Two members of Team Malmstrom receive awards for sexual assault response volunteerism

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
Two members of Team Malmstrom were recognized in an off-base awards ceremony for their roles in the Sexual Assault Survivor victim's advocate program. 

Kelly Olsen, 341st Space Wing sexual assault response alternate coordinator, and Senior Airman Timika Ferguson, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron and volunteer victim advocate, received awards April 25 during the Cascade County Family Violence Council and Voices of Hope annual "Night of Celebration" at the Black Eagle Community Center. 

"The last thing I ever expected was a tangible reward for this, a civilian one at that," Airman Ferguson said. "I am definitely humbled by this and appreciative that people have noticed my hard work and feel confident in my abilities as an advocate. This award is a motivational tool for me to continue being an active voice for change." 

The award signifies the contributions of their hard work and dedication to helping people in need of assistance in the wake of sexual assault. 

"The hardest part is removing my emotions in the moments after hearing someone's traumatic experience," Airman Ferguson said. "I naturally want to be the immediate problem solver, but as a professional, I know the legal system is reliable and in order to use it effectively, I have to stay patient and focused on making sure the sexual assault survivor feels the same way." 

While being an advocate isn't always easy, the rewards outweigh the down sides to volunteering for this cause. 

"I can feel confident I've touched someone's life in one way or another," Airman Ferguson said. "I volunteered because I wanted to help make a difference. Every time I brief someone or help a person in search of answers, I'm reminded that I am making a difference. I can definitely say this is fulfilling in the sense that I know I'm actively working to reduce the taboo of sexual assault while increasing the visibility of the SARC office and increasing awareness of sexual assault prevention." 

Airman Ferguson has been involved with the program for more than a year and feels it is important for people to make themselves aware of sexual assault prevention and the agencies that work specifically with helping survivors. 

"Sexual assault is a critical problem in society and in the military," she said. "I don't think we address it with the same urgency as some of the other important issues. I think because of this, many people have become comfortable with not speaking out and asking the important questions about sexual assault prevention. Awareness has to be our primary means of prevention and we can't spread positive information if we continue to overlook it in influential conversations." 

The actual award ceremony went well also, Airman Ferguson said. 

"Overall, I thought the ceremony was very successful," she said. "I was pleased to be able to receive an award from, and with, several influential members of the Great Falls community. The awards portion of the night was very motivating for me. To hear the personal stories of the presenters and winners really put into perspective how we all share the same common goal of violence prevention and awareness. To see so many people with the same level of commitment really confirmed for me the role each person plays is very important and necessary." 

Ms. Olsen also said she was pleased to be honored with an award. 

"I find myself very humbled by this award" Ms. Olsen said. "I am very proud of the military for implementing this program within the armed services worldwide and also to see the agencies in the community that support survivors is very encouraging." 

Ms. Olsen also volunteers her time in the community as a crisis line volunteer and a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate for Voices of Hope. 

"This experience as a whole will serve as a reminder to me that if you're driven by good and passionate about creating change, people will truly acknowledge and commend your hard work," Airman Ferguson said. 

For more information or to get involved with sexual assault prevention activities on base, call the Sexual Assault Response Office at 731-4225.