Men in heels Published April 27, 2009 By Senior Airman Wesley Wright Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. -- "A mile in her shoes" was the theme April 26 as men from Minot Air Force Base and the local community strapped on 5-inch women's high heeled shoes and walked a circuit inside the Town and Country Mall here. The event was in support of sexual assault awareness since the month of April is Sexual Assualt Awareness Month. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence (focusing on sexual assault and rape) and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence "The main idea of the event is that men are joining forces with the women because sexual assault is a community problem and not just a women's problem," said Kari Heringer, a volunteer coordinator. Approximately 30 men swallowed their pride and endeavored to stay upright while walking in groups of five or more during the event. Each group was designated to recognize specific categories of victims: incest, drug-facilitated rape, assault by a partner, assault by a stranger and assault by an acquaintance. "Men realize that since the majority of victims are women, that woman could be their wife, daughter, sister or mother," said Heringer. "That's what makes it everyone's problem." One of Minot AFB's men in heels was Master Sgt. John Jeziorske, 5th Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight chief. With the addition of 5-inch heels, Sergeant Jeziorske towered well over six and one-half feet and brought plenty of "awareness" to the event. "I wanted to show some support," Sergeant Jeziorske said. "One of the elements of our flight is the family advocacy program. An event like this that raises awareness of sexual assault is a worthwhile endeavor. I was dared by some of my coworkers to show up and put on women's shoes. I never back down from a challenge and this was a worthwhile cause so here I am." Another one of Minot AFB's finest to participate in the event was Master Sgt. Chad Pettyjohn, 5th Logistical Readiness Squadron first sergeant. "It's important to try to raise some awareness because this one of those crimes that stays in the household," Sergeant Pettyjohn said. "A lot of people won't think about it or talk about it." Sergeant Pettyjohn was getting in his second leg workout of the day having just competed in a base marathon a couple of hours prior. "My calves are killing me right now, so I'm just trying to stay on my feet," he said. For people who want to do their part to raise awareness, Heringer said communication is the key. "We just want people to start talking about it," Heringer said. "It's a hush-hush topic that people tend to not want to talk about. If we can spark communication we can spark awareness." For more information, contact the Family Advocacy office at 723-5096 or the sexual assault response coordinator at 723-5275.