Army PFC LaVena Johnson's Story

PFC. LaVena Lynn Johnson born on July 27, 1985 in St. Louis MO. In 2004, she graduated Hazelwood
Central High School as an Honor Roll Student.

LaVena had high hopes of going to College but she realized her parents would have to pay for she
and her sister to attend college at the same time. So, she decided to put college on hold and enlist
in the U.S. Army which her parents objected to.

LaVena was assigned to the 129 Corp Support Battalion and deployed to service a tour in Balad Iraq,
in May of 2005. On July 19, 2005, eight weeks after being deployed to Iraq, she was mysteriously
murdered at the age of 19, eight days shy of her twentieth birthday.

LaVena was the first woman soldier and the first Black woman soldier to die while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

She was said to have committed suicide from a self-inflicted gun shot to the head with a M-16 rifle.
Despite the countless evidence; 2 autopsy's, documentary (The Silent Truth), and numerous
investigations disputing the Military's claims, the truth of her death has yet to be acknowledged
and the case remains closed.

The ACT Now! Petition was written to force the reinvestigation into LaVena's death and the deaths of
other military women classified suspiciously classified as "Non-combat" as well as, refocus the Media's
attention to this horrific case of injustice and abuse.
Sign Petition Callling For Congressional Hearing Into LaVena's Death

Please Donate Long Road Home Cycling Adventure To Raise Awareness of MST

Donate Online: www.colleenbushnell.stayclassy.org

Cross-Country Bicycle Adventure In Memory of Army PFC LaVena Johnson

During my cross-country cycling adventure, through the Long Road Home Project ( LRHP Link,)
I will be sharing my story as a woman military member, and veteran, with local and national media.

It is my hope that this commitment will inspire people to consider the unique needs, and trials, women
still face more than 30 years after women were allowed active-duty entry.

No man or woman should have to face the very real possibility of getting sexually assaulted,
or raped, while serving this nation. Nor, should they face institution wide retaliation and victim
blaming. America's armed forces can do better for those who signed the dotted line,
to give everything, up to, and including, their lives for freedom.

Please contribute $50, $100, $200 today, so we can take the Long Road Home back to the
communities, and nation we so love.

LaVena Johnson Facebook Community

LaVena Johnson Blog

REPOST: Motherhood On Life's Terms

Super Soul Sundays on the Oprah Winfrey Network are a highlight of my week.
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.

Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.

Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!

My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."

And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.

No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.

I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.

If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.
Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3

I love my Joshua and Jonathan They Are Loved and Missed

When I learned that the military was assigning personality disorders to traumatized women, like they did me; ending rape victims careers, instead of holding perpetrators accountable, like they did to me; over medicating many servicemembers, who then became suicidal, like I was; that family courts commonly rule against Protective Mothers who are seeking to protect their children, even taking them away from the mother, and handing custody over to the abusing parents/family members, never to see mom again, like they did with us; I am reminded that the truth can never be altered or changed, and justice will be served. Happy Mothers Day to you and yours, whether, in heart, in memory, or in person. Its all the same, the love is the same. It is the ultimate blessing.

I love my sons.

Today and forever more.

April Kauffman Remembered For Activism In Veterans’ Affairs

Woman Warrior of Influence Murdered (Story Courtesy of Inquirer)

PTSD Affects Personal Accountability

Our culture puts a high value on personal accountability, self determination etc. It's one of the most difficult aspects of gaining support when struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When a loved one, friend or colleague is let down due to forgetfulness, tardiness, absent mindedness, triggers or mental blocks, the potential to damage the fundamental relationship is very high. These benchmark aspects of interacting with each other provide a structure and foundation so that collaboration can take place between people and groups. Without the ability to play by these rules, a PTSD sufferer is at a clear disadvantage. The battle grounds are invisible, but the loss of impact and human potential is very real.

TRUTH and JUSTICE: Dead Marine's Mom Presents First-Ever Award In Daughter's Memory To Senator John Kerry

First Lauterbach Award For Truth and Justice presented on Capitol Hill

"The military is stupid and vindictive. The VA is only stupid." Learn to understand the rules, or you're stuck. -- Susan Avila-Smith, VetWow founder. (Story/photos courtesy of DailyKos)

                                               Rest In Peace Maria Lauterbach

President of the United States Spoke Today on Military Sexual Assault

"I applaud the initiatives that Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have announced to further combat sexual assault in the military. The men and women of the United States military deserve an environment that is free from the threat of sexual assault, and in which allegations of sexual assault are thoroughly investigated, offenders are held appropriately accountable, and victims are given the care and support they need. Elevating these cases to a higher level of command review is a very important step. I believe that sexual assault has no place in our military. I thank Secretary Panetta and Chairman Dempsey and look forward to seeing continued progress on this important issue." -- Barack Obama, President of the United States of America

LINK: POTUS Official Statement 4/24/12

Texas, Pennsylvania Hometown Heroes Raped At Academies, File Suit

Movie Outlines Military Men Raped, Sexually Assaulted

CHARADE WATCH: Parrish Calls Pentagon Out On Rape Report

"Similar to previous so-called reforms, these policy changes do little to address the fundamental barriers to justice: commander discretion and a military justice system that stacks the deck against the victim." Ms. Nancy Parrish, President Protect Our Defenders

Huff Post EDITORIAL: Protect Our Defenders Unspins DoD Military Sexual Assault Report

"This year's SAPRO report revealed that of the 2,410 reports of sexual assault, 191 -- 8% -- resulted in a court-martial conviction. This sobering fact goes a long way toward explaining why so few victims decide to report. It is evidence of the utter failure to protect the victim and effectively prosecute the perpetrator."

