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As U.S. military leaders grapple with the subject of sexual violence in the wake of Vanessa Guillen’s alleged slaying, Army, Air Force and Navy veterans share their personal experiences and make recommendations to create a safer military.

Join us for this necessary conversation so we can address this issue head on from the perspective of those who have experienced military sexual trauma while in uniform.

Danique Masingill

This panel was led by Danique, who served as a Master-at-Arms in the Navy. After she left the service in 2007, Danique sought to help fellow veterans by founding Leashes of Valor. In her role as president of the nonprofit organization, she oversees its efforts to help post-9/11 veterans and military sexual trauma survivors heal the unseen wounds of war by providing them service dogs at no charge.

Annette Wittenberger

A combat veteran and retired Army major, Annette details her personal struggle with mental health in her work as a blogger, podcaster and motivational speaker for the company she founded, A Wild Ride Called Life.

Caren Ziegenfuss

Caren is an Army veteran, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), who has worked with survivors of trauma throughout her career.

Jess Jaimes

An Army veteran, Jess has been a vocal advocate for removing the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. Her passion has led her to pursue degrees in criminal justice and psychology.

Irena Bolyn

Irena retired after 21 years of service in the Coast Guard that spanned both pre- and post-9/11. In the process, the single parent attained her master’s degree. 

This post was in partnership with BourBiz