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MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The job of a sexual assault response coordinator (SARC) isn’t for the weak. SARCs, even on their worst day, must show deep empathy, emotional intelligence and immense strength while guiding victims through hard times. The weight of such responsibility can take a toll on some. For Vickie Hayden, 22nd Air Refueling Wing SARC, finding a way to unwind after caring for others all day is vital.
In Hayden’s kitchen, she mixes her ingredients with the same precision and care she uses when caring for victims. Her journey into baking began with the simple mission of making her first grandchild’s birthday very special. She first inquired with local bakeries to purchase custom
cookies. “It was $120 for two dozen cookies,” Hayden recalled. “I thought, ‘I can do this! I love baking, and I'm going to learn how to make these.’”
Hayden watched countless tutorials and even took a baking class. Her original intention was to save money on birthdays, but Hayden realized it quickly blossomed into her new favorite hobby. Soon she began baking treats for her friends, loved ones and bringing in sweet treats for her co-
workers.
“When I first began working here, I think I gained about 20 lbs!” said Tina Golden, 22nd ARW sexual assault and harassment prevention and response specialist, joking about Hayden’s sweet treats being hard to turn down.
“Baking is my love language,” Hayden said. “It brings me joy to bring joy to somebody. It’s my self-care. It brings me joy, and that joy lets me pass it on to others.”
It’s a true win-win situation for Hayden. Her loved ones receive special baked treats, and Hayden has a way to reset and share her love with others.
“Maybe you like to exercise, maybe you like to hike, maybe you like to collect things,” Hayden said. “Do whatever it is you do to take care of yourself, because if you're not taking care of yourself, you can't take care of others.”
Hayden is set to retire next year, and as the time approaches, she is unsure whether she will use her free time to expand into a baking business. However, there is a certainty that she will keep bringing joy to those around her through her creative treats.
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2025 14:55 |
| Story ID: | 491536 |
| Location: | MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A SARC's sweet escape, by A1C Paula Arce, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
