MILFORD, Mass., - A Massachusetts Air National Guard member was honored as the 2010 Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for the National Guard Bureau at an award ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes April 9.
At the ceremony, Gail H. McGinn, the deputy under secretary of defense for plans, presented the award to Air Force 2nd Lt. Lori A. Alix, the SARC for Massachusetts, who temporarily returned to the United States from Kuwait, where she has been serving as a protocol officer with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Before receiving her award, Alix met with senior leaders from the Department of Defense to discuss issues that she has faced preventing and responding to sexual assaults in the field.
“I am truly honored to have been selected to represent the National Guard as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator of the year,” she said. “However, the true recognition goes to my state command for their program support, as well, as the Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard for their responsiveness to training.”
Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter, the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, said Alix’s leadership has set the example for other junior officers.
“I am proud that 2nd Lt. Alix was chosen to receive this well-deserved honor,” he said. “The award underscores her unequaled commitment, professionalism and service as our SARC, all of which serves as a model for her peers to emulate.”
The purpose of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is to reinforce the National Guard Bureau’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness, prevention education and victim advocacy.
Guard officials said members of the Massachusetts National Guard receive regularly scheduled and needs-based sexual assault prevention and response training.