SARC open house helps victims

  • Published
  • By Minty Knighton
  • Team Eglin
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eglin Air Force Base family advocate and community organizations came together for the Sexual Assault Response Center open house on April 30. 

The event was held not only to educate visitors about the SARC mission, but also to recognize victim advocates. Eglin advocacy organizations and SARC community partners were recognized for their dedication and outstanding achievement. 

In addition to 96th Air Base Wing leadership support, the program has received support from numerous base organizations, including legal services, 96th Medical Group, Family Readiness, Health and Wellness Center and local community advocate organizations. 

"As leaders we have to support programs like these," said Col. Kirk Kloeppel, commander for the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Division. "I'm a firm believer of supporting those who make a difference and who are making a great program." 

During the open house, Capt. Charri Leonard stood before a group of about 40 attendees and told the story about an Airman who, two weeks before her wedding, decided to have fun with some friends. A little partying turned into a little drinking. A little drinking led to a compromising situation. She passed out. One by one, her so-called friends tried to take advantage of her. If it wasn't for one person in the group taking a stand and coming to her rescue the story could have been tragic. 

Captain Leonard revealed she was that Airman. Unfortunately, her story is a common one. 

Debbie Allen, base SARC coordinator, and her team spent four years making sure the SARC is postured and ready to assist and aid victims. The Eglin SARC program success lies in the combination of thorough victim advocate training, and base-wide and community outreach. 

"When I recruited victim advocates, I didn't just want them to respond to a call, but each had to take responsibility," said Ms. Allen. 

She added that the training is intense. It is a five-day long training that includes reviewing policies, studying facts and discussing the true realties of the program. 

"First day is a hard day," said Ms. Allen. "I can usually tell then which persons will remain."

Next is legal discussion and then offsite training, usually with a shelter house. The fourth day is medical day, where advocates are taught what to expect and how to inform victims of rape examinations. Eglin is the only base with a trained rape examiner on site. 

The last day is self-care; what to do, what not to do, what forms to fill out and how to interact with law officials and persons within areas of responsibility. 

"Training is some of the best I've ever gotten," said Staff Sgt. Griselea Gonzalez, Eglin SARC victim advocate and document control supervisor for the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"It [training] opened my eyes to a lot of stereotypes," said victim advocate Staff Sgt. James Stinson, munitions controller for the 46th Maintenance Squadron. "The program has benefited me and I tell a lot of my male friends. I have a daughter and I couldn't imagine this."

In addition to base legal and medical services, victim advocates are also taught how to utilize other base advocate organizations like the Airman Family and Readiness Center, the Eglin Health and Wellness Center and off-base community organizations. 

"We all have our niche and try to keep a healthy environment for Eglin," said Melissa Brannon, Dietician for Eglin's Health and Wellness Center. 

Ms. Allen, who recently won the Secretary of the Air Force SARC Coordinator of the Year award, will be transitioning to headquarter SARC at Air Combat Command. She has been the Eglin SARC coordinator for four years and started the program from the ground up. She's excited about her new position and believes the Eglin SARC is doing well and will continue to prosper. 

"No doubt the SARC will be strong even after my departure," said Ms. Allen.