Protect Our Defenders Honorary Chair Congresswoman Jackie Speier with Kori, veteran and a subject of The Invisible War, and Nancy Parrish at the Sundance Film Festival 2012.

LINK: Protect Our Defenders

MOVIE LINK: Invisible War: The Battle Ground Is Your Barracks

SWAN Pounds Pavement For MST Survivors On The Hill

RELEASE: Service Womens Action Network Takes ACTION

"If the new DOD reforms do not significantly reduce the rates of sexual assault and change the broader military culture, DOD will have to reckon with more dramatic action, such as removing disposition authority from the military altogether, or establishing mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines." -- Anu Bhagwati, Service Women's Action Network

AF Sex Assault Conference Day After Panetta Anouncement

U.S. Air Force Speaks To Middle Level Leaders on Sex Assault

Military Issues Diagnosis Instead Of Victim Care, Post Rape

Care2 Article: Military Labels Rape Victims Crazy

Sex Offender Questioned

Huff Post Article: Sex Offender Ques In Missing Soldier Case

Woman Warrior From Fort Bragg Missing

Fox News Story: Soldier Kelly Bordeaux Missing

From CHARADE to SOLUTION Secretary Panetta

Nov. 2011 MS. Magazine STOP Article

CHARADE WATCH: Thanks, But No Thanks Secretary Panetta .. Our Works Not Done

Washington Post Article: Sec Panetta Announces Sweeping Reforms

This evening, Secretary of Defense Panetta announced yet another set of sweeping changes designed to stave the epidemic of sexual assaults. None of these changes include removing the victim and reporting of the crime outside of the chain of command. Herein, is my response, as written in response to a Service Womens Action Network's posting of the event. Thank you to SWAN for putting your best foot forward every day in the fight to end this epidemic. 

Thank you to SWAN for doing the good you can do. But enough is enough when it comes to accepting the Department of Defense rejection of the STOP Act.

But, I believe all survivors need to stand together to continue to demand the progressive change that the STOP Act insures. We already know what the DoD will tolerate, and permit, when we are not looking! It’s time we balance the scales with this innovative legislation.

After 25 years, and 16 sum hearings, almost half a million survivors, this peace meal bartering in the 11th hour is not acceptable.

But even with these new changes it is clear, victims will be still trapped in a dangerous culture, until reporting of sexual violence, and the victims, are removed from the military chain of command, by a separate investigative body composed of military and civilian experts. It’s time for DoD leadership to acknowledge, criminal justice for rape victims within a society whose mission is based on giving one's very life in service, is a contradiction.

The UCMJ is not a fitting framework in which to process these sexual crimes to protect, especially, women, at this point in military history.

The problems relating to sexual violence cannot be undone with a shuffling of the cards, a redefining of the current rules. We need new rules. We need an outside the box approach to dissolving this epidemic. We need it now. Because generations upon generations of servicemembers have had their misogynistic views upheld, and reinforced, through policies like combat exclusion, false reporting mythology, mishandling of evidence, lack of prosecution, and allowance of retribution and retaliation against those who have the courage to report sexual violence.

Victims are reporting that the least of their troubles is the violent sexual offense. Lives, post rape, are being ruined. Stories of mental health practitioners assigning errant personality disorder diagnosis to ailing, traumatized, ostracized victims are unacceptable. Shuffling the victims out of the military is not diminishing the truth of the peril our most junior female servicemembers are in.

The truth is, military mindset indicates the individual's needs, and integrity, are counter intuitive to mission accomplishment. Under yet another set of "sweeping changes," I believe leaders will now be even more pressured to cover up these crimes, and find fault with the victim. The DoD is welcome to hold any leader accountable it deems necessary. But, DoD leaders are still not taking accountability, and they continue to spin this problem in the way of minimizing and characterizing the data, instead of simply being accountable. Its time for the DoD to admit, the real source of this epidemic, is that the theory behind the function of the UCMJ is counterintuitive to protecting servicemembers civil rights among the ranks.

It is time for the DoD to show this nation that it can drastically reduce the numbers of rape, assault, and the prevalance of victim blaming. But then and only then, can we begin to heal, and repair the damage that has been done. Once again, this is a shuffling of the same cards. Stop the CHARADE.

LRHP Countdown: Day 92 Soul Filled Sunday

Super Soul Sundays on the Oprah Winfrey Network are a highlight of my week.
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.
Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
 know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.

Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
 it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
 the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
 explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!

My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
 I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."

And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
 required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.
No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.

I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
 level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
 mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.
 If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.

Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
 answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3

LRHP Count Down: Day 94 A Beautiful Day

It's about 70 degrees and sunny in Upstate New York!
The human body is just amazing. One day of recuperation
is all that's needed. I'd been needing two full days. Now,
just my arches hurt. Sometimes I walk the entire nine-miles
on pavement, and sometimes I go "G.I Jane" *laugh out loud *
and hike on the grass. I like the instability of walking on grass
over nine-miles because I believe it works out my ankles
and calves more. I'm trying to put myself through as much
pain as possible now!

Well, o.k. I'm sure that it will barely diminish the pain and exhaustion
I'm going to experience on the road. But its worth a shot, right?

Truly. I thoroughly enjoy these longs walks. If I didn't have
this new goal, of biking cross country, I'd be tucked safely
away in my house not enjoying all the universe has to offer.

Since, my assault in October 2004, the events of my life
have rendered me a kin to the shiney black mole who pops
up to get hammered during whack a mole. Staying in doors,
looking after my mother has been the escape.

When I took mom in from the independent living program
for the mentally ill, I felt I was confronting something.
Now that we have uncovered most of her medical needs,
I feel I'm retreating from life.

On this beautiful day, I shall not retreat! I will forge
forward down the lanes of my beloved hometown
as I bask in the sunshine of this fine spring day!