Many military women & men have bravely shared their stories of sexual assault. I’ve personally struggled a lot over #VanessaGuillen. I haven't publicly shared my story, for many reasons. Today, I will no longer be silent. #TheInvisibleWar #MilitarySexualTrauma

As a young Marine Lance Corporal, I was sexually assaulted. When I reported it, I was shamed, called a liar, a slut, and he denied everything. He was a Sergeant; someone I was supposed to trust. He was tried, found guilty, and kicked out. #TheInvisibleWar

At the time, I had two options: stay in or get out. I decided to stay in & embark on a mission to empower my Marine sisters. This is why I became a Drill Instructor. My young Marine sisters needed to know what they were up against and if there were going survive.

Years later, as a senior & established leader in the Marine Corps, I thought I was safe. I was wrong. It happened again. My decision to leave the Marine Corps after 20 years of honorable service was based on so many things & that was one of them.

We answer the call to serve. We put faith in those appointed over us. We trust those to the left & right of us in military uniform, only to realize that we can’t trust everyone who wears the same military uniform. I’m HEARTBROKEN & FURIOUS that we failed you #VanessaGuillen!