WEBVTT

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Sexual assault is a serious crime that

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harms our warfighters , our

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organization , and erodes our readiness .

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It degrades our ability to feel the

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lethal , resilient , and agile fighting

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force that our nation needs us to be .

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It is imperative that we remain

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vigilant in our efforts to create a

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Marine Corps that is free of sexual

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violence , as it has no place within

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our organization . It is also our duty

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to foster environments that are safe

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and healthy where victims can feel

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comfortable reporting harmful and

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criminal behaviors . Preventing sexual

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assault resides with the commitment of

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every marine , sailor , and civilian

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across the command to sustain a climate .

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That is built on trust , accountability ,

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and respect . That is why I am

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declaring April of 2026 as Sexual

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Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

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here at MCRD San Diego and across the

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Western recruiting region . Let us all

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take a stand together against sexual

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assault and let's ensure that we remain

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the most lethal fighting force in the

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world that is always ready to answer

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when called to fight and win our

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nation's battles , Semper Fidelis .