Airman recognized in Wichita for community service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
WICHITA, Kan. --  Being "on-call" means, at a moment's notice, everything must be put aside for something greater; whether it's work, a meeting, providing special care, or an emergency. 

For Staff Sgt. Philip Simon, 22nd Operations Group, being on-call as a victim advocate for McConnell and volunteering in the Wichita community allows him to live a humble lifestyle for his efforts. The Wichita/Sedgwick County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coalition recognized him as a "Champion of Respect" at the Wichita City Arts center, Oct. 30, for his dedication to a social justice movement. 

"I nominated Sergeant Simon because of his incredible involvement in the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program," said Lynn Emond, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "His dedication and willingness to conduct SAPR training helped McConnell reach 100 percent of its people trained." 

Sergeant Simon spent 840 on-call hours dedicated to providing assistance to the victims of assault crimes. He raised awareness through education and advocacy by holding more than 20 presentations for the 22nd Operations Group on how bystanders can intervene to prevent these crimes from starting. 

"I am a part of the SARC program because it's part of a social justice movement that I believe in," said Sergeant Simon. "The tenet of the movement is for society to progress, we must see everyone as our equal." In cases of domestic violence and sexual assault, the abuser claims power over the victim and doesn't see the victim as his equal. 

The SARC program is important because when a person is assaulted they lose their sense of empowerment, he said. "We are here to listen and to point out the resources so that victims can start to heal and regain their power."

Sergeant Simon said he believes education is key to transforming the world community. He is working towards his goal of getting a Doctorate in Education. 

"After I retire from the Air Force, I want to help transform the education system in the poorer rural and inner city areas in America," he said. I would also like to go into the prison system to help inmates learn skills and achieve higher education, so when they are released, they have a good chance of succeeding in society. 

Also, in his volunteer capacity, he has contributed 320 hours of volunteering throughout the Wichita area promoting kindness to members of the community.

"Phil is a very compassionate and dedicated volunteer," said Emond. "He's the model of service before self and willingness to assist others."