In a nation that prides itself on celebrating the bravery of its military personnel, a disturbing reality lurks beneath the surface: the pervasive issue of sexual assault within the armed forces. For many survivors of military sexual assault, the aftermath involves trauma, emotional pain, and a often uncaring system that doesn't provide the necessary support. It is time for the U.S. government to confront this hidden betrayal and extend a helping hand to those who have served.

The emotional and physical toll on military sexual assault survivors is profound and far-reaching, affecting every aspect of their lives. Survivors often grapple with a myriad of psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. These mental health challenges can lead to significant difficulties in personal relationships, career advancement, and overall quality of life. The physical repercussions can also be severe, with many survivors facing chronic pain, reproductive health issues, and other long-term medical conditions resulting from their traumatic experiences. As such, financial restitution becomes not just a matter of compensation but a crucial lifeline for those who have endured such harrowing ordeals. Proposals suggest that a tax-free settlement of up to $5 million could serve as long-overdue recognition of the suffering endured by survivors, acknowledging the extensive emotional and physical scars that often remain long after the initial trauma has occurred.

Discover the transformative journey of healing in "The Boulders in My Life that Shaped MY Journey: Episode Ten." In this poignant installment, author Honey Badger delves into her personal experiences with Post Traumatic Stress and Military Sexual Trauma, revealing how the power of poetry became a catalyst for her recovery. Through the innovative techniques of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and somatic movement, she shares her path to healing, offering readers a unique perspective on overcoming trauma. This episode not only highlights the importance of addressing mental health but also emphasizes the therapeutic potential of creative expression.

Honey Badger's narrative is both raw and inspiring, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences while providing practical insights into the healing process. With a blend of personal anecdotes and professional guidance, this episode serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar challenges. Whether you are seeking solace in your own journey or looking to support someone else, this powerful exploration of resilience and recovery is a must-read. Embrace the healing power of words and movement, and let Honey Badger's story guide you toward your own path of transformation.

Episode Nine of this impactful podcast delves into the harrowing realities of dissociation, self-harm, and the pervasive issues of victim blaming and shaming that often follow traumatic experiences, particularly in the context of sexual assault within the military. Hosted by the courageous author Honey Badger, this episode features her poignant poetry, which serves as a powerful medium to raise awareness and foster understanding about the emotional turmoil faced by survivors. Through her evocative verses, Honey Badger not only shares her personal journey of being victimized by a third-class petty officer in the US Navy but also aims to educate listeners who may struggle to comprehend the profound effects of such trauma. This episode is essential for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of emotional abuse, the stigma surrounding survivors, and the urgent need for compassion and support in the aftermath of such experiences. Join us in listening to this vital conversation that seeks to illuminate the darkness and empower those who have been silenced.

Episode Eight: The Boulders in My Life that Shaped My Journey is a powerful and poignant exploration of resilience and survival by author Honey Badger. In this deeply personal account, she opens her journal from 2004 to share her raw emotions and experiences following a traumatic event that left her feeling betrayed and victimized. This episode serves as a vital reminder of the importance of listening to survivors, believing their stories, and standing in solidarity with those who have faced unimaginable hardships. Honey Badger's narrative not only sheds light on the pervasive issues of victim blaming and shaming but also emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change within institutions like the US Navy and military, where such heinous acts should never be tolerated.

This compelling episode is more than just a recounting of pain; it is a call to action for society to recognize the gravity of sexual violence and its lasting impact on individuals. Honey Badger advocates for a world where survivors are not only heard and valued but also provided with the necessary medical and mental health care to aid in their healing journey. Rape is a violent crime that devastates lives, and this episode serves as a crucial reminder that survivors deserve justice, support, and empowerment. By engaging with this powerful narrative, readers are invited to reflect on their own beliefs and actions, fostering a culture of understanding and compassion that can help dismantle the stigma surrounding sexual violence.

Episode Seven of the podcast "The Boulders in My Life that Shaped My Journey" invites listeners to delve into a profound exploration of healing through the power of poetry. This episode features poignant verses that articulate the journey of overcoming Military Sexual Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress. Each poem serves as a testament to resilience, offering a voice to those who have faced unimaginable challenges. By sharing these deeply personal narratives, the episode not only fosters a sense of community among survivors but also encourages listeners to embrace their own stories of healing.

In this empowering episode, you will find a call to action: to speak your truth, stand in solidarity with survivors, and advocate for an end to rape culture. The themes of compassion and self-healing resonate throughout, reminding us of the importance of listening to and believing survivors. By tuning in, you become part of a movement that champions empowerment and supports those on their healing journeys. Join us in this vital conversation and help create a world where every survivor is heard, validated, and uplifted.

Here is some more of my poetry that I have written that is not in my book, The Boulders in My Life that Shaped My Journey. These poems come from my later books, The Journey Back to Myself: A Book of Healing Poetry, Second Edition, Unbroken Spirit: Poetry of Triumph Over Trauma and Songs of Survival: Healing Poetry for Warriors.

Episode Five: A Deep Dive into Body Memories and the Effects of Military Sexual Trauma is a powerful and poignant collection of poetry by author Honey Badger, who bravely shares her personal narrative of surviving military sexual trauma. Through her evocative verses, she delves into the complexities of body memories and the haunting effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This collection not only serves as a cathartic outlet for the author but also as a rallying cry for change, shedding light on the systemic issues that often silence survivors, including the lack of attention from Congress. Each poem is a testament to resilience, inviting readers to engage with the raw emotions and experiences that shape the journey of healing.

This compelling work is more than just poetry; it is a call to action for society to listen to and believe survivors. Honey Badger's words resonate with courage and empowerment, challenging the pervasive culture of silence surrounding sexual trauma. By sharing her story, she encourages readers to stand in solidarity with survivors and actively work towards ending rape culture. Episode Five is not only a reflection of personal struggle but also a beacon of hope for those who have faced similar challenges. This collection is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of trauma and the importance of advocacy, making it a vital addition to any library focused on social justice and healing.

Episode Four: The Boulders in My Life that Shaped My Journey is a powerful and poignant collection of poetry by author Honey Badger, who bravely shares her personal narrative of overcoming military sexual trauma. Through her evocative verses, she delves into the complexities of body memories, the weight of grief, and the transformative journey of rising above adversity. Each poem serves as a testament to resilience, inviting readers to connect with the raw emotions and experiences that shape her story. This collection not only highlights the struggles faced by survivors but also emphasizes the importance of listening to and believing their voices.

Honey Badger's work is a call to action, urging society to stand with survivors and actively combat rape culture. The themes of courage and empowerment resonate throughout the collection, making it a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of trauma and the strength it takes to heal. By sharing her journey through poetry, Honey Badger not only offers solace to those who have faced similar challenges but also inspires a broader conversation about support and advocacy for survivors. This collection is not just a book; it is a movement towards awareness, understanding, and change.