LIZ BLANC EXCEPTIONAL SARC OF THE YEAR AWARD AND EXCEPTIONAL SAPR VA OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Department of Defense (DoD) annually recognizes individuals (military or civilian) from each military service and their respective reserve component, who are selected as the Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) either on an installation, deployed environment, or in a reserve component. This program recognizes individuals whose work has been particularly noteworthy, and demonstrates outstanding service in support of Service members. Recognition is annually completed in conjunction with outreach programs within each of the six military components each April during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM).

Contact the Services’ SHARP/SAPR program office for submission guidelines and forms:

The 2023 Liz Blanc Exceptional SARC of the Year recipients are:

  • Army: SFC Philena Perdue, Fort Novosel, AL
  • Marine Corps: Maj Sharon Rollins, Fort George F. Meade, MD
  • Navy: Ms. Katie Stratchko, NSA, Washington, D.C.
  • Air Force: Capt Brittaney Garner, Eglin Air Force Base, FL
  • Space Force: Ms. Christine Hayes, Space Force Base Delta 3, Los Angeles, CA
  • National Guard: Ms. Katherine Morsch, Minnesota National Guard, St. Paul, MN

Previous Award Winners:

Beginning in 2023, the DoD additionally recognizes individuals (military or civilian) from each military Service and their respective reserve component, who are selected as the Exceptional Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA) either on an installation, deployed environment, or in a reserve component. This program recognizes exceptional efforts of SAPR VAs who demonstrate commitment and passion for sexual assault advocacy and response for all military members affected by sexual assault.

The inaugural 2023 Liz Blanc Exceptional SAPR VA of the Year Award recipients are:

  • Army: SSG Erika Feliciano, Fort Sam Houston, TX
  • Marine Corps: 2ndLt Jason Hanna, MCB Camp Lejeune, NC
  • Navy: Ms. LaTresa Henderson, NAS Jacksonville, FL
  • Air Force: Ms. Lahella Jones, Sheppard Air Force Base, Florida
  • National Guard: Mrs. Erin Sayler, Montana National Guard, Fort Harrison, MT
  • Coast Guard: Ms. Christina Morabito, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT