CAMP WILLIAMS –
Elizabeth Smart will join members of the Utah National Guard on Nov. 17, at 7 a.m., at Camp Williams to conduct a group physical fitness event to raise awareness of sexual violence.
During Military Sexual Assault Survivors Month, the Utah National Guard is partnering with the Elizabeth Smart Foundation throughout November to highlight the importance of sexual assault prevention in every community and in the military.
“According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), a sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds in the United States,” said Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith, assistance adjutant general–Army, Utah National Guard. "To raise awareness of this crime, we’ve chosen to partner with the Elizabeth Smart Foundation by encouraging our Soldiers and Airmen—no matter where they are—to complete a custom workout. As a team, we hope to move forward to make sure every Soldier, Airman, family member, and civilian is treated with dignity and respect.”
A joint video message from Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith and Elizabeth Smart is available at
&t=2s, and has been shown to Utah National Guard members for each unit to conduct the same physical training during November.
"The training will highlight the sobering fact that every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted," said Smith. "To show how quickly 68 seconds goes by, the Utah National Guard will conduct a relevant workout."
The workout consists of performing six burpees, eight air squats, six push-ups, and eight sit-ups. Soldiers and Airmen will repeat these sets every 68 seconds for eight rounds. The community is invited to participate in the workout via livestream www.facebook.com/utahnationalguard.
Elizabeth Smart added, “I’m so excited to partner with the Utah National Guard to take a stand against sexual violence. Whether or not someone is in the military, if they are a survivor of sexual assault, they deserve to be believed. They deserve to have the help they need to heal. They deserve every good thing in life.”
Military or family members who have been victims of sexual assault and need assistance and/or resources, please reach out to:
a. Utah National Guard 24/7 Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Hotline is 801-716-9254
b. DoD Self-Help line 1-877-995-5247
c. SAFE UTNG Helpline 833-372-3364, a free app available at Apple and Google app stores
d. Callers are anonymous