RICHMOND, Va. –
A prevention specialist in the Virginia National Guard’s Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce is the Region 2 Prevention Specialist of the Year, according to an announcement at the National Guard Bureau’s Integrated Primary Prevention Symposium.
Destiny Hairston was recognized at the symposium as well by the VNG’s resiliency leaders.
“Ms. Hairston is recognized for her deep understanding of her role and ability to apply complex concepts to her prevention work,” said William Downey, the VNG’s Integrated Primary Prevention Officer. “Her efforts have been a significant factor in the success of primary prevention initiatives in Virginia.”
The VNG’s IPPW program was launched in 2023. It focuses on prevention to maintain the VNG’s readiness and overall health, augmenting response capabilities for a Soldier or Airman in crisis.
The team includes several general prevention specialists, as well as personnel focused on self-directed harm prevention, sexual violence prevention, family violence and abuse prevention and workplace violence and harassment prevention. Congress mandated each state and territory establish IPPW teams to address harmful behaviors impacting service members and their families. The VNG team was directed to stand up in Fiscal Year 2024, but Downey’s team stood up in September of 2023, ready to get to work.
Hairston has been there since the beginning.
“Ms. Hairston consistently leads from the front, performing with a level of dedication and impact that far exceeds her pay grade,” Downey said. She truly embodies the ‘whole person concept,’ bringing together exceptional expertise, servant leadership and an authentic, deep commitment to service.
“Her ability to influence, inspire, and deliver tangible results makes her an invaluable leader to her community, the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce's mission and the Virginia National Guard,” Downey added.
Hairston also serves in the VNG’s Danville-based 429th Light Support Battalion, 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team. In addition to being a traditional Guard Soldier, she’s worked in the human services field for two years, including time spent working with abused women.
“I think that’s really when I connected with people,” said Hairston. “It goes from helping them learn life skills and putting their life back together after being physically abused by the person that’s supposed to love them. That really touched my heart and I wanted to continue that. So I transitioned over to Family Programs where I could implement those skills but with Soldiers, because I’m a Soldier myself. But, I wanted to do more, so this position opened up, and prevention is the heart and soul of human services.”
Read more about the IPPW team at https://vngpao.info/5x7y99wr.