The Phoenix Project

_{Fifty states standing in solidarity with survivors of military sexual trauma (MST).}

Estimates from 2021 suggest that over one million MST survivors reside in the U.S. and its territories.
In the fall of 2007, I became one of them, subjected to a physical assault and brutal rape against my will in a shower. After more than ten days in the hospital, I was forced to push through, completing a 15k ruck march and serving for 11 more months until my honorable discharge.
Unseen and unacknowledged at the time, PTSD had already taken hold. Months later, other medical issues emerged. Still, I remained silent, too afraid of jeopardizing my career to acknowledge that I was a victim of military sexual violence. For 13 years, my silence contributed to my suffering – a painful truth that ultimately fueled my resolve to rise from the depths of homelessness, hunger, and despair.

Joint House Resolution 015 “UTAH 2021” represents my own journey of rising from the ashes, a new beginning forged for anyone who has lived in the shadow of trauma for too long. This movement is my commitment to helping fellow military sexual trauma survivors rise from their own experiences and become the resilient phoenixes our community urgently needs. Survivors need to see they are not alone.

Our country is fundamentally built upon the foundation of hope.

STATE LEGISLATORS, YOUR SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL: HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Rise and become a catalyst for hope for those impacted by MST. By recognizing the strength and resilience of survivors, and partnering with them, you hold the power to be a key force in ending life crippling MST.

We implore you to stand up and show your fellow legislators and the survivors in your state that sharing their stories and seeking help is met with understanding and support, and that their experiences are valued.

Our mission is to empower survivors to speak their truth and heal, and we call on your leadership to make this a reality.

We ask that you, as a state legislator, stand with the survivors of the “Phoenix Project” by passing this simple yet powerful legislation. Your support will be a tangible flag of hope for those recovering from MST in your state and beyond.

THE TIME IS NOW FOR LEGISLATORS IN THE FOLLOWING STATES TO BECOME A FLAG OF SUPPORT for HOPE AFTER MST!

red links next to states will direct you to the enrolled copies within there respective state government sites.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado SENATE RESOLUTION 23-006
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah HJR0015 “2021”
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming