April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month; Illinois National Guard Program Teaches Prevention While Teaching Response Techniques

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/03/2012)(readMedia)-- In a recent episode of ABC's Private Practice, a Soldier returning from Afghanistan was forced to deal with events that occurred while he was deployed overseas. After the fictional character attempted suicide, it is evident more aggressive methods of treatment are needed to help the Soldier who is trying to cope with returning to civilian life, as well as a sexual assault that occurred overseas.

In real life, sexual assault within the ranks of the military is not a new problem. It is, however, a problem that has made it necessary for the military to conduct its own annual reporting on the crisis.

"Illinois was one of the first states to take the situation seriously and hire a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) full-time to address and implement the state's program," said Master Sgt. Christy Sipes of Rushville, who was the first SARC the Illinois National Guard hired full-time to manage the program. "It has evolved rapidly over the past five years, but the message remains that sexual assault is an important topic that commanders must address."

In 2011, there were 160 reports of sexual assault in the National Guard. In Illinois there were eight sexual assaults and two sexual harassment cases reported. Although assaults mostly occur while Soldiers are in non-duty status, victims assaulted during deployments often report the incident upon returning to their home state.

Since the inception of the sexual assault programs in 2005, the Illinois National Guard responded to 29 reported incidents of sexual assaults. Some of the incidents occurred prior to the Soldier joining or transferring in the Illinois National Guard.

"People are coming forward knowing their chain of command will have their backs," said Kim Schaefle of Warrenville, the assistant sexual assault response coordinator with the Illinois National Guard. "Sexual assault prevention has become a major priority for the Illinois National Guard."

While there are no easy ways to deal with the trauma of sexual assault, there are many resources available throughout the military, and more are being developed to insure the victim is protected and assisted in recovery.

The National Guard is in a unique position because most of the reported assaults did not take place during duty hours, therefore not providing the program any latitude for proper reporting, said Sipes. Illinois is a victim supportive state with many programs available to victims of violent crime, which is a tool that is frequently used. Illinois is fortunate to have these programs to help offset the cost of lost wages and clothing during an assault. The clothes and items become evidence and therefore the person loses them, Sipes added.

All Soldiers have to complete Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention training annually. The Illinois Army National Guard is leading the nation in training compliance.

"Our main goal in this annual class is to let the Soldiers know about the reporting options that are available to them if they are a victim of sexual assault," said Sgt Maj. Diane S. Rogers of Girard, Illinois Army National Guard's SARC. "The two options are restricted and unrestricted reporting. Most do not know that they have an option."

The Illinois National Guard is a microcosm of society. Although the military is typically held to a higher standard, assaults occur in the military ranks just like they do in the civilian sector. The Illinois National Guard has made it a priority to make sure assistance is available for victims.

"We also want the Soldier to know that there is help for them if they are a victim of sexual assault," Rogers said. "The SARCs and Unit Victim Advocates and Chaplains are here for them."

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and commits to raising awareness and promoting the prevention of sexual violence through use of special events and public education.

"This is an issue that must not be limited to one month a year," Rogers said. "It is an ongoing problem that must get better and it is up to everyone in the military to make sure they are doing their part to prevent, report and support."

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs/ Theresa Duncan a trauma nurse specialist, sexual assault nurse examiner with St. Johns Hospital in Springfield speaks to nearly 70 Soldiers with the Illinois National Guard attending the two week Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention training Feb. 23 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield. The Soldiers met with a panel of sexual assault response experts from the Springfield area.

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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COMEDY COMPETITION STANDS UP TO DIABETES

Davenport, IA  Mar 6, 2012 - Iowa and Illinois comedians will raise money and awareness for the Eastern Iowa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with a night of standup comedy and competition in this year's Comedy For A Cause 3 - Last QC Comic Standing, April 13^th at The Establishment Theatre.  Tickets for finals will cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door, with all proceeds going to support the Eastern Iowa JDRF.

For the third year, DubStar has called upon area comedians to lend a helping hand to the Eastern Iowa branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Last QC Comic Standing is the area's only LOCALLY produced comedy competition.   This year, the event injects a new level of excitement with a competition format.  Forty comics competed over four weeks to earn one of ten spots in the finals.

