Page 4 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, June 2022

4
June 2022 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews
Desert Lightning News
Walk the Dragon’s halls
SArCs
(from Page 1)
In order to certify that SARCs are trained and armed with the tools they need to pro- vide comprehensive victim care and support, SARCs from across the services receive training and certification in victim-centered care through the DOD Sexual Assault Ad- vocate Certification Program.
Preventing a sexual assault from occur- ring in the first place is also a department priority. Towards this, the department has increased its focus and effort on preventing sexual assault through ongoing initiatives including releasing the Prevention Plan of Action, publishing an integrated violence- prevention policy and establishing a preven- tion community of practice which features the first-ever prevention workforce.
Recipients of this year’s awards represent the thousands of service members and civil- ians dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response across the department, said Dr. Andra Tharp, the senior prevention advisor for the department’s Office of Force Resiliency and SAPRO.
“The efforts made by this year’s recipients, support the work being done by the depart- ment to reduce and stop sexual assault in the military community,” said Tharp. “Their work is critical to creating and sustaining an environment of dignity, respect, inclusive- ness, and connectedness to advance readi- ness and warfighting capability.”
Among the six award recipients from across the services, and representing the Air Force, was DM’s U.S. Air Force Capt. Vikki Flores of the 355th Wing, named as a 2022 Liz Blanc Exceptional SARC of the Year Award winner.
By Staff Sgt. KRISTINe LegATe and 1st Lt. DOROThY SheRWOOD
355th Wing Public Affairs
Memorial Day is a time to commemorate the American heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great nation. Their bravery is something to never forget.
At the 357th Fighter Squadron, Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, a display case dedicated to honoring Dragons of the past was recently unveiled by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joel Bier, 357th FS commander. Now, every student, pilot, instructor and Airmen that walk the halls will be reminded of their predecessors’ courage to keep America free.
Lights around the top of the display case give these heroes’ artifacts and photos a renewed sense of life illuminating the past.
“I like that all of these items on display are no longer in a box,” said Bier. “They now have a place where everyone can see them and be reminded of their story.”
Over 77 years of history has been preserved in the display case showing a Steeple Morden Strafers’ aviator goggles from World War II, to a Vietnam War Wild Weasel pilot’s map depicting North Vietnam.
“They were humans with families that did extraordinary things,” said George Tinseth, 355th Wing historian. “What the Airmen
Photo by Staff Sgt. Kristine Legate
An Airman from the 355th takes a mo- ment to view the new display in the halls of the 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The display offers an opportunity to stop and reflect and pays tribute to those who now live on forever in the hearts of the 355th.
are inheriting are the conflicts and missions these people did that paved the way for us, and shouldn’t be forgotten.”
Tinseth designed and setup the display case to honor these Wingmen and pass on their history to future generations.
This display case is a memorial that is not just paying tribute for a day or a weekend, but gives these brave men and women who fought for our country a way to live forever in our thoughts and remember we are fortunate for coming home.
prevention and response across the depart- ment, and also recognized the dedicated individuals who provide critical victim care and support as well as those working toward a prevention-focused community.
Since 2009, the department has annually recognized one SARC from each military service and within the National Guard for the Liz Blanc Exceptional SARC of the Year Award. The award recognizes innova- tive achievements contributing to unique and exceptional victim response within the military community.
Dr. Nathan Galbreath, the acting director for DOD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, highlighted the importance of the award and echoed his appreciation for SARCs who take on these challenging roles.
“Having the opportunity to recognize these silent warriors for their work in sup- porting service members is a true honor,” Galbreath said. “Fostering a support system that meets the needs of all victims is chal- lenging. It takes constant attention, hard work and focus. Everyone who will receive this award is an example of that hard work; they know the true meaning of taking care of our own.”
The role of the SARC is important, Galbreath said, because SARCs serve as the single point of contact for integrat- ing and institutionalizing sexual assault victim care in the field, from the initial report through case conclusion. The SARC has the profound role of ensuring a support system is in place for all victims.
1st Dental Care LLC
EmErgEnCiEs ACCEptED
nEw pAtiEnts wELComE
prEvEntAtivE
• Sealants • Cleanings • Exams
rEstorAtivE
• Crowns/Bridges
• Dentures/Repairs
• Root Canals
• Oral Surgery (Extraction)
• Implants
CosmEtiC
• Bleaching
• Bondings
• PorcelainVeneers
• ToothColoredFilings
Most Insurance Accepted Including Delta Dental & Military Insurance Conscious Sedation Available
General Reconstructive & Cosmetic Dentistry L. Bui, D.D.S • D. Danivas, D.D.S
459-5166 1stdentalcare.net
Se Habla Español
Saturday Appointments Available
Fry Blvd
n
Foothills Dr
1150 S Hwy 92, Ste A
Sierra Vista, AZ
Services Provided By An Arizona Licensed General Dentist
Take classes
this summer and
get ahead!
8-week classes begin June 14.
See our course offerings for the summer and fall at pima.edu/dmafb.
Register now! VA and military benefits accepted
Pima Community College | Davis-Monthan AFB Education Center
5355 E. Granite St., Bldg. 2441, Suite 100 | 520.206.4866 dmec@pima.edu | pima.edu/dmafb
520.206.4500 | pima.edu
Hwy 92