News
A Recent Air Force Sexual Assault Case Displays The Cascading Problems With Military Justice
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
James W. Weirick, retired Marine lieutenant colonel and Judge Advocate, comments on a host of prevailing problems with the military justice system in the context of one airman's court-martial. He considers commanders' ability to make military justice decisions, senior command influence within the military and with pending legislation, delayed trials, and the adverse impact on involved parties "on what should be an independent judiciary."
‘My Body Was Not Mine, but the U.S. Military’s’: Inside the disturbing sex industry thriving around America’s bases.
Sunday, November 1, 2015 | Category: Human Trafficking/Sexual Exploitation - International
David Vine, article author, is an American University associate professor of anthropology. His article is adapted from his latest book, Base Nation: How U.S. Military Bases Abroad Harm America and the World. Mr. Vine examines how "women's sex work has long been used to help keep male troops happy—or at least happy enough to keep working for the military." He notes how even today, "commercial sex zones thrive in tandem with many U.S. bases around the world, from Baumholder in Germany to Fort Bragg in North Carolina." In South Korea, the sex trade in “camptowns” surrounding U.S. bases is deeply entrenched in South Korea's economy, politics, and culture.
SCANDAL: Almost Half A National Guard Unit Investigated For Soliciting Prostitution In Africa
Friday, October 30, 2015 | Category: Human Trafficking/Sexual Exploitation - Tennessee
Nine Tennessee National Guardsmen, nearly half of a team deployed on a humanitarian mission in an area of Africa known for prolific human trafficking, have been investigated for reportedly having sex with prostitutes. Other disturbing details emerged including bringing women to rooms with classified information and weapons, ring leaders coaching the activities, cavalier bragging about the sex, and comments that some of the prostitutes were younger than a Guardsman's daughter.
140 Veterans Make History as First All-Female Honor Flight
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 | Category: History/Heritage - National
History was made when 140 women veterans flew to Washington D.C. on the first all-female honor flight. The women ranged in age from 28 to 96 and served during World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War eras. Until now, no local Honor Flight included more than 5 women veterans. The non-profit Honor Flight Network organizes free flights to Washington D.C. to visit memorials built to honor their service to the nation.
First All-Female Honor Flight Brings 140 Veterans to D.C
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 | Category: History/Heritage - National
Ohio women veterans made history when they flew free to Washington D.C. as the first all-female Honor Flight. They visited military-related sites and were honored at special presentation at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The non-profit Honor Flight Network organizes free flights to Washington D.C. to visit memorials built to honor their service to the nation.
Women-focused Honor Flight Highlights Their Service
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 | Category: History/Heritage - National
In Washington D.C., 140 female veterans gathered for the first women-only "Honor Flight,' a program that brings veterans to the nation’s capital each year to tour the military service memorials and monuments. Organizers shared that "getting women veterans on those trips can be problematic because of stereotypes about their service and contributions, often from the women themselves." The established "Honor Flight" tour was tailored to include a special presentation at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
One Female Veteran's Epic Quest for A 'Foot That Fits"
Saturday, September 5, 2015 | Category: Prosthetics - National
For retired Army sergeant Brenda Reed "no struggle has filled her with such rage as her campaign for a foot that fits properly, said Reed, who often wears wide black sandals to fit her wide prosthetic. Last year, a VA specialist cut off the toes on Reed's prosthetic and shaved off the sides in an effort to make it fit into her shoes. Reed said not only didn't it fit, but she also found that she couldn't walk on it. She was given another prosthetic and told to make due. She didn't. She took her case to the VA secretary's office, calling and emailing Secretary McDonald.
Army Colonel 'Kissed Soldiers' Wives in Public' Says Investigation, Allowed to Retire Quietly
Saturday, August 29, 2015 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
The Fort Bragg commander had made it a practice to give the wives of subordinates unwelcome kisses on the lips at public events.
The investigation led to Army Colonel Chad McRee's removal from his commander’s job at Fort Bragg. He remained in the military and was allowed to quietly retire in April 2015, more than two years after the initial complaint about his conduct.
Women Veterans–Equally Valued. Equally Qualified. Equally Served.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | Category: History/Heritage - National
Why don’t women tell people that they’re veterans? Nancy Glowacki, Army veteran and Women Veteran Program Manager for the Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service, shares her insights and the importance of equally valuing men and women's military service.
Budget May Cause Air Force to Postpone Programs, Not Hire 4,000 Airmen
Tuesday, August 25, 2015 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James announced that Air Force civilian employees and their dependents who are 18 or more years old may file both restricted and unrestricted reports with Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) at bases worldwide. Prior to this change, only those who filed unrestricted reports which allow an investigation were given access to SARCs.