women endured sexual harassment Gulf WAR

As a female who served thru transition from the Womens Army Corp
(vietnam era) into the Army Of One (present)

Sexual Harassment was a slight possibility stateside
and a looming danger in areas of low level conflicts/battle rear
areas.

When ever in an area where there was no 911 service, "the one out of
hundred" - bad boy, would act out to take unwanted contact with
a lone female.

During my career, the sexual Harassment came from those two or
more Ranks my senior. Could the power of their rank cause me
to surrender to his desires ? Once I told a man that I had a
sexually transmitted disease, to avoid contact.

At one time in the gulf, my assignments cause me to travel alone
day and night time to courier legal documents. My commander
understanding the problems of this female traveling alone,
would borrow a off duty (tall strong) appearing soldiers to
escort me. They would sleep in my vehicle and come to my
defense is I use the whistle. These servicemen I am greatful
for their honorable assistance.

During another deployment, outright hired a servicemen to
be my body guard. For I would be able to get a hold of
some item to barter with.

Yet I suffered the disappointment when my XO failed to prosecut
my complaint of a assualt while in the field.
__________________________________________

VA, DUKE STUDY FOCUSES ON WOMEN'S SEXUAL TRAUMA
WHILE ON MILITARY DUTY --
Almost eight in every 10 women in the Persian Gulf War
said they endured sexual harassment.

Women coming back from active military duty have enough
on their emotional plates without dealing with the trauma
of sexual assault.

Story here... http://www.heraldsun.com/durham/4-821085.cfm

NEW - Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans

Federal Register: March 6, 2008
[Notices]
The Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans will advise
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the full spectrum of
health care and benefits issues that confront veterans who
served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during
the 1990-1991 period of the Gulf War. The Committee will
pay particular attention to issues that are unique to these
veterans.

Waiting to see if Town Hall meetings will be held around
the country. Will they address concerns of Veterans who
now live outside of the United States ?

What is of Critical importance is will the Vets who had
health problems is the past 17 or less years can find
the interest or energy to tell this ABGWV the problems
which they had to deal with ? To demand change.

I know I will be there or at least submit written
"Statement For The Record"
will you ?

Waiting for help to arrive

The Gulf War Council,
American Veteran Association,
Desert Storm Justice Foundation
National Gulf War Resource Center,
Veterans of Modern Warfare have
muffeled the voices and statements made by
individual veterans. Not in the last year have
we seen these groups coming to the rescue.

Their selfishness does not allow them to be able to work
together on any project or endeavor of substance. When
they do get together, their selfishness lets their egos get
in the way of their goal. Their so-called help organizations
seem to only want to promote their name without making
any real change in their community.

They are content to sit in conferences and conventions in
hotels, and talk about what they will do, while they award
plaques to the best speakers, not to the best doers.

Is there no end to their selfishness?
They steadfastly refuse to see that TOGETHER EACH
ACHIEVES MORE (TEAM).

We have lost Gulf War Referral Clinics;
we have lost Military and Veterans Coordination Board;
we have lost any oversight board/taskforce.

Why have these groups been silent on these loses.
They have not pushed to get vets transported
to two WRIISC clinics on the east coast.

I must remind you the value of a LONE voice
And the value of coming together as an organized unit,
you become dangerous for demand the advance
diagnostics us GW vets deserve.