In Part 2, Lakeydra Houston, a US Air Force veteran, shares her profound journey through trauma, resilience, and advocacy. From her initial reluctance to join the military to facing multiple instances of sexual assault, Lakeydra's story is exemplar of the challenges many veterans face. She discusses the toxic culture within the military, the impact of alcohol, and the cycle of trauma that can ensue. However, through her struggles, Lakeydra found purpose in advocating for others, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and creating supportive communities. Her journey is one of pain, healing, empowerment.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post | Broken Systems, Broken Hearts: Lakeydra’s Fight for Her Life (Part 2). We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below).

Takeaways

- Military culture and peer pressure has lasting psychological effects.
- Alcohol abuse normalization creates and insulates unsafe environments, especially for those unprepared or influenced by previous traumas.
- MST survivors face systemic silencing and deep betrayal.
- Personal grief and loss amplify the mental health crisis among service members.
- Human trafficking within the military requires urgent investigation and accountability.
-Advocacy, peer support, and community are critical tools for healing. Institutional reform and trauma-informed care are essential for true change.

This episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below:
- KeyFit (https://www.keyfitllc.com/)
- The Pink Berets (https://thepinkberets.org/)
- The Turning Point (https://www.theturningpoint.org/)
- Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives (https://www.thepowerofourstory.com/)
- Boulder Crest (https://bouldercrest.org/)
- 1 in 6 (https://1in6.org/)
- Military One Source (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/all-the-ways/)

Chapters
00:00 Cultural Shifts and New Deployments
02:13 Alcohol Culture in the Military
03:58 The Cycle of Trauma and Survival
04:29 MST and Betrayal
07:36 Confronting Systemic Issues in Military Culture
09:07 The Harsh Reality of Trafficking in Military Culture
10:48 Struggles with Empathy and Protection
11:06 The Impact of Devastating Personal Loss
16:06 The Journey to Healing and Therapy
17:57 Advocacy and Empowerment in the Military
24:06 Finding Grace and Support in Healing
24:59 Creating Unity and Empowerment through KeyFit
31:40 Introduction to Lakeydra’s Journey
31:52 Heroism and Outreach: Lakeydra’s Impact
32:19 Supporting the Podcast and Amplifying Voices
32:45 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations on MST
32:51 Next Week's Guest: Founder of the Gender Violence Institute

Trigger Warning Timestamps
01:18 - 02:29 Alcohol abuse and toxic drinking culture
02:32 - 02:50 MST and military inaction
02:54 - 04:10 Peer pressure, bullying, isolation
04:23 - 05:39 SA, betrayal, victim blaming
05:42 - 06:18 Further assault, deepening trauma
06:25 - 07:23 Depression, reluctance to disclose
07:44 - 08:18 Human trafficking, leadership complicity
08:24 - 10:19 "Juicy Girls," survivor guilt
11:02 - 14:10 Sister’s death, harassment, self-harm, suicidal thoughts
17:34 - 18:39 Supporting another MST victim, starting advocacy
19:31 - 20:34 Survivor silencing, victim blaming
26:08 - 26:43 Transition out of service, overdose mention, ongoing healing

More Resources: Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook:

Meet Lakeydra Houston, an Air Force veteran who shares her powerful journey from trauma to resilience. Lakeydra discusses her decision to join the military as a means of starting over, her experiences in basic training, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She opens up about the harassment and assault she encountered, her struggles with mental health, and the coping mechanisms she adopted, including alcohol. Throughout the conversation, Lakeydra emphasizes the importance of support and resilience in overcoming adversity, ultimately inspiring listeners to seek help and connect with others.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices of MST blog | How to Destroy An Airman in 60 Days We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma and mental health struggles. The post gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's content, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below).

Takeaways

• Lakeydra joined the Air Force to start over after trauma that occurred in childhood..
• Basic training was a significant challenge for her, but ultimately led to a newfound sense of accomplishment and confidence in herself..
• She faced harassment and assault during her service immediately.
• Coping with alcohol, and hiding in partying with everyone else became a way to numb her pain.
• Mental health was not openly discussed in the military when she served.
• Deployment brought new gender-based challenges and experiences.
• Support from leadership made a difference in her journey.
• Seeking help and connecting with others is instrumental in traumatic situations.
• Lakeydra's story highlights the need for mental health awareness in the military.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lakeydra's Journey

03:01 Joining the Air Force: A New Beginning

05:46 Basic Training: Overcoming Challenges

12:09 Transitioning to Security Forces

16:19 Facing Sexual Assault in the Military

21:37 Coping Mechanisms: Alcohol and Trauma

27:13 Mental Health Struggles and Deployment

28:24 Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the Military

30:29 Experiences of Deployment and Sexual Assault

32:35 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships

34:21 Returning Home to Uncertainty

36:27 Struggles with Addiction and Domestic Issues

38:17 Support Systems and Command Response

40:30 Cultural...

It's not just silence — it’s all we have left of those who were never heard.

• Of those who wore the uniform and continued nursing invisible injuries.
• Of those who were told to move on before they were ever allowed to speak.
• Of those we’ve lost to invisible battles.

This is for them. 22 minutes. No commentary. No music. Just space — for grief, for memory, for resolve to take better care of our current and future veterans.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Sexual Assault Awareness Month

00:29 The Impact of Military Sexual Trauma

24:14 Closing Reflections and Community Support Resources:

Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook:The Advocates of MST

☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline:

Summary

In this conversation, Misty shares her personal journey of coping with Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the strategies she has developed for healing. She emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of positive coping mechanisms, and the need for emotional wellness. Misty offers advice for those currently facing harassment and encourages individuals to start their healing journey by seeking information and support. The discussion highlights the impact of trauma on mental and physical health and the significance of sharing stories to foster understanding and accountability.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| The Best Advice I Can Give About Surviving MST (MSTy’s Story | Part 3) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below).

