Invisible No More: Lady Veterans' Stories of Military Sexual Trauma

In this raw and unflinching episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Kristin, a brave veteran whose service came with an unbearable cost. Kristin shares her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted by both men and women during her time in the military. For years, she battled extreme alcoholism as a means to cope with the unimaginable trauma, a path that led her to the brink.Join us as Kristin opens up about the devastating impact of these assaults on her life and her courageous decision to seek healing. Currently in an intense rehab facility, Kristin offers a powerful, honest look at the painstaking journey of recovery. This episode is a testament to the profound strength it takes to confront deep wounds, break cycles of self-destruction, and declare, with unwavering resolve, that you are invisible no more.

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Meghann Trapp, an Air Force veteran whose promising career was tragically cut short. Meghann was medically retired from the military after enduring a sexual assault, a deeply personal trauma that forced her into an early and unexpected chapter of her life.Join us as Meghann bravely shares her journey through the aftermath of the assault, the challenges of navigating the military's justice system, and the difficult transition to civilian life. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering fight to reclaim her voice after being silenced. This episode sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by survivors of military sexual trauma and serves as a testament to the strength it takes to say, "I am invisible no more."

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Meghann Trapp, an Air Force veteran whose promising career was tragically cut short. Meghann was medically retired from the military after enduring a sexual assault, a deeply personal trauma that forced her into an early and unexpected chapter of her life.Join us as Meghann bravely shares her journey through the aftermath of the assault, the challenges of navigating the military's justice system, and the difficult transition to civilian life. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering fight to reclaim her voice after being silenced. This episode sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by survivors of military sexual trauma and serves as a testament to the strength it takes to say, "I am invisible no more."

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with singer-songwriter duo Johnny and Heidi, the creative forces behind the emotional anthem Women on Fire. Written for the Journey to Restoration retreat in partnership with CreatiVets, this song honors the strength and resilience of women veterans on their healing journey. Johnny and Heidi share how music became a bridge to healing, the inspiration behind the lyrics, and what it means to give voice to stories that are too often left unheard. This is a conversation about courage, creativity, and the fire that refuses to be extinguished.

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Jasmine—a U.S. Navy veteran and published author—who shares her deeply personal journey from military service to healing through writing. Jasmine opens up about the invisible battles she faced during and after her time in uniform, and how telling her story became a lifeline not only for herself, but for others who have walked a similar path. Tune in as she discusses resilience, reclaiming identity, and the power of putting pen to paper. This is a conversation about courage, creativity, and never staying silent again.

In this powerful episode of the Shield of Sister podcast, we sit down with Tauyna — a courageous survivor of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) whose story of strength, survival, and transformation will move you deeply. Tauyna opens up about the battles she faced both in uniform and beyond, the long road to healing, and how she’s turned her pain into purpose. Her journey is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of sisterhood and the resilience of women who refuse to stay silent.

In this unapologetically real episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with the fierce and fearless Kaila Fain—a woman who refuses to shrink for anyone. Kaila opens up about what it means to build strong boundaries, protect your peace, and chase your evolution without guilt or permission. If you’ve ever felt like you had to tone it down to be accepted, this conversation will light a fire in you. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s a reminder that becoming the woman you want to be is reason enough. No regrets. No apologies.

In this unapologetically real episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with the fierce and fearless Kaila Fain—a woman who refuses to shrink for anyone. Kaila opens up about what it means to build strong boundaries, protect your peace, and chase your evolution without guilt or permission. If you’ve ever felt like you had to tone it down to be accepted, this conversation will light a fire in you. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s a reminder that becoming the woman you want to be is reason enough. No regrets. No apologies.

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Heather, an Army veteran whose life was forever changed by an unthinkable betrayal. She bravely shares her story of surviving sexual assault at the hands of someone she trusted—her own boyfriend and his friend—and the lasting impact it has had on her life, including the burden of an unwanted medical history.Heather opens up about the challenges she’s faced in seeking justice, healing, and reclaiming her sense of self. This conversation sheds light on the harsh realities many survivors endure and the resilience it takes to move forward.Her story is one of pain, strength, and survival—and it’s one that needs to be heard.

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Heather, an Army veteran whose life was forever changed by an unthinkable betrayal. She bravely shares her story of surviving sexual assault at the hands of someone she trusted—her own boyfriend and his friend—and the lasting impact it has had on her life, including the burden of an unwanted medical history.Heather opens up about the challenges she’s faced in seeking justice, healing, and reclaiming her sense of self. This conversation sheds light on the harsh realities many survivors endure and the resilience it takes to move forward.Her story is one of pain, strength, and survival—and it’s one that needs to be heard.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a devastating reality for many, but when the perpetrator is a spouse, the betrayal cuts even deeper. In this episode of Invisible No More, Wendy courageously shares her story of enduring MST at the hands of her husband while serving in the military. She opens up about the emotional and psychological toll, the challenges of seeking justice, and the strength it took to reclaim her life. Her story is one of resilience, survival, and hope—shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles of veterans who have faced abuse from those closest to them.

