BISMARCK, N.D. — A North Dakota National Guard employee was recognized yesterday for her work as a prominent advocate against domestic violence in the community and within the state’s military ranks by receiving the 2011 Dakotah Cassandra award at the Doublewood Inn, Bismarck, N.D.
Heather Mattson works full-time as the sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, for the North Dakota National Guard. An audience of peers from the North Dakota Council on Abused Women’s Services and Coalition Against Sexual Assault in North Dakota (NDCAWS/CASAND) honored Mattson during their 6th Annual Unity Month Conference. Mattson is a contract employee with Military Personnel Services Corporation (MPSC).
“Heather’s outstanding achievement complements our organization’s No. 1 priority — taking care of Soldiers, Airmen and their Families,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “I am extremely proud of how she supports our communities and military members. This award underscores our commitment to making sure our Guardsmen are offered assistance and safe haven if faced with problems involving domestic violence or abuse.”
The Dakotah Cassandra award celebrates professionals who have worked in communities around the state to combat violence against women.
As the North Dakota National Guard’s SARC, Mattson has trained more than 40 unit victim advocates within the organization. In these roles, Guardsmen assist victims of sexual assault by helping them throughout the medical, pastoral, judicial and law enforcement processes that take place after an assault.
Additionally, Mattson briefs military personnel on implementation processes for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention.
Mattson attended the University of North Dakota where she obtained her undergraduate degree in social work in 2009. She continued her education earning her master’s degree in 2010. Mattson also holds licensure as a licensed certified social worker.
During her graduate studies, she interned at the Fargo Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in the Military Sexual Trauma program. As part of her internship, Mattson organized and implemented the “Clothesline Project,” which is a visual display of t-shirts created by victims to share their stories about the impact of sexual violence. The t-shirts were displayed at the VA Medical Center and at the 119th Wing in Fargo, N.D.
“Heather is a consummate professional in all that she does. She continually demonstrates her commitment to advocacy by working to end violence against men, women and children,” said Chief Warrant Officer Shelly Sizer, the sexual assault response coordinator team lead for the North Dakota National Guard’s Service Member and Family Support division. “She is assertive in her efforts to educate others, yet she remains professional in her approach to difficult situations. She is a true advocate to survivors, continually looking for ways to improve both civilian and military systems for their cause.”
In April, Mattson worked with the North Dakota Governor’s office to develop a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The proclamation was signed by North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple at a formal ceremony at the capitol building April 20. The “Clothesline Project” was incorporated into the signing event where audience members could view one of the displays. The clotheslines were later on display at eight North Dakota National Guard armories around the state.
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Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 3,800 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, about 225 North Dakota Guardsmen are serving overseas while more than 4,000 remain in the state for emergency response and national defense. For every 10,000 citizens in North Dakota, 65 serve in the North Dakota National Guard, a rate that’s more than four times the national average.
High resolution photos available on Flickr "Mattson Recognized"