November 2011. This month’s featured veteran is Regina Vasquez. This is her unedited story, in her own words.
Photo credit: Robin Hoecker
Regina Vasquez is a United States Marine Corps disabled veteran, a survivor, Founder and Executive Director of Fatigues Clothesline. She is also one of the board members at Semper Fidelis Health and Wellness, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization for support and research dealing with Military Sexual Trauma also known as MST. She served honorably in silence for four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Motor Transportation Specialist.
A mother of five wonderful children and a wife to a wonderful United State Marine Corps veteran. This coming year they will be celebrating 12 years of marriage. A student of life who is constantly learning and learning how to thrive.
“Fatigues” because it is what we were wearing while going through it all and after suffering for so long we feel fatigued.
Fatigues Clothesline is a vehicle which bridges a gap between the survivors and the advocates who are advocating for us in Washington DC by providing symbolism, awareness and change regarding military sexual trauma. By allowing our survivors to be heard once and for all!
Fatigues Clothesline is a non-profit program that is both an awareness and art based therapy program for military sexual trauma (MST) survivors and their families; a program that creates a dialog between the survivor and their group leader, counselor, as well as with their family members.
Through the work of art, it gives the survivor the power to express themselves freely whether it be through drawing, writing and or painting. It is also a program for individuals who cannot talk to counselors, social workers and families but are willing to participate for a cause by promoting awareness.
Through her project, survivors and their families achieve empowerment, gain confidence, establish communication skills, gain individuality, promote self-esteem and bring a sense of unity into ones family and self.
It is unjust for the perpetrator to continue serving and get off “Scott Free” while the victim is further persecuted and kicked out of the military for reporting it.
Semper Fi and God Bless
Regina Vasquez
(512) 644-6128
Director
Semper Fidelis Health & Wellness TM
A Nonprofit Organization providing Health & Wellness Solutions to Active Duty/Reserve Military, Veterans, First Responders and their families
http://www.semperfidelishealthandwellness.org
http://www.facebook.com/SemperFidelisHealthandWellness
