Requesting Help

I am an old Marine Vietnam Veteran (68-69) seeking help in motivating the state of PA and our counties to educate our citizens about Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Naturally, I hope other states also get off their backsides and do more!

I have talked to numerous citizens of PA and a few other states and have found many of them either have no idea about Military Sexual Trauma, or have at times, grossly erroneous views (being kind here).

While I was never subjected to the heinous crimes committed by some of our own military, the fact that this conversation needs to be had, is chilling!

I have PTSD, but to me, from what I've learned, MST is like PTSD, only on steroids! My PTSD is a result of my combat service in Vietnam, so I can justify to myself why this happened (sometimes). Can you imagine your spouse/significant other, adult children, adult grandchildren, brother/sisters, friends joining the service (and the vast majority of Americans do not) and have the people they count on to cover their 6 (ass) be the ones committing crimes against them.

Do they report it and risk being ostracized or worse but perhaps save someone else from these crimes---or----do they keep quiet and try to move on?? I cannot imagine having to make that decision. What would I have done? I really don't know.

After leaving the service the affected veterans (mostly females, but a fair number of males as well--according to those who reported it) then often suffer from either guilt (not reporting it) and/or the consequences of their traumatic experience.

This trauma often affects them with relationships, including their own family, work, etc. Sadly, many will end up homeless or worse, committing suicide! All of this is largely preventable, or at least we can get the numbers of those affected down (not a cure, but improvement).

Can you imagine having to deal with a gang rape? Being molested or sexually harassed? Being abused? All by the people who swore an oath to protect our Constitution but forgot their responsibility to the women and men they serve with!

Many politicians in our House and Senate (PA) and Commissioners of many of our counties (PA)---AND most likely, other states---ostensibly avoid discussion of this topic, WHY?

I have seen the resolutions (by the House, but nothing from the Senate) that often go nowhere, attempts to get legislation passed (killed in the Senate), proclamations that look fantastic, but never leave the office of the County writing it. WHY??

One Senator told me, she feels the military is handling this just fine and does not need addressed by her. Huh???

I am proud to be working with some outstanding veterans, a few members of the House, a few senators, and some great people I met at the Capitol in Washington on September 25th, but I/we need much more help.

We need to educate the public on this topic and hold our military far more responsible for the crimes committed on "their watch". We also need to have more civilians on the board in the military to keep the military in check and to add even more punishments to the perpetrators of these crimes.

To expect the military to do this job by themselves is like "having a judge responsible for handling their own case"

I was lucky enough to find one great (real) news station that looked into MST, interviewed some people and will hopefully have a story out---after the election.

If you can help by offering suggestions, providing resources, etc. please call or email me.

Perhaps, we can keep a veteran from becoming homeless, having to deal with this horrific issue, provide support for those affected, and keep someone from committing suicide!

Thank you,

James Ulinski

267-679-8101

[email protected]