Victim Advocate Stands up for Sexual Assault Awareness

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. , Dec. 18, 2013 — Tech. Sgt. Takisha Thompson, National Reconnaissance Office unit education and training manager, is this week's Warrior of the Week.

The California native is responsible for formal, ancillary and upgrade training for the military and civilian personnel in her unit. She is also a victim advocate for the National Capital Region Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.

Thompson joined the Air Force in 1998 for many of the traditional reasons service members cite when asked about their motives for enlistment.

"I joined the Air Force for the opportunity to travel, the education benefits and experience that comes with the job," said Thompson. "I was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom from Sep. to Dec. in 2002."

Thompson was assigned to the NCR in Oct. 2011 and became a victim advocate soon afterward.

She is being recognized for her outstanding service and dedication to the NCR SAPR program and the community. Her participation in coordinating six events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month greatly increased Team Andrews' awareness of sexual assault prevention and response.

Her efforts were instrumental in coordinating the SAPR Stand-Down Day for 25 geographically-separated units. Her innovational contributions included creating a newsletter that allows the growing number of victims' advocates to stay informed of updates, occurrences and training within the sexual assault prevention and response realm.

Additionally, she was the primary point of contact for creating the annual SAPR holiday video production.

When not on duty, Thompson enjoys running, half-marathons and spending time with her children.