Resources

1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
2. The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
3. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer

Takeaways

• Every marker matters in the healing journey.
• Books and pets can be powerful coping mechanisms.
• Gratitude and positivity are essential for mental health.
• Finding supportive communities is crucial for healing.
• It's important to prioritize emotional wellness.
• Trauma can have long-lasting physical effects.
• Starting the healing journey is possible with available resources.
• Support from loved ones can make a significant difference.
• Sharing experiences can help others feel seen and heard.
• Your voice can drive change and accountability.

Trigger Warning Timestamps

• (00:14 - 00:31) On-screen details of MST markers
• (01:26 - 01:33) Mentions of mental health conditions like diss...

In this conversation, MSTy explains the complexities of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), exploring her personal experiences with coping, education, and healing, the creation of a mapping initiative to document and share survivor stories, and the importance of raising awareness and accountability within the military community. MSTy shares her journey of healing, the challenges faced in navigating life after military service, and the significance of creating a platform for survivors to share their stories and experience.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| If Victims Were Afraid Then, Predators Should Worry Now (MSTy’s Story | Part 2) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps.

• Want to talk through your experience? Or support someone else in theirs?
• Join our private Facebook group: The Advocates of MST
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst

Don’t forget. This conversation matters. MSTy showed immense courage by telling her story. Please help us make sure her voice travels further: Leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts helps elevate the visibility of the show for more survivors suffering in isolation and pain. A simple review can change another person’s life forever. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MSTy's Map Initiative
02:53 MSTy's Personal Reflections on Trauma and Healing
06:09 Navigating Life After Military Service
08:47 The Impact of MST and the Need for Awareness
12:09 Creating the MST Map: A Collective Effort
14:59 The Power of Sharing Stories and Data
17:58 Challenges in Raising Awareness
21:01 The Importance of Accountability and Support

Trigger Warning Timestamps

12:54 - Mention of Vanessa Guillén
13:06 - Mentions of dissociation/mental health struggle
13:22 - Compensation and Pay Exam
13:45 - Mentions of Complex PTSD/mental health struggle
15:10<...

MST y shares her journey from a military upbringing to her experiences in the Marine Corps, illustrating the challenges she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated environment. She discusses the impact of harassment, the struggle for identity, and the long-term effects of her experiences on her life after service.

Trigger Warning

timestamp 07:19 - 12:48: SA details, freezing, victim blaming, self-blame, derogatory words towards women, predatory behavior by older men

timestamp 20:41 - 26:20: harassment, dehumanization, explicit s*x acts, coercion, bribery, alcohol/drugging, lost memory, waking up alone, victim blaming

Takeaways

• MSTy's military background was influenced by her family's service.
• She chose the Marine Corps to be different from her family.
• Boot camp was challenging but manageable at a young age.
• MSTy faced significant harassment and misogyny during her service.
• She felt dehumanized and labeled in the military environment.
• MSTy's experiences shaped her identity and resilience.
• She struggled with boundaries and advocating for herself in the military.
• MSTy's individuality often put her at odds with military culture.
• Her experiences have had lasting effects on her mental health.
• MSTy's journey reflects the broader challenges faced by women in the military.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Misty's Journey
03:04 Family Background and Military Influence
05:58 Joining the Marine Corps
08:47 Experiences at Boot Camp and Initial Duty Station
12:12 Challenges Faced as a Female Marine
15:03 Coping Mechanisms and Identity
18:01 Reflections on Individuality in the Military
21:32 Navigating Early Experiences in the Military
24:52 Confronting Trauma and Its Aftermath

In Part 3, Brian discusses his experiences with meditation as a healing tool, the lessons he learned from his struggles, and the need for systemic change within the military culture. He emphasizes the importance of speaking out and finding support, encouraging others to share their stories and seek help. Click here to read the full episode summary. Click here to read the full episode summary.

Trigger warning: (07:30 - 11:00)

• Mentions of Su*cidal ideations (07:30)
• Private First Class body found after attack (9:17)
• LT COL. Spy cam in dressing room News Story (10:03)

Acronyms:
BCNR: Board for Corrections of Naval Records

Resources:

• Visit Brian’s Website: 8Bmedia.com

• Read More: GQ Article on Male R_pe in the Military

• Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook: The Advocates of MST

• National SA Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

• Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/

• Michael Sealey’s Guided Meditations: YouTube Channel

• Cal Melkez’s Sleep Meditations: YouTube Channel

• If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1

In Part 2, Brian shares what life was like after being dishonorably discharged from the Marine Corps and failing to receive any help because of his discharge. He discusses what it was like trying to cope with alcohol and promiscuity during college and then having his mental health fall apart while in a corporate role. His life changes when he stumbles across an article from GQ that told the stories of men who had the same experiences.

To read an episode summary, visit: www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/surviving-assault-secrets-the-stunning-repercussions-for-men-that-speak-up-96g2g

Trigger warning (3:35 - 25:37) in-depth article of male survivors of MST and their emotional pain and life struggles, trying to navigate the lengthy legal process and changing discharge status, having to explain discharge status to others/re-traumatization, mentions of drug use and misconduct resulting from MST, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, mental health struggles, flashbacks

Acronyms:

NVLSP: National Veterans Legal Service Providers

NDRB: Naval Discharge Review Board

BCNR: Board for Corrections of Naval Records

Resources

Brian’s Website – https://www.8Bmedia.com

GQ Article: https://www.gq.com/story/male-rape-in-the-military

Join The Advocates of MST Facebook Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/theadvocatesofmst

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line, Dial 988, then press 1