For military families living in a new community, it can be difficult to find someone who cares about their needs. If domestic violence occurs in that home, it can be even harder to find someone who cares.
However, for Long County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Clerk Beth Reddish, not caring isn’t an option — and she recently was honored for her efforts. Reddish received the 2013 Friend of the Advocate Award for her work in supporting military families affected by domestic violence.  
“I love helping all of the citizens of Long County and especially giving back to our men and women in the military,” she said. “Domestic violence affects so many people worldwide, including the innocent children who have to witness the abuse or violence as well as the victim themselves.
“If I can help just one victim, then I have succeeded and saved a life and done my job. I’m honored that our military families have the victim advocacy to rely on for help, support and guidance.”
The award is sponsored by the Victim’s Advocate Office at Fort Stewart.  M. Deloris Adams, who is a lead victim advocate on the base, said that each year a person is selected from the agency who has been most responsive to concerns related to victims of domestic violence on Fort Stewart.
“Beth has always been a great asset to our military families in Long County,” Adams said. “There has never been anything that we have needed for our families living in your area that she has not been able to respond to. She is a fountain of information and resources to our military families in Long County, and we are comfortable knowing that our families can count on her care and concern, as well as her dedication to those victims of domestic violence.”
Sheriff Craig Nobles praised Reddish, saying that she is never too busy to help someone in need and that she always is ready to go the extra mile.
“Our department whole-heartedly supports our military, and Beth is always there to help people, whether it is a local family or a military family,” he said. “She does a good job and I’m thankful to have her.”
Reddish said, “Most victims are scared to seek help or report abuse, and I want everyone to know that there is help out there regardless of how scared or afraid they may be.”
Reddish said that she was honored to receive the award and that she appreciates Adams for nominating her and Nobles for supporting her.
“I try to treat each and every person who walks through our doors with the upmost respect and help them resolve any issues that they may be facing and let them know that we are here to help,” she said.
Reddish will receive a certificate of appreciation and an Army Community Service coin from the Victim’s Advocate Office on Sept. 25 at building No. 87 on Fort Stewart.
In addition to the awards presentation Sept. 25, a training program on domestic violence also will take place. Both military and civilian law-enforcement personnel are invited to attend the ceremony and the training.  
The event runs from
9-11 a.m. For more information, call 545-2118 or obtain a flier at the sheriff’s office.