AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Runners report to the start line and perform last second stretches before the start of the race. One runner tightens her shoe laces, while others wait patiently.
Ready...set...go.
More than 150 service members from Al Udeid Air Base and Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar participated in the Dignity and Respect 5K race at AUAB Oct. 23, 2015. The race was organized to promote a culture of dignity and respect, said Capt. Christine Johnson, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
"Dignity and respect are important aspects of our Air Force culture regardless of where in the world we are stationed," Johnson said. "When our wingmen promote these values, it fosters a professional and safe environment. It's never a bad idea to remind people of that message."
Each race participant signed a pledge to foster a culture of dignity and respect before the race began.
"It's important for people to accept you for who you are, that's what makes the United States unique and we should all support that," said U.S. Army Capt. Maxwell Babjide, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade.
Babjide hails from Nigeria and has lived in six different countries. He said it's very important to treat people with dignity.
"If everyone did that this world would be a much better place," said Babjide.
Brig. Gen. Darren James, 379th AEW commander, provided opening remarks and moments later more than 150 runners pounded the pavement for 3.1 miles. Many crossed the finish line dripping with sweat after running in the desert heat.
"In the end, running a few miles to raise awareness about how people should be treated was a worthy cause," said U.S. Army Maj. Sarah Solli, Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the Area Support Group at Camp As Sayliyah.
"The bottom line is we all made a promise to one another when we joined the military, a promise that's violated all too often," said Solli. "We need to uphold and preserve the integrity of our forces and we do that by showing dignity and respect."