SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/22/2014)(readMedia)-- CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Hiller of McCullom Lake, Illinois, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, was recognized for her work as the U.S. Army Central senior (USARCENT) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) from May to September 2014.

"As the senior SARC, Hiller provided critical guidance and information related to the Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) program to 18 brigade-level SARCs throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," said Maj. Marvin Brown, USARCENT SHARP manager.

Hiller served as the USARCENT senior SARC from May to September 2014, while also serving as the 108th Sustainment Brigade SARC.

"She epitomizes the noncommissioned officer corps," said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general of USARCENT. "I've come to depend on her expertise and her candor, telling me as a commander what I need to know. This allows commanders throughout USARCENT to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the SHARP program in their units and the organization as a whole."

Terry said the SHARP program continues to improve as Soldiers become better trained and educated on what support is available and how sexual assault and harassment will not be tolerated within the military.

Hiller was one of the first unit victim advocates in the Illinois National Guard. She served in Illinois working with the Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, aiding Soldiers seeking assistance from the SHARP program. When she joined the 108th prior to the unit's deployment, she was assigned as the brigade's SARC. Two months after arriving in Kuwait she was selected to serve as USARCENT SARC, in addition to serving the brigade.

Hiller said the opportunity to serve as USARCENT SARC was both an honor and a privilege.

"I started as a unit victim advocate to help Soldiers in my unit. Now I'm in the position to help Soldiers throughout USARCENT," said Hiller. "Sexual assault and harassment prevention are a priority for Army leaders. It's our job as SARCs to provide assistance and care to victims and help them through a difficult recovery process."

While Hiller served as SARC, she worked with units across USARCENT to train and educate not only Soldiers, but leaders and command teams. While holding SHARP summits, she gave leaders insight on how to combat sexual assault and harassment at the unit level and the importance of their role as leaders to the SHARP program.

"When Soldiers and leaders understand what sexual assault and harassment are, they can help create an environment where they can identify and stop possible incidents," said Hiller. "Intervention and strong positive leadership lessen the chance of incidents."

Hiller added she has made a difference helping Soldiers by providing training and guidance to leaders to help future generations.

"She dramatically increased the effectiveness of the USARCENT SHARP Program through a strategic approach to providing victim support," said Brown. "Her expertise and guidance were critical in drafting and updating USARCENT SHARP policies and procedures."

Brown said Hiller is a dynamic and innovative trainer and conducted highly effective training sessions for units throughout Kuwait.

"Sgt. 1st Class Hiller's passion for helping victims and changing the culture of sexual assault and sexual harassment is second to none and she has certainly left the U.S. ARCENT SHARP Program better than it was when she arrived," said Brown.

Prior to deploying, Hiller served as the full-time victim advocate coordinator for the Illinois Army National Guard. Upon her return to Illinois, Hiller hopes to find employment that will allow her to engage her skills and experience to continue assisting victims and educating leaders to ensure a workplace free of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"Sexual harassment and assault of any nature is a crime and not in line with the Army values. It will not be tolerated," said Terry. "It is the dedication and tireless effort of Soldiers like Sgt. 1st Class Hiller who ensure the improvement of the SHARP program to prevent incidents and help the victims."

(Rock Island, IL) -Allison McGraw, Davenport, was presented a Nation of Neighbors^SM check for $2,250 to help her continue her work with "Fishing Has No Boundaries" (FHNB), a non-profit organization that introduces the sport of fishing to individuals with disabilities.

Allison founded the Eastern Iowa chapter of FHNB in honor of her father and sister, both of whom have disabilities that make it difficult to enjoy the outdoors. She single-handedly appointed a board of directors, obtained sponsors, wrote grant requests, organized fund-raising events, recruited volunteers, and purchased supplies to ensure the organization would thrive. She plans to use these funds from Royal Neighbors' empowerment program to purchase additional fishing supplies and ramps and expand her outreach so that more individuals will have the opportunity to learn to fish.

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1.5 million to nearly 1,200 families and individuals to reach their goals and rebuild their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates Royal Neighbors' vision of protecting women financially and empowering them to improve their lives, families, and communities, the philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded more than a century ago.

Through the 2014 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities.

About Royal Neighbors

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, empowers women to meet the needs of their families with annuities and life insurance products such as whole life, term, final expense, and universal life. One of the most financially secure insurance carriers in the industry, it has the financial strength and stability to ensure its nearly 200,000 members are protected when the expected, and unexpected, happen. In addition to insurance products, Royal Neighbors provides member benefits at no additional cost which currently include scholarship opportunities, health and retail discounts, and participation in volunteer activities that give back to communities through the organization's local chapters. Royal Neighbors' philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Royal Neighbors is headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ. For more information, visit www.royalneighbors.org or call (800) 627-4762.

Downtown Davenport, Iowa, sparkles during the annual Quad City Arts Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter from Nov. 21-30. Festival of Trees features many beautiful, uniquely designed trees, stunning designer displays, handcrafted stockings and ornaments, a variety of miniature designs, special events, model train display, gingerbread village, and the North Pole children's activity center. Don't miss the magic!

There are additional ticketed events that happen in conjunction with the Festival of Trees. There is the Silver Bell Social for seniors, Grand Premiere Party, Sizzlin' Soiree for a girls night out, Sugarplum Ball for dads and daughters, Celebrity Lunch, Jingle Jam teen dance, and Family Days for military families. The Afternoon Adventure is a new children's event to have fun in the frozen winter wonderland.

The Festival of Trees Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 22 features over 20 large helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, the Distinguished Clown Corps, and participation from over 50 organizations. There are more balloons than Macy's! The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and goes through the streets of downtown Davenport.

Come to the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline, Illinois, on Nov. 22 and enjoy the free Lighting on the Commons ceremony from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride; meet Santa and Mrs. Claus; listen to carolers; and warm-up with hot cocoa and cookies. Join in the festivities as nearly 1/2 million lights and fireworks brighten the skies at 5:45 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Cirque de la Symphonie returns for this year's Holiday Pops at the Adler Theatre in Davenport on Nov. 21-22 at 8 p.m. The Holiday Pops includes three performances, including a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday perfect for the whole family. Artists include aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, and more. Performances also include the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Quad City Symphony Youth Choir, and the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church.

Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Celebration Belle on Nov. 21 made festive with a family-oriented Christmas show with music, dance, and holiday food favorites.

Back by popular demand, Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written including "Happy Holiday", "Sisters", "Blue Skies" and, of course, the legendary title song! Based on the popular movie, this musical promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family! White Christmas performance dates are Nov. 7 - Dec. 28.

• Nov 29 - Quad City Mallards Hockey Game at the iWireless Center
• Nov 28-30 - Julmarknad is the annual Swedish Christmas Market taking place in the historic village of Bishop Hill. Seasonal Swedish folk characters roam the village and there is music and food
• Nov 28-30 - Christmas Craft Fair with over 180 vendors at the QCCA Expo Center
• Nov 29 - Tribute to the Bee Gees concert at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center at 7:30 p.m
• Nov 30 - Enjoy the historic buildings decorated at the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village Christmas Walk with crafts, refreshments, and more. Free admission
• Nov 30 - Pianist Jim McDonough performs a Holiday Grande production with an orchestra and singers at the Adler Theatre
• Quad City Arts' Festival of Trees continues through Sunday