Since the mysterious disappearance and eventual tragic murder of 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillen back on April 22^nd, thousands of sexual assault victims as well as activists have spoken out about the handling of the case. Moreover, they have spoken out against the Army’s apparent negligence in treating it seriously until after two months when she was reported missing from Fort Hood, Texas. Earlier today near Quantico, a group of activists came together in a memorial to honor Guillen as well as those soldiers who were subject to sexual assault and harassment.

The gathering took place on the intersection of Route 1 and Joplin Rd. in Triangle across from the famed Iwo Jima statue near the base entrance. Holding up signs in support of not only Guillen but for LaVena Lynn Johnson, who was also a rape victim in her 2005 death, which was ruled a suicide but is believed to have been covered up by the United States Department of Defense. We spoke with Mandy Santiago, one of the organizers of the event along with TK Martinez, about the importance of bringing people together for this rally, and what needs to be done.

“It’s important because it’s happening now, it’s been happening a long time ago,” said Santiago. “There is no reason for it. There should be a third-party agency for women and for men as well. They deserve to feel safe in the military and the military is a workplace. We know it’s been going on; it was just a clear slap in the face, there’s no running from it.”

She continues, “We’ve been asking, where is (Guillen), what’s going on, and why aren’t you even answering? We even know now that they didn’t have any answers until it was too late. It’s time that people get together and let them know that for both military and civilian women deserve to be protected from sexual assaults, because it is a crime.”

Several others came out in the sunny afternoon to show their support, Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye among them. He issued the following statement after the proceedings:

“I stood with demonstrators this evening to demand justice for not only Vanessa Guillen, but for every other service member who went unheard until after it was too late. We must do whatever we can to root out sexism and racism in all parts of our society and hold those accountable who allow those evils to continue under their watch.”

Protester and vigil participant Maritza Quel sent us some photos of her own. Her young daughter Emily “Lilo” Quel was also present and was the only child in attendance. Maritza and her daughter were proud to protest for Vanessa Guillen and other Latina women in uniform. She had this to say about her daughter’s participation,

“She believes no one should be bullied and it’s wrong to kill innocent people, especially who are fighting for our country. She was very proud of being a small part protesting as a girl , a Latina and as an American.”

#IAMVANESSAGUILLEN