ALCOAST 215/24 - MAY 2024 2024 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN PREVENTION AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

R 091727Z MAY 24 MID120001094714U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 215/24
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: 2024 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN PREVENTION
AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT
1. This ALCOAST announces the 2024 Department of Defense Promoting
Excellence in Prevention Award recipient.
    a. The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals
(military or civilian) from each military service to include
the US Coast Guard, who have exceled in promoting prevention
of sexual assault activities within their area of responsibility
(AOR). Though conceived as promoting prevention of sexual assault,
the US Coast Guard's Integrated Primary Prevention office encouraged
wider consideration of primary prevention activities to include
healthy communication, healthy relationships, and positive command
climate efforts. This wider view recognizes that strengthening
skills in these areas can contribute to the eradication of sexual
assault and other harmful behaviors.
2. The first 2024 Department of Defense Promoting Excellence in
Prevention Award recipient is Ms. Marta L. Wiecha-Swierczek, the
Atlantic Area (LANTAREA) Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion Officer.
Her comprehensive efforts reflect primary prevention best practices
including promoting healthy climates based on dignity, respect, and
inclusion, while providing enduring protective factor building
opportunities that increase one’s sense of belonging and overall
well-being. She exceled at creating dedicated channels for people
to share concerns, ideas, and best practices in both anonymous
(i.e., customized surveys) and face-to-face settings (listening
sessions) to build a stronger and more resilient workforce. As a
champion of the latest LANTAREA Defense Organizational Climate
Survey (DEOCS), she analyzed the data and created an action plan and
tracker to organize over 150 recommendations for improvement from
the workforce. She then organized and led the DEOCS Review Team to
brainstorm ideas and solutions to the top 7 areas of concern.
Her regularly scheduled and enduring "We Talk" series opened
dialogue and fostered mutual respect which built trust and empathy
amongst team members. These positive outcomes contributed to a
workplace culture that actively works against sexual assault and
other harmful behaviors by promoting respect, empathy,
connectedness, and cohesion.
3. Presentation of the 2024 Excellence in Prevention Award will
occur at a ceremony held at the Pentagon on May 21, 2024.
4. POC: IPP Program Manager, Dr. Felicia Garland-Jackson
(Felicia.Garland-Jackson@uscg.mil).
5. RADM Dana Thomas, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-life
(CG-1K), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.