Latisha Brossard was selected as the Army’s nominee for the Department of Defense’s 2021 Liz Blanc Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator of the Year Award.
DoD annually recognizes individuals from each military service and their respective reserve component for this honor. The program is designed to recognize individuals whose work has been particularly noteworthy and demonstrates outstanding service in support of Service members.
Brossard, who serves as the SARC for U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s 32nd Medical Brigade at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, was nominated by her commander, Col. Wesley J.L. Anderson, for “flawless support to sexual assault victims, and the successful implementation of the brigade’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.”
Brossard analyzed and collected five years of historical data, pulled command climate surveys, observed in-person training, and assessed the organizational climate in order to identify the causes of high sexual assault rates. She then developed courses of action to make the changes necessary to prevent sexual assault in the command. Within the first quarter, her efforts resulted in a 63% decrease in sexual assault cases.
“That seemingly insurmountable decrease of sexual offenses created a positive impact within the brigade,” said Anderson. “It boosted overall morale and fostered an environment of dignity and respect for all.”
“We are very proud of Mrs. Brossard’s accomplishments and her commitment to eliminating sexual assault from our Army,” said Dr. James Helis, Director, Army Resilience Directorate.
Brossard also developed out-of-the-box training initiatives to ensure training was engaging, interactive, and effective. She implemented activities such as interactive game-based training, scenario-based facilitation, and role-play exercises. Her creativity reduced redundancy and lessened training fatigue, according to Anderson.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she also coordinated follow-on care with community resources (i.e., sexual trauma centers, hospitals, shelters, etc.), both in person and virtually to ensure victims’ needs were met.
Maj. Gen. Dennis P. LeMaster, Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, nominated Brossard to represent TRADOC for her professionalism and judgment in creating an environment for positive change.
Brossard, a North Carolina native, enlisted in the Army upon graduating high school. She served for 25 years to include two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Social Sharing