FORT CARSON, Colo. — Staff Sgt. Lakeisha Franklin, right, victim advocate, 4th Sustainment Brigade, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP), lifts weights with Spc. Brianna Jenkins, 60th Ordnance Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th SB, after they finished as the top two female competitors during the 4th SB body weight deadlift competition at Fort Carson, Colorado. Franklin recently graduated top of her class from the SHARP Career Course. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
By Sgt. James Geelen
4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Staff Sgt. Lakeisha Franklin, victim advocate, 4th Sustainment Brigade, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) has been working to eliminate sexual harassment and assault out of 4th SB since she became the brigade SHARP representative in April 2018.
Franklin recently graduated from the SHARP Career Course in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where she finished top in her class.
“It lets me know that I know more than I thought I did,” she said. “I’ve gained knowledge, and I’m capable of helping victims of harassment and assault. I feel like I’m better equipped to deal with adverse situations and able to help people who have been exposed to traumatic events.”
Franklin and Angela Kimble, the civilian SHARP victim advocate for 4th SB, have been working together to make the brigade a safer place.
“I have been working in the SHARP program for 18 months,” Kimble said. “I was a domestic violence victim advocate while in Italy. Before that I worked with children who were abused and neglected, for 12 years. (It’s) similar to being a social worker.”
Kimble also graduated at the top of her class when she attended the SHARP Career Course, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in January. The academic awardee is recognized by scoring the highest on all assessments and a first-time go on the three capstones in the class.
“The academic excellence award honors an exceptional graduate whose outstanding character, accomplishments, and service embody the spirit of the academy’s mission to support the fight to eliminate sexual harassment and assault from our Army,” Kimble said. “The graduate represents their class at the SHARP academy and is viewed as a catalyst of change in our efforts to build a culture of dignity and respect across our force.”
Having graduated at the top of their classes, both Kimble and Franklin have the knowledge as victim advocates and feel as though they can help people open up about traumatic events.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Angela Kimble, the civilian SHARP victim advocate for 4th Sustainment Brigade, teaches the senior leaders from 22nd Human Resources Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th SB, about victim rights June 20, 2019, in a classroom. Kimble has been working with victims of abuse and domestic violence for over 12 years. (Photo by Sgt. James Geelen)
Franklin said the SHARP program is important in making a difference in a Soldier’s life.
“I think the Army’s SHARP program is working,” Franklin said. “I’ve seen it turn lives around for traumatized victims.”
Kimble and Franklin have been transforming the perspective in the brigade, making sure every leader is fully aware of the SHARP program. That training starts with them.
“Our team is working on a peer-to-peer mentoring program that focuses on being an active bystander, professional development and the core Army Values,” Kimble said.
The unit completed leaders training for the command teams in 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th SB. as well as senior leaders training for 22nd Human Resources Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th SB.