Join the WAR against domestic violence Published Sept. 24, 2013 By Jerome Ellis 4th Medical Operations Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- In 2008, the Family Advocacy Office began a partnership with the greater Wayne County community to coordinate the 1st Annual Wife Appreciation Run (WAR) against domestic violence and abuse. In the event's beginnings, males, ages 21 and older, would wear women's high heeled shoes while competing in a race to the finish for the ultimate cause of raising much-needed funds for victims of domestic violence and awareness of this extremely complex issue. That single effort has since developed into an annual event of classic proportion, involving hundreds of citizens supporting the WAR against domestic violence. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base officials have embraced the opportunity to collaborate with community leaders in spreading the word that Domestic Violence Awareness Month may only last during October, but everyone needs to be conscious of domestic violence issues year round. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, domestic abuse is the single largest cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the U.S.; more than muggings, car accidents, and rapes combined. Males are also at risk as domestic abuse is often referred to as an equal opportunity crime. Even one incident is one too many. Our goal is to continue educating our base population about a problem that can quickly cripple a community. Our mission at family advocacy is the prevention of domestic and child abuse through education programs and reaching out to families before the abuse occurs. Our focus is mission readiness and ensuring our Airmen are 'fit to fight.' We do this by providing prevention services to families which assist them with the ongoing challenges associated with mission and family-life. Team Seymour promotes strong individuals and families through spiritual and emotional growth, as well as mental and physical health. This empowers all community members to not only adapt but thrive on the unique challenges within the Air Force way of life. Programs like Moms, Pops and Tots, Couples Communication Class and the Stress and Anger Group, to name a few, back family advocacy's quest to quell domestic abuse and create a safe environment for families. We want our community to be a model of what we would consider peaceful homes. Hopefully, we'll build relationships that other societies and communities can emulate. The 5th Annual WAR 5K color run and walk will be held at Stoney Creek Park in Goldsboro, N.C., Oct. 5, 2013, beginning at 9 a.m. Community leaders to include Col. Eleanor Nazar-Smith, 4th Medical Group commander, Mayor Al King, Sheriff Carey Winders and the Goldsboro police chief will be guest speakers at the event. The color run is a unique paint race which celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Participants will be doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer of the race. The fun continues at the finish line with a '"Dance Jam" using more colored powder to create lasting memories and, most importantly, awareness, education and prevention of domestic violence within our community. Trust us; this is the best post-5k party on the planet! Everyone is invited to come out and walk or run at their own pace, enjoy the array of colors and support a worthy cause. For more information about the run, contact 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs (919) 722-0027.