“Vanessa Guillen wanted to serve her country. What she found was a nightmare that ended in tragedy.” These words, repeated by her family, sum up a case that exposed the violence and silence that prevails on some U.S. military bases. But Vanessa was not the only one.
In recent years, other Hispanic soldiers have lost their lives in suspicious circumstances while on duty, leaving a disturbing question in the air: what is really going on inside military installations?
Vanessa Guillén: A death that shook the country
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The case of Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old soldier of Mexican descent assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, sparked a wave of outrage.
Vanessa disappeared on April 22, 2020. Months later, her remains were found dismembered and buried near a river.
Prior to her disappearance, Vanessa had confessed to her family that she had been sexually harassed by a superior, although she never filed a formal complaint.
Aaron Robinson, the suspect
Aaron Robinson, also a soldier at Fort Hood, was named as the prime suspect.
Robinson committed suicide before being arrested.
His accomplice, his girlfriend Cecily Aguilar, faces charges for her participation in the cover-up of the crime.
This case prompted the ‘I Am Vanessa Guillén’ Act, passed in 2021 to reform the handling of sexual harassment and sexual assault complaints in the military.”
Other cases that raise doubts
Gregory Morales (Fort Hood): Weeks after Vanessa’s disappearance, the remains of Gregory Morales, another Hispanic soldier from Fort Hood, were found in an isolated field. Although the Army called his death “not suspicious,” his family is still seeking answers, questioning the conditions of his death, according to ABCNews.
Enrique Roman-Martinez (Fort Bragg): In May 2020, Corporal Enrique Roman-Martinez disappeared during a camping trip with fellow soldiers from his base at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Days later, his head was found on the North Carolina coast. As of today, there have been no arrests in his case.
Elder Fernandes (Fort Hood): In August 2020, Sgt. Elder Fernandes was found hanging from a tree near Fort Hood after being reported missing. Prior to his death, Elder had reported sexual harassment, but was transferred to another unit in lieu of support.
The pattern at Fort Hood
Fort Hood, where several of these cases occurred, has been criticized for its systemic failures to protect its soldiers. Recent reports highlight a toxic environment that has allowed harassment, abuse and impunity.
Although Congress passed major reforms in the aftermath of the Guillén case, many Hispanic families continue to call for justice and greater transparency.
We want our children to be able to serve with honor, not fear
Gloria Guillén, mother of Vanessa Guillén
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