THE FEMALE VETERAN by Ty Will

" This book is dedicated to all the female veterans who are afraid to come out of the shadows."(quote from book)

5 STARS

 

THE FEMALE VETERAN

by Ty Will

 

Published June 20th 2013 by Outskirts Press 

 

OVERVIEW (from Shelfari)

 Incredibly, more than 3,000 women in the United States military report Military Sexual Trauma (MST) each year. Yet, to date, the military seems unwilling or unable to provide its own woman soldiers with the care they deserve – and unable to prevent these atrocities from occurring in the first place. With The Female Veteran, female military veteran Ty Will tells her own deeply personal account of rape at the hands of her sergeant, and her experience with seeking treatment from a VA ill-equipped to deal with the pervasive issue. The Female Veteran is a must-read for all veterans and their families – particularly those with a mother, daughter, aunt or sister in the armed forces -- as well as those considering entering the military.

  

AUTHOR (from the back cover)
Ty Will served in the Army Reserves from 1987-1989. She went into Active Duty from 1989 - 1992 then returned to the Reserves until she was honorably discharged in 1995. She served on a secret Drug Interdiction Mission and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal in 1991. Despite receiving this achievement, she has never actually received the medal, like so many other soldiers. "Someone told me that I was courageous for writing this book. I didn't write this book because I'm courageous. I wrote it out of fear. Fear of not being the best mom I can be. Fear of not being the best person I can be. Fear of not getting past the trauma of being in the Army." - Ty Will'

REVIEW

MST(Military Sexual Trauma) is in the news. I'm sure this had to have been hard for Ms. Will to write because of the physical and mental trauma she went through. from being raped.  It not only affected her body and mind but it went further into her life after she left the military. The book I hope will have a positive effect on  others whether in the military or not. She wrote not only of rape but sexual harassment of all kinds. 

 (From the back cover) Over 3000 female veterans file MST (Military Sexual Trauma) reports every year.  In 2010, a survey was sent out to all Armed Forces. The results showed more than 19000 female veterans had been sexually harassed.  That is more than 50 Veterans a day!  

Stop a minute and think about that.  50 Veterans a day!!!!!!  That is not acceptable, military or not.  When a person doesn't even feel safe in the military, the country has a big problem.  This isn't just a personal or military problem, but a country problem. Ms. Will takes you through day by day encounters with personnel at  a VA Hospital during the time from November 1, 2001 and the end of 2009. The book is written as a diary.  All the doctors, counselors, social workers she met with.  I can't imagine how hard this had to be on her.  She had 5 failed marriages and 3 children by different fathers. She was given drugs to help but she was still frustrated  with the care she was given. She takes you on a journey from abuse to the long road to healing. Everyone should read this book. The word needs to be spread about or sexual harassment and rapes will continue .  This must stop.  It is barbaric and ever so damaging to the victim.  So many times these occurrences go untold.  People are ashamed or feel they are to be blamed.  Well, as far as I'm concerned, they are not acceptable.  The victim is not to blame. Ms. Will is a strong individual to bring this out into the open. To let the public know what is going on in the military.  The military is supposed to protect us, not hurt us.  I feel that Ms. Will is speaking for those who are to ashamed or fearful of speaking. Please pick up a copy of this book and read it, pass it along to a friend and spread the word.  If we don't the problem will never change. Do we want this kind of thing happening?  

I'd like to thank Ms. Will for having the courage and strength to come forward and write this must read.   THANKS!

I would give this book 5 STARS

I was given a complimentary copy of THE FEMALE VETERAN from the author, Ty Will for this honest review.

http://bemiown.blogspot.com 

http://www.shelfari.com/books/36508322/The-Female-Veteran

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18146201-the-female-veteran 

http://www.outskirtspress.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Female-Veteran-Ty-Will/dp/1478705892