Army PFC LaVena Johnson's Story

PFC. LaVena Lynn Johnson born on July 27, 1985 in St. Louis MO. In 2004, she graduated Hazelwood
Central High School as an Honor Roll Student.

LaVena had high hopes of going to College but she realized her parents would have to pay for she
and her sister to attend college at the same time. So, she decided to put college on hold and enlist
in the U.S. Army which her parents objected to.

LaVena was assigned to the 129 Corp Support Battalion and deployed to service a tour in Balad Iraq,
in May of 2005. On July 19, 2005, eight weeks after being deployed to Iraq, she was mysteriously
murdered at the age of 19, eight days shy of her twentieth birthday.

LaVena was the first woman soldier and the first Black woman soldier to die while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

She was said to have committed suicide from a self-inflicted gun shot to the head with a M-16 rifle.
Despite the countless evidence; 2 autopsy's, documentary (The Silent Truth), and numerous
investigations disputing the Military's claims, the truth of her death has yet to be acknowledged
and the case remains closed.

The ACT Now! Petition was written to force the reinvestigation into LaVena's death and the deaths of
other military women classified suspiciously classified as "Non-combat" as well as, refocus the Media's
attention to this horrific case of injustice and abuse.
Sign Petition Callling For Congressional Hearing Into LaVena's Death

Please Donate Long Road Home Cycling Adventure To Raise Awareness of MST

Donate Online: www.colleenbushnell.stayclassy.org

Cross-Country Bicycle Adventure In Memory of Army PFC LaVena Johnson

During my cross-country cycling adventure, through the Long Road Home Project ( LRHP Link,)
I will be sharing my story as a woman military member, and veteran, with local and national media.

It is my hope that this commitment will inspire people to consider the unique needs, and trials, women
still face more than 30 years after women were allowed active-duty entry.

No man or woman should have to face the very real possibility of getting sexually assaulted,
or raped, while serving this nation. Nor, should they face institution wide retaliation and victim
blaming. America's armed forces can do better for those who signed the dotted line,
to give everything, up to, and including, their lives for freedom.

Please contribute $50, $100, $200 today, so we can take the Long Road Home back to the
communities, and nation we so love.

LaVena Johnson Facebook Community

LaVena Johnson Blog

REPOST: Motherhood On Life's Terms

Super Soul Sundays on the Oprah Winfrey Network are a highlight of my week.
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.

Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.

Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!

My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."

And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.

No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.

I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.

If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.
Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3

I love my Joshua and Jonathan They Are Loved and Missed

When I learned that the military was assigning personality disorders to traumatized women, like they did me; ending rape victims careers, instead of holding perpetrators accountable, like they did to me; over medicating many servicemembers, who then became suicidal, like I was; that family courts commonly rule against Protective Mothers who are seeking to protect their children, even taking them away from the mother, and handing custody over to the abusing parents/family members, never to see mom again, like they did with us; I am reminded that the truth can never be altered or changed, and justice will be served. Happy Mothers Day to you and yours, whether, in heart, in memory, or in person. Its all the same, the love is the same. It is the ultimate blessing.

I love my sons.

Today and forever more.

April Kauffman Remembered For Activism In Veterans’ Affairs

Woman Warrior of Influence Murdered (Story Courtesy of Inquirer)

PTSD Affects Personal Accountability

Our culture puts a high value on personal accountability, self determination etc. It's one of the most difficult aspects of gaining support when struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When a loved one, friend or colleague is let down due to forgetfulness, tardiness, absent mindedness, triggers or mental blocks, the potential to damage the fundamental relationship is very high. These benchmark aspects of interacting with each other provide a structure and foundation so that collaboration can take place between people and groups. Without the ability to play by these rules, a PTSD sufferer is at a clear disadvantage. The battle grounds are invisible, but the loss of impact and human potential is very real.

TRUTH and JUSTICE: Dead Marine's Mom Presents First-Ever Award In Daughter's Memory To Senator John Kerry

First Lauterbach Award For Truth and Justice presented on Capitol Hill

"The military is stupid and vindictive. The VA is only stupid." Learn to understand the rules, or you're stuck. -- Susan Avila-Smith, VetWow founder. (Story/photos courtesy of DailyKos)

                                               Rest In Peace Maria Lauterbach