FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#VetsRising Initiative Aims To Raise Awareness About Military Rape, Sexual Assault, Reforms
FORT BELVOIR — An initiative titled, #VetsRising is set to inspire women veterans to Dance, Drum, Rise for Revolution, in the form of smart mobs, in cities across the U.S., and in our nation’s capital, as part of the One Billion Rising Global Campaign to end violence against women on V-Day, Feb. 14.
Local women veterans, along with participants for the upcoming Ms. Veteran American 2015 competition, will learn the “Break The Chain Dance,” from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Belvoir USO Warrior and Family Center, located at the corner of 9th and Belvoir Streets, at 5940 9th Street, Fort Belvoir, Va.
“As a military rape survivor, former Ms. Veteran America title holder, and now Ms. Veteran America Competition Director, it’s been my privilege to share my story with people from all walks of life, all over the United States,” said Ms. Denyse Gordon, MVA Competition Director, who herself was Ms. Veteran America 2012. “I’m encouraged that some of this year’s competition Ms. Veteran America competition applicants will join us. Bringing women veterans together is what our competition is all about.”
The main event set for 11:30 a.m. Feb. 14, at the Lincoln Memorial, will include ceremonial drum talent from the Washington D.C. area, and women veterans from across the U.S.
“We are honored, that One Billion Rising campaign has embraced the #VetsRising initiative, and we look forward to bringing this powerful message of dignity, unity, healing and hope to our veterans who’ve given so much to ensure our way of life.”
One Billion Rising Global Campaign to end violence against women was founded by Vagina Monologues playwright, Eve Ensler. The annual, worldwide initiative, which is supported by a host of celebrities, and notable activists, is in the third year.
Maryland non-profit, The Next Chapter Corporation, CEO and founder, Ms. Ebony Johnson, is hosting the practice session, and coordinating the main event.
