Illinois National Guard Recognized for Sexual Assault Prevention Efforts

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Specialist

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) presented Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG), Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle, Deputy of Manpower and Personnel for the ILNG, and Sergeant Maj. Diane Rogers, the Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the ILNG, the "Moxie" Award at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on May 14 in Springfield, Illinois.

The Moxie award is presented to individuals who have done extraordinary work for survivors of sexual assault. This year's focus was on those who put "survivors first" to improve services, support and advocacy within our nation's institutions.

"It is not only rape crisis centers that are doing the work," said Polly Poskin, the executive director of the ICASA. "These are the first responders out there assisting victims and working to put a stop to sexual assault."

Poskin said the work of first responders, along with other sexual assault prevention advocates, sometimes goes unnoticed. The event today recognizes them for their efforts.

Krumrei said that when he became commander of the Illinois National Guard, he placed priority on identifying and reporting offenders.

"I told every readiness NCO, every senior leader, along with the senior enlisted advisor for the Army and Air National Guard that they are responsible for any perpetrator using and hiding behind the uniform," said Krumrei. "I made it very clear that those who choose to ignore an incident of sexual assault are just as responsible as the one committing the act and they will be disciplined as well."

Krumrei said the response to these statements has been very quick and positive throughout the ILNG.

"Though an environment of sexual assault may be 'just how it is out in the world', it will not be that way in this organization," said Krumrei. "We now have battalion commanders and platoon leaders stepping up and saying, 'this will not be the way it is in my battalion or my platoon.' We are getting there. We have more to work on, but we are better."

Krumrei said the Guard is very intentional about refusing to allow criminals to hide behind the military uniform of the United States to commit their crimes.

Poskin said that she has seen the determination by leaders in the ILNG to face sexual assault head on.

"Lieutenant Colonel Rochelle attended our 40-hour training course on sexual assault prevention and it made a difference," said Poskin. "His calm demeanor and dedication to speaking up on how we all have to take responsibility and stand up for those who need help shift the training by showing that there are a lot of allies out there."

Poskin said we need to continue to build on the mindset Rochelle showed in the course.

"We will continue to work hard in the Illinois National Guard to build upon on our relationship with ICASA and build upon our efforts to eliminate sexual assault from our ranks," said Rochelle.

There are 29 rape crisis centers throughout Illinois and these centers work closely with local organizations like the Illinois National Guard to improve upon efforts to prevent sexual assault.

"Having the National Guard take a stand against sexual assault is inspiring to others," said Poskin. "I have no doubt that their stance will continue to positively affect the efforts of others against sexual assault in this nation."

Cutline 1: Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG) speaks during a Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault Conference at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on May 14 in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) presented Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG), Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle, Deputy of Manpower and Personnel for the ILNG, and Sergeant Maj. Diane Rogers, the Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the ILNG, the "Moxie" Award.

Cutline 2: Polly Poskin, the executive director of the ICASA speaks during a Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault Conference at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on May 14 in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) presented Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG), Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle, Deputy of Manpower and Personnel for the ILNG, and Sergeant Maj. Diane Rogers, the Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the ILNG, the "Moxie" Award.

Cultine 3: Pictured here from left to right: Capt. Alana Wood of Springfield, Illinois, victim advocate coordinator for the Illinois National Guard Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program, George Pawlaczyk, reporter for the Belleville News-Democrat, Megan Jones- Williams, Convener for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei of Springfield, Illinois, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG), Polly Poskin, the executive director of the ICASA, Beth Hundsdorfer, reporter for the Belleville News-Democrat and Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle of Chatham, Illinois, Deputy of Manpower and Personnel for the ILNG pose for a photo after the award ceremony during a Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault Conference at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on May 14 in Springfield, Illinois.

See B-ROLL: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/404483/illinois-coalition-against-sexual-assault-conference-2015#.VVZaiWaPx_Y