Edwards AFB News

Italian cuisine helps Family Advocacy raise awareness of child abuse

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Amber
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Nothing brings people together like a good meal and a little competition. That's why Family Advocacy held a pasta dish contest to highlight Child Abuse Awareness Month April 9 at the Chapel 2 Annex. There was mac n' cheese, tri-colored lobster raviolis, Gnocchi and more.

Kindergarteners from the Child Development Center created the decorations and Subway donated prizes for the best dishes. The judges were volunteers from the First Sergeants Council who carefully tasted and sometimes re-tasted each entry.

Third place went to the lobster raviolis. Second was awarded to the Gnocchi. And the first place prize was awarded to Col. Eric Leshinsky, 412th Mission Support Group commander, for his "famous" two-pound spicy, stuffed mozzarella meatballs.

"I think the judges did right today," said Leshinsky light-heartedly. "I think they judged it on quality and quantity. If they didn't like it at least they were full, but I know since I won they enjoyed the flavor as well."

Leshinsky started making meatballs three years ago to fuel his love of eating. Now he makes them every few months, but this is the first time he's stuffed them with mozzarella cheese.

"My wife said to fuel that love you might have to do some of the work yourself," said Leshinsky. "So I started to research making foods that I enjoy, pasta and Italian meals and meatballs; the kids love it."

Susan Cartwright, Family Advocacy Outreach manager, said the whole goal of the pasta contest was to shed light on the fact that child abuse still exists. By inviting commanders and the base community to come together for lunch and a little fun, they can pass the word along to their units and organizations to be aware of an important societal problem. She also wants people to know that Family Advocacy provides unit training that teaches personnel how to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse.

For instance, a child whose injury doesn't match the incident's explanation might warrant a second look at the situation. According to Cartwright, last year there were 15 million reported cases of child abuse nationwide. Around 50 percent of those cases are linked to a mother that was abused in a previous relationship.

"In many cases we can look at people who abuse children as people who have also been abused," said Cartwright.

Child abuse can present itself in many forms, physical, mental, sexual abuse and even neglect. According to Cartwright, the ultimate goal is to end child abuse - the first step is to talk about it.

"You can join in the conversation and be able to reflect, even if it's just for a brief moment, on the issue and hope that your small contribution is at least a step forward," said Leshinsky.

For questions about child abuse prevention or reporting, call Family Advocacy at 661-277-5292. The Mental Health and Family Advocacy office is located in Bldg. 5513.