Story by Maj. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
[caption id="attachment_29779" align="alignleft" width="182"]
Master Sgt. Marissa Lowe receives the Charles R. Lay Victim Advocate of the Year award during a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky. March 28, 2019. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexa Becerra)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Citizens across the Commonwealth gathered together in the capitol to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month March 28, 2019.
Among those honored in the Rotunda were Master Sgt. Marissa Lowe who serves as the Victim Advocate Representative to the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade in Frankfort, Ky.
"On behalf of our Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stephen Hogan, I am proud to recognize this year's winner of the Kentucky National Guard's Charles R. Lay Victim Advocate of the Year award to Master Sgt. Marissa Lowe, for her outstanding contributions as a victim advocate," said Lt. Col. Scott Thomas, Director of Military Families support office.
[caption id="attachment_29778" align="alignright" width="232"]
Master Sgt. Marissa Lowe is recognized for her efforts as a Victim Advocate for the Kentucky National Guard as part of a ceremony kicking off Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky. March 28, 2019. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alexa Becerra)
Marissa distinguished herself by obtaining her civilian victim advocate credentialing and always making herself available for those who were impacted by sexual violence. Her display of compassion, whether providing group training, guidance, or assisting victims with support, ensured that no one deals with incidents of sexual violence on their own."
In addition to being recognized during the declaration ceremony, Master Sgt Lowe also received a trophy at the awards banquet held at the Capital Plaza Hotel later in the evening.