Airman chosen as Child Advocate of Year

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) --  An Air Force master sergeant was honored as the Child Advocate of the Year at a reception held by the Child Advocates of San Antonio organization April 25.

Master Sgt. Tabitha Hendrix, the NCO in charge of the Periodontics Flight at MacKown Dental Clinic on Lackland Air Force Base, received the award given to only one individual each year who is considered an exceptional child advocate. 

The mission of CASA is to improve the lives of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect through court-appointed volunteers advocating for services and placement in safe and permanent homes.

"The individual must be someone who has no affiliation, or does not work for CASA, but because of their efforts, has impacted the lives of children in a positive way," said Tiffany Denson, the CASA program director. "She has served as a liaison between military personnel interested in becoming CASA advocates and has been instrumental in promoting CASA fundraisers."

"This award has more meaning to me than any other I have received," Sergeant Hendrix said. "Child Abuse is a hidden epidemic in our society, with approximately 1,500 deaths each year. How can I not get involved? I challenge every individual to step up and do their part." 

CASA recruits, trains and supervises the volunteers to speak on behalf of the children in foster care. CASA is part of a nationwide organization of Court Appointed Special Advocates with 920 chapters in 50 states, and 70,000 volunteers. 

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