A Black Rose

Hello, everyone. We'd like to thank everyone who has so courageously requested a rose and we will keep fighting to make this a topic of national discussion. Today, we will see that the legal structure of the military is a failing institution. Please be advised that this testimonial contains descriptions of rape, assault, and harassment and has not been edited for any other purpose than to protect the privacy of the survivor.
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When I was in the Navy in the latter part of 2002, I attended "A" School in IL. I went to a hotel party with people I thought were my friends even though we are told not to go to hotel parties. I didn't even have a single alcoholic drink. I just drank water. I was raped by one guy and sexually assaulted by that guy's best friend, both guys that I attended "A" school with. It took me 3 days to come out with it. I finally came out with it to my class leader and instructor. The Navy turned it around and said I was lying, charged me with falsifying official documents and statements and sent me to a court martial.

My JAG officer failed me and made me think it was all my fault and pushed me into Pleading Guilty. My JAG officer lied about a lot of things. This I realize now: the Navy failed me. It wasn't until I was discharged for PTSD that I realized the truth when I was home with family and friends who supported me. I was suicidal and very distant the whole way through. My JAG officer even told my mom that the Navy needed the guys more than they needed me and that they pushed me into pleading guilty so the raped and sexual assault wouldn't be made public. I lost all respect for that command and they put me into an even more depressed state than I already was after the tragedy.
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It is obvious that one of the recurring themes is an utter failure of the military to protect its own members. Instead, they cast aside and punish the survivor and allow the criminals to walk free. Thank you to the brave person who elected to share their story.

If you have a story to share, consider requesting a rose. Your story will only be posted with your express permission, after which it will be posted anonymously. If you do not wish to share any details of your situation, we will still honor your request for a rose.