Marine Corps Exceptional Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate of the Year Award Winner

1. Purpose. To announce the winner of the inaugural Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) Exceptional Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA) of the Year Award.
2.  Background. Across the Marine Corps, more than 1,330 uniformed and civilian SAPR VAs stand ready 24/7 365 days a year to support and advocate for those who experience a sexual assault. The HQMC Exceptional SAPR VA of the Year Award recognizes those who have provided outstanding service to those who have experienced sexual assault and in support of the SAPR program in their area of responsibility.
3.  Congratulations to Captain James J. Hurton from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island on being selected as the 2018 winner of the Exceptional SAPR VA of the Year Award.
4.  Captain Hurton was instrumental in improving SAPR processes in a complex environment servicing both Marines and a high volume of recruits. His innovative approach ensured numerous future Marines were provided access to services for the events that occurred prior to their enlistment. Most notably, Captain Hurton developed a method in which recruits could write a letter to the SAPR program to discretely request to speak with a SAPR VA.
5.  Competition was particularly keen and resulted in a high number of nominations. All nominees are commended for their outstanding service and commitment to the SAPR program.
6.  The winner and other nominees will be featured on marines.mil, Marine Corps Community Services Forward, in the SAPR Monthly Snapshot, and Marine Corps social media.
7.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 1 September 2019.
8.  Release authorized by M. C. Balocki, Director, Marine and Family Programs Division.