''I know that when I leave the Academy, I want it to be a better place,'' Geisen said.

Last semester, Geisen served as the Brigade Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) Guide Coordinator. This role put him in a unique position to have a far-reaching impact not only on today’s Brigade of Midshipmen, but on years of future Navy and Marine Corps leadership. In that role, Geisen had direct oversight of more than 50 Midshipmen involved in the Brigade’s SAVI program.

Geisen, of 13th Company, is fourth-generation military. Because of that background, the history major doesn’t view his fellow Midshipmen purely as classmates or shipmates, he sees them as family.

''When one of our brothers or sisters is hurt, I take it very personally,'' said Geisen, who is currently serving as SAVI Guide for 3rd Battalion and is also a member of the men’s rugby team.

As Brigade SAVI Guide Coordinator, Geisen took a unique approach to sexual assault prevention. He realized that some Midshipmen were apprehensive about the SAVI program, and that some Midshipmen were tuning out critical information because of excessive formal training. He decided to limit the frequency and duration of organized training, focusing on quality over quantity. He delegated a majority of the SAVI training to the Company level in an effort to make it more personal and meaningful.

Geisen also changed the message. He understood that it can be hard for people to imagine themselves as the victim of a sexual assault. Instead, he wanted Midshipmen to focus on their responsibilities as leaders. Because the Academy’s program is identical to the SAVI program in the Fleet, Geisen feels the Brigade’s knowledge and understanding of it is critical in their future roles as ensigns and 2nd lieutenants.

''What if this happens to one of your Sailors? What if this is your sister? What if this happens to one of your friends? That’s when it becomes personal. That’s when people pay attention,'' said Geisen, who service selected U.S. Marine Corps and will report to Quantico, Va., upon graduation for The Basic School. ''That very first time you have someone come to you for help, you need to be perfect that time. Just like in the Fleet, you don’t get a mulligan when you shoot off an aircraft carrier or you go into combat. Your men and women aren’t going to care if it’s your first time. You need to be good from the very beginning.''

Geisen, age 22, knows full well the impact the program will have in years to come. His younger sister is preparing to report to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, R.I., as a member of the Class of 2013. He is dedicated to the strength of the Academy’s SAVI program well past his own involvement, and believes that Midshipmen who volunteer to participate are equally committed. According to Geisen, nearly 150 Midshipmen volunteered for less than 60 SAVI positions within the Brigade.

''Some of our SAVI and SHAPE (Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Education) volunteers have personal experience,'' Geisen explained. ''They know that pain, and they don’t want anyone to feel that pain again.''

This is the third article in a four-part series highlighting Sexual Assault Awareness Month.