The 156th Airlift Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program recognizes volunteer airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot
  • 156th Airlift Wing
MUÑIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Puerto Rico --  The 156th Airlift Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program recognized five individuals for their volunteer work and support to the program, Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, April 14.

Capt. Angela Feliciano, 156th AW sexual assault response coordinator, recognized Capt. Lynmary Zaya, Senior Airman Aurimar Gutierrez, Tech Sgt. Victor Cruz, Staff Sgt. Daniel Pagan and Airman 1st Class David Ressi for their hard work and dedication to improve the SAPR program with a certificate of appreciation. The Air Force SAPR program mission is to implement and assess policies and programs to eliminate sexual assault and empower every airman to serve as a catalyst for behavior and attitude change that fosters an environment free from sexual harassment, sexual assault and its effects.

"The reason for these recognitions is to say 'thank you' to those members who volunteered their time for the SAPR program," Feliciano said. "These members have been supporting us through various means, they have designed signs, mailed out letters, worked at different SAPR events and activities throughout the year."

Zaya and Gutierrez are victim advocates for the 156th AW SAPR program. The role of a victim advocate is to support the victim through the entire process of reporting a sexual crime and to serve as a liaison between the victim and a service provider.

"The SAPR Program is very proactive in the 156th Airlift Wing," Feliciano said. "We are here to support anyone who steps into our office. We take care of our survivors. We can give them the support they need and let them know we are here for them. We take care of our people."

The 156th AW takes sexual assault very seriously. Col. Edward Vaughan, 156th AW commander, made it clear to the entire wing that sexual crimes will not be tolerated now or ever.

"Sexual assault is a big deal," said Vaughan. "We want the 156 AW to be a very uncomfortable environment for would-be-perpetrators. We want perpetrators to know that they are not welcome at the 156th."