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Massachusetts Airman named 2010 Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

  • Published
  • By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James C. Lally
  • Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
MILFORD, Mass. --  A Massachusetts Airman was honored as the 2010 Exceptional Sexual Assault Coordinator for the National Guard Bureau at an award ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon in Arlington Va., April 9, 2010.

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Lori A. Alix, Massachusetts National Guard sexual assault response coordinator, temporarily returned to the United States from an air base in Southwest Asia, where she is serving as a protocol officer with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, to receive the award.

Before receiving her award, the lieutenant met with senior leaders from the Department of Defense to discuss issues she has faced preventing and responding to sexual assaults in the field.

Although one person can make a difference in the lives of many, every Soldier and Airmen has a role in preventing and responding appropriately to sexual assault. Lieutenant Alix credited the program's success with support from the field and her command.

"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, Massachusetts National Guard adjutant general, expressed his feelings about how Lieutenant Alix's leadership has set the example and the potential benefits to the National Guard.

"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 Massachusetts National Guard's and National Guard Bureau's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness, prevention, education and victim advocacy. Members of the Massachusetts National Guard receive regularly scheduled and needs-based sexual assault prevention and response training.