Richards applied for the privilege to wear the unit's newest shoulder rope.

"Airman Richards is a sharp young lady who showed a great interest in caring for her fellow Airmen, and after our chiefmilitary training leader told me Richards reminded her of herself when she was younger, I had no doubt she would be a great pick for our first-ever teal rope," said Trask. "She definitely set the bar high for future teal ropes to follow."

The task of finding a replacement won't be a very easy task since a student Airman must be recommended by their MTL, pass a background check and maintain an 80 percent grade point average to be accepted into the program. Teal rope members are expected to model the Air Force core values; uphold the highest standards of professionalism as representatives of the SAPRO; and be an approachable, listening ear for their wingmen in times of need.

Richard's next stop will be overseas where she looks forward to working as a broadcaster for the Armed Forces Network in Misawa Air Base, Japan.

"I have considered being a victim's advocate in Misawa, or becoming involved with the SAPRO program in some way because although my assignment to Japan means my time as a teal rope is over, the experience and training I got is something I will take with me where ever I go," said Richards.

(Commentary by 1st Lt. Tina Tissot was used to write this story.)