On August 11th of this year, we presented a one-hour program exposing the pervasive problem of sexual assault within the ranks of the United States military and the response we received from that show was overwhelming. We were contacted by military personnel from across the country and knew we had only scratched the surface. We spoke of the issues in the abstract-facts, figures, numbers-but there was no real ‘face’ on the topic. As legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey used to say, “…and now, the rest of the story.”
One case in particular caught our attention, that of former servicewoman, Terri Odom.
Terri’s story is so horrific and so painful, we hesitated asking her to come on and talk to us about it – and it was not without a good deal of serious thought before she agreed to do so. We thank her in advance for her courage in sharing her story. Terri understands though, that until the American public fully understands what is happening and what our service personnel are facing, that we can’t truly change what is broken. She’s a brave woman to come on and her story is one well worth hearing.
What we didn’t know at the time of the original show, is that sexual assault among military personnel is not solely a female issue and even for us, that was a shocking revelation. Heath Phillips enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and within days of his first ships’ assignment, he was assaulted by fellow service members. Like so many other victims, his requests for help went unheeded and the abuse by his shipmates escalated to violent ends until Heath felt he had no choice but to go AWOL. He was subsequently arrested and his story took several other turns at the hands of the military – who mishandled his case like so many others. Heath too, has bravely accepted our request to speak with him.
We encourage you to go to a special website that details the issues surrounding Military Sexual Assault (there’s actually a name for this). Hear their stories. Learn about what can be done. Sign the petitions. We all need to become involved and you can help. It’s time to protect our defenders, not from the enemy we know about, but the enemy within. We will be joined by Nancy Parrish, President of Protect Our Defenders, an organization that seeks to honor, support and give voice to the brave women and men in uniform who have been sexually assaulted while serving their country. And re-victimized by the military adjudication system – a system that often blames the victim and fails to prosecute the perpetrator.
Perhaps the most active voice on behalf of these victims within the political arena has been California Congresswoman Jackie Speier. Speier introduced the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act—the STOP Act, H.R. 3435, on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 which would take the reporting, oversight, investigation, and victim care of sexual assaults out of the hands of the military’s normal chain of command and place jurisdiction in the newly created, autonomous Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office comprised of civilian and military experts. We believe that is a positive first step in creating real and lasting change.
Follow up: Do we really support our troops?
If you missed the live show, you can listen via archives
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Thank you for getting this topic to the public. I was a victim of MST and just now getting help, it has totally messed up my life… The system does not work and when your assailant is your superior where do you turn… there are so many victims
Diane, it is for your story and suffering and that of others that we so very much wanted to do a follow up show to address this issue again. I feel that this will not be the last time. We want to shed so much light on this topic and it is the brave men and women who should have gotten justice a long time ago who inspire us. I hope you can join us and feel free to chat in or call if you would like to. We at Broadsided support the men and women of our military. We do NOT support a hostile environment and cover up of rape. Those who are guilty of this should be labeled rapist and suffer the punishment they so deserve. Allowing a rapist to be promoted and continue to serve is contrary to our laws and common sense. We support the new Bill and hope that Congress will pass it and the President will sign it.
Vicki; Thank you, I was raised to be honest, and hard working. Yet, everyday our state. and federal goverments work against us. Thanks again. I will never stop fighting to improve better health care, and benefits for my veterans. Anger is not the answer, action is!
Hi, Back in 1982, I enlisted in the US Air Force for eight years as a female firefighter/EMT. I was the only female, and was promised to be a pararescue ranger. The next eight years would be filled with derogatroy jokes, pinching my butt, when I walked up a flight of stairs, brushing their genitals against my face, gang raped by four firefighters at once, and the final assault, was a higher ranking SSgt, that pushed me up against a crash rescue fire truck, and started humping me from behind. I was honorably discharged, and even today, in a hostilework enviroment, federal hsopital, the nightmares have come back. It is a shame, that we could not catrastrate the violators, and teach them a lesson forever, like we suffer every night, we go to sleep. What do they do in foreign countries, why is the United States so easy on their punishment. If you have been through rape, or sexually assaulted take a stand, and been an advocate, since 1990, not one of my family members has stood behind me, and supported me, or encouraged me. If it wasn’t for another female friend, I would not be here today! Prison, and catrastation for the male violators!
Diane, I want to be shocked when I hear your story, but sadly, I’ve been hearing it over and over again. I’m sorry for your pain and we want to assure you, this program is being produced to honor your service and give voice to you. Please call in if you can.
Thank you for your responses to the blog. YOU are the reason Carol and I want to shine a light on these crimes and expose the collusion that has been used to cover up/foster an environment where punishment was forbidden or at the least discouraged. We the people should not stand for our US military to participate in these cover ups. It is despicable.
wish they would do something to update the security clearance form to exempt sexual assault counseling from disclosure so i don’t have to worry so much all of the time
I was told the only way out of being sexually harrassed, was to get a discharge from the Inspector General. It ended my career, and the US Air Force would not let me cross train into the medical career field. I am a registered nurse, and have experienced 12 years bullying, and battery by my co-workers.
Our goverment does not listen to the female veterans, or workers in America!
As someone that was assualted while in the military over 25 years ago, nothing was done. I was made to feel as if I deserved it and tempted him. I never felt safe again during my service. I never talk about my time in the military because, I spent the last two years of service waiting for my ETS date.
love you all ty for being there for me
You are so welcome. It’s time the American public gain a sense of awareness about the ugly hidden secrets of the military machine in this country. We love you too, Gary.
Note to anyone watching this video: If you didn’t watch the entire video until the end, you should.
Being raped anyplace—anytime—in any environment should not be considered an acceptable risk!!! Also, it is not always true that perpetrators outside the military lose their jobs or are fired when a sexual assault is reported.
I think this is a show not to be missed. I’m gonna need more than one buckle!
Thank you Terri and Heath and Jackie Speier. Seems fitting to be on a radio show that asks you to prepare to be broadsided. It’s time for America to wake up to what their sisters and brothers in arms endure to maintain this country’s freedom. So much we never asked for, so much we have to fight for when we finish, so much silence in between. The ice has been broken. There is no turning back. We are collectively paving a new path.
Thank you, Carol & Vicki, for bringing to light the injustices. I’m so proud of what you’re doing.