The finals will be held Friday, April 13^th at The Establishment Theater.  The top ten will perform for local judges Tony Tone from the Red Hot Brian Scott & Tony Tone in the Morning on B100, Entertainment Editor for the the Quad City Times - David Burke, Local headlining comedian - Jim Petersen, and local retailer and JDRF parent - Bob Boyer.  These judges will narrow the field from ten to three, and then name a champion.  Tickets for finals will cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door, with all proceeds going to support the Eastern Iowa JDRF.  Tickets can be purchased through The Establishment Theatre's box office:  by Phone: 309.786.1111 or on the web at: www.EstablishmentTheatre.com.

"The Establishment is very excited to be hosting Comedy For a Cause 3 - Last QC Comic Standing," says Patrick  Adamson, General Manager of The Establishment.  "It is important to support JDRF and DubStar, two organizations working to make a difference in our community.  There is no better way to make an impact than to share some laughter for a cause."

JDRF is a leader in setting the agenda for diabetes research worldwide, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease which strikes children and adults suddenly and requires multiple injections of insulin daily or a continuous infusion of insulin through a pump.   According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 25.8 million people in the United States, 8.3% of the population, have diabetes, with 7 million going undiagnosed.

DubStar is an amateur fundraising group founded in 2008 by Tony Boyer and Chris Starman; both have histories related to helping diabetics. DubStar's mission is to make a positive impact on deserving charities or groups, through fun and unique ways; "Party With A Purpose".  In February, DubStar hosted Minute 2 Win It, a recreation of the popular TV game show that raised funds for the Quad Cities Autism Center.  Additional information can be found at the DubStar website, www.facebook.com/DubStarQC.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/03/2012)(readMedia)--

WHO:

• Illinois National Guard chaplains, community clergy and the Partners in Care program

WHAT:

• The training is designed to raise awareness among community religious leaders about the challenges faced by servicemembers and their families, with a focus on deployment related issues such as anger management, suicide prevention, military marriages, and church and community support for the military.

• Partners in Care is a program dedicated to providing servicemembers community resources through local congregations.

WHEN/WHERE:

Date Location Time

April 10 Joliet Armory; 2900 W. Jefferson St., Joliet 9 a.m.

April 12 Chicago Armory; 5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago 9 a.m.

April 17 Mount Vernon Armory; 205 7th St., Mount Vernon 9 a.m.

April 18 Elgin Armory; 254 Raymond St., Elgin 9 a.m.

April 25 Camp Lincoln Illinois Military Academy, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield 9 a.m.

WHY:

• The goal of Partners in Care is to provide military personnel with local community support in their geographical area.

• There are 72 congregations across Illinois that are part of the organization, which was started in fall 2009.

• Faith group leaders will receive pertinent information to minister, not only to military personnel, but to the community.

**All are encouraged to attend. For further information, please contact Chaplain Lambert at vincent.lambert@us.army.mil or 773-406-5183.

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Le Claire, Iowa, April 2, 2012 - Mississippi River Distilling Company invites the public to come to LeClaire on Friday evening, April 6, from 5:30-8:00 PM for our First Friday Feature!  We'll do an abbreviated tour at 6 pm and 7 pm.  There will also be specials on bottles of River Baron Artisan Spirit, River Rose Gin and River Pilot Vodka.  The entire evening is free and is the perfect opportunity to join us in LeClaire to kick off the holiday weekend!

Each First Friday is an open house social evening with special cocktails prepared just for the evening and food prepared with MRDC products for tasting.  Spirited Chef Stephanie Godke will prepare Seafood Soup made with River Rose Gin and a Mud and Rocks Cake featuring River Baron Artisan Spirit in a caramel, creamy cake with chocolate chips and toffee bits.  The signature cocktails for the evening are the Sparkling Rose and LeClaire Spring Punch.  The Sparkling Rose is a mixture of River Rose Gin, frozen lemonade concentrate and champagne.  The LeClaire Spring Punch combines River Pilot Vodka with Chambord, sweet and sour mix and a splash of champagne.  Both are refreshing sippers on any bright spring day!  All recipes can be found on our website, www.mrdistilling.com.

Mississippi River Distilling Company was also recently handed a big honor when named as one of the best in the nation when it comes to fine gin.  MRDC's River Rose Gin received a Gold Medal from TheFiftyBest.com after its Premium Gin Tasting.  River Rose tied for sixth place in the completion behind other big names such as Tanqueray and Hendrick's.  In total, 24 gins competed for the title of best gin.

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

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