| |
LIZ BLANC EXCEPTIONAL SARC OF THE YEAR
The Department annually recognizes one Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) from each Military Service, its respective Reserve Component, the National Guard, and the Coast Guard. Honorees may serve on an installation, in a deployed environment, within a Reserve component, or in National Guard or Coast Guard assignments. This program recognizes individuals whose work has been particularly noteworthy and demonstrates outstanding service in support of Service members.
2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
- MSG Mitchell Staelens, U.S. Army
- Mr. Willis May, U.S. Marine Corps
- Ms. Makayla Martin, U.S. Navy
- Capt Riley Vaught, U.S. Air Force
- Capt Samantha Ferguson, U.S. Space Force
- Ms. Keyana McKinney, U.S. Army National Guard
- Ms. Jennifer Parrish, U.S. Coast Guard
|
 |
|
| |
LIZ BLANC EXCEPTIONAL SAPR VA OF THE YEAR
The Department annually recognizes on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA) from each Military Service, individuals (military or civilian) from each Military Service, its respective Reserve Component, the National Guard, and the Coast Guard who are selected as the Exceptional SAPR VA. Honorees may serve on an installation, in a deployed environment, within a Reserve component, or in National Guard or Coast Guard assignments. 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.
2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
- Ms. Yolanda Frazee, U.S. Army
- GySgt Bryan Ross, U.S. Marine Corps
- CS2 Keenan Brown, U.S. Navy
- Ms. Davina Caldwell, U.S. Air Force
- Ms. Ruth Moore, U.S. Space Force
- Ms. Julie DeRose, U.S. Coast Guard
|
|
| |
PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN PREVENTION AWARD
To support the Services in their prevention efforts, the Department uses the Promoting Excellence in Prevention Award to recognize one group or an individual from each Military Service, its respective Reserve Component, the National Guard, and the Coast Guard who contributed to or developed an idea, concept, methodology, or approach to positively impact the sexual assault prevention efforts. Honorees may serve on an installation, in a deployed environment, within a Reserve component, or in National Guard or Coast Guard assignments. This award recognizes individuals or groups whose work has been particularly noteworthy and demonstrates outstanding service in support of Service members. Policies, programs, or practices at any level of the organization are eligible activities.
Award recipients and their contributions are published each year to facilitate the sharing of information and enhance opportunities to further SAPRO’s mission to promote military readiness by eliminating sexual assault and ensuring excellence in prevention efforts.
2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
- U.S. Army – U.S. Military Academy Integrated Prevention Team: MAJ Caleb Manning, Dr. Emily Warren, Mr. Michael Polcari, Dr. Orin Strauchler, Dr. Jerry Kobylski, Mr. Matthew Giblin, MAJ Maria Liriano, SSG Lisa Timson
- U.S. Marine Corps – Mr. Carlos Burela
- U.S. Navy – Tactical Warfighter Readiness Team: Mr. Steven Pitruzzello, Mr. AJ Manalo, Mr. Derek Seiler, Ms. Christa Alston, Ms. Jennifer Steinberger, Ms. April Vasquez, Mr. Brandon Workman
- U.S. Air Force – Travis Air Force Base Integrated Resilience Office: Mr. Keith Burgess, MSgt Conesha Smith, Ms. Ashley Chappell, Ms. Camille Watkins
- U.S. Space Force – Schriever Space Force Base Prevention Workforce: Mr. Edward Vaughn, Mr. Willie Martin Jr., Ms. Kendra Kingery, Mr. Mary Devitt, Ms. Mandy Ebert
- U.S. Coast Guard – Training Center Yorktown Bystander Intervention Training Team: CSC Michael Breier, IS2 Azariah Prince, Mr. Louis Parker
|