Shield of Sisters – A Mission of Healing and Empowerment

For Navy veteran Shannon Hough, the hardest battles weren’t fought overseas—they came after her military service. After enduring Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and years of silence, Shannon found healing through purpose. She now leads Shield of Sisters, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women veterans navigate the long, often unseen road to recovery. In this moving conversation, Dr. Marty Rossman and Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) & CEO for the DVNF speak with Shannon about her personal story—how trauma shaped her early years, how it nearly cost her everything, and how she ultimately found strength in service to others. They explore MST’s far-reaching impact, the difficulty of speaking up, and how visualization, peer connection, and purpose-driven living (ikigai) can help survivors rebuild their lives. Shannon also shares how Shield of Sisters is offering more than support—it’s offering a path forward. Whether you’re a survivor, a veteran, a supporter, or someone searching for tools to grow through hardship, this episode offers real stories, real resources, and real hope. Chapters & Topics: 00:00 – Welcome & Shannon’s Early Military Journey 08:30 – MST, Coercion, and the Burden of Silence 20:15 – The Long-Term Impact and Unseen Struggles 31:10 – Rock Bottom Moments and Turning Points 45:15 – Letting Go of Trauma: The Bowling Ball Metaphor 52:20 – Programs at Shield of Sisters: Retreats, Peer Support, Advocacy 58:10 – A Message for Survivors: “You Can Go Now”