LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Team Little Rock hosted a lunch and learn in conjunction with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Jan. 8, 2026.
Human Trafficking Prevention Month began in January 2010 when President Barack Obama designated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking. This tradition has been upheld by succeeding presidents to draw attention to this modern form of exploitation.
Members of Team Little Rock collaborated with community partners, which included Arkansas Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeanna Sherrill and Assistant Attorney General Alexa Vetsch, who were invited to inform members what Arkansas was doing to prevent human trafficking and ways that members could help prevent it themselves.
“We have done multiple operations statewide where we have victim advocates there,” said Sherrill. “We offer services and help to get out of that situation.”
Sherrill emphasized that victims of trafficking can be of any age, from children to the elderly, and that trafficking takes many forms. She stressed the importance of recognizing the signs of trafficking and identifying ways to prevent it, such as maintaining awareness of online activity.
“Snapchat, gaming sites or any site that has a messaging platform, if you have kids, you need to be watching those sites,” said Vetsch. “They’re playing a game and someone messages them and they’re like, ‘let’s talk, let’s go here, send me a picture.’ Be aware how quickly this can develop into internet crimes against children.”
The event concluded with a panel discussion in which audience members had the opportunity to ask subject matter experts, including representatives from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, questions on the topic.
As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month continues throughout January, events like this lunch and learn serve to reinforce the community’s role in recognizing and preventing human trafficking, both online and offline.
Awareness, education and collaboration among military members, families and local partners remain critical tools in identifying the signs of exploitation and supporting efforts to protect vulnerable individuals.
.