* TRIGGER WARNINGS – incest, suicide, intimate partner violence, rape *Shield of Sisters founder Shannon Hough is joined via Zoom by Jane Giampaolo, a U.S. Army Veteran who attended one of our Restoration Retreats in the fall of 2024. At the age of 21, Jane followed several of her siblings into military service as a way to escape her abusive parents and brother. While deployed overseas, Jane was raped by a fellow service member - - she reported him and WON! Given the sheer volume of trauma Jane experienced not just during her time in the Army but for years beforehand as a child and for years afterward in her marriages, Jane is one of the most resilient survivors we at Shield of Sisters have ever encountered. Listen to Jane’s story - - she is Invisible No More!

SUMMARY: *trigger warning*In this raw episode that is part 2 with U.S. Air Force Veteran Angela Pope, she shares why she used to feel like her voice didn’t “deserve” to be heard, that her occurrences weren’t “as bad as” others’. Listen as Pope talks about the extremely positive outcomes of the Shield of Sisters Restoration Retreat she attended in October 2024, and her realization that her story is valid and her voice matters . . . and how she found that voice.

Join Shield of Sisters founder Shannon Hough and her guest, U.S. Air Force veteran Angela, for episode 10 of Invisible No More. Angela was one of the first 15 in the Air Force to be selected for a specific MOS (military occupational specialty). She discusses the many “close call” experiences she had – during tech school that then bled over into her first duty station – at the hands of one specific higher-ranking fellow Airman. Listen as Angela describes her journey from putting on a brave face daily to where she is now, over 25 years later.

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Bethany, a compassionate therapist who bravely navigated her own journey of healing from military sexual trauma. Through deep introspection and personal growth, Bethany not only found the strength to heal but now dedicates her life to guiding others on their own paths to recovery. Join us as she shares her inspiring story, the tools she’s learned along the way, and the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those affected by military sexual trauma. This conversation is a testament to resilience and the healing power of connection.

"In this solo episode of Invisible No More, host Shannon Hough brings you the latest updates from Shield of Sisters, including exciting news about the upcoming Journey to Restoration Conference. Learn more about the mission, the impact, and how this transformative event is helping military veteran women go from surviving to thriving. Don’t miss this inspiring and informative episode!"

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Bethany, a compassionate therapist who bravely navigated her own journey of healing from military sexual trauma. Through deep introspection and personal growth, Bethany not only found the strength to heal but now dedicates her life to guiding others on their own paths to recovery. Join us as she shares her inspiring story, the tools she’s learned along the way, and the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those affected by military sexual trauma. This conversation is a testament to resilience and the healing power of connection.

Navy Veteran Amie Arizmendi talks about her experiences during and after the Shield of Sisters Restoration Retreat she attended (in June 2024). A life coach and counselor herself, Amie speaks at length about the sisterhood she has found as a result of attending that retreat. She gives her thoughts & advice about finding the support a survivor needs in order to begin a healing journey.

Jodi Barnett, a U.S. Navy Veteran and the Veterans Program Specialist & Women Veterans Coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, discusses the current state of the Veteran community in the state of Wisconsin. She talks about her experiences of being met with surprise when she introduces herself as the Veteran, not the Veteran's spouse. Barnett then speaks at length about recent changes in the process of filing not only for disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma but also how to file an appeal for a previously-denied claim. Finally, she details the numerous VA resources that exist for MST survivors.

Jodi Barnett, a U.S. Navy Veteran and the Veterans Program Specialist & Women Veterans Coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, discusses the current state of the Veteran community in the state of Wisconsin. She talks about her experiences of being met with surprise when she introduces herself as the Veteran, not the Veteran's spouse. Barnett then speaks at length about recent changes in the process of filing not only for disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma but also how to file an appeal for a previously-denied claim. Finally, she details the numerous VA resources that exist for MST survivors.

Wisconsin Air National Guard Veteran Megan Haag, owner of Soil+Soul Farm Co, shares her post-trauma journey from addiction to healing, including the tools she continues to use in her own restoration from surviving to thriving. Megan offers advice learned from her own path about being your own best advocate when in the thick of that healing process as well as setting goals for the future.GUESTMegan Haag, Veteran, Wisconsin Air National Guard

GUEST: Nicole Hanson, Army VeteranPart 2 of 2Navigating the return to work after being assaulted by a member of your military unit might seem unfathomable, but sometimes you have no choice. The bravery necessary to walk back through that door cannot be quantified. Listen as Army Veteran Nicole Hanson tells us the story of her Military Sexual Assault, how she manages her life now, and her feelings on trust.

GUEST: Nicole Hanson, Army VeteranPart 1 of 2Navigating the return to work after being assaulted by a member of your military unit might seem unfathomable, but sometimes you have no choice. The bravery necessary to walk back through that door cannot be quantified. Listen as Army Veteran Nicole Hanson tells us the story of her Military Sexual Assault, how she manages her life now, and her feelings on trust.

Our Pilot Episode!Listen as Shield of Sisters founder Shannon Hough, a Navy Veteran and Military Sexual Trauma survivor, leads us through her own journey of restoration following her trauma. She also shares the origin of Shield of Sisters and what the vision is for the future.

In this introductory short, we lay the groundwork by defining Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and its profound impact on Lady Veterans who endured it during their service to our country.We'll hear from experts, survivors, and advocates who are committed to raising awareness and creating a supportive community for those affected.