Read Into The Light, a poem written by Colonel Lisa Carrington Firmin. “For me as a Latina, Vanessa Guillén’s murder in April 2020 was the catalyst for repressed memories of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and catapulted me on a journey of healing and action. The poem was first shared publicly on the one year anniversary of Vanessa’s murder as a way to both educate and to help people understand how deeply MST affects those who experience it while serving. The public should understand clearly the complex issues surrounding MST. I hope my poem provides some insight in order to affect much needed change within the military.” – Colonel Carrington Firmin Read the Poem ⇨
In partnership with Mr. David Cruz, Strategic Communications expert and Salem Media Network, HVLA is conducting a series of podcasts to increase national awareness regarding the lack of Hispanic diversity and inclusion in the DoD and to further our mission. Listen to the Podcasts ⇨
“I wrote 'Into the Light' as a way to both educate and to help people understand how deeply Military Sexual Trauma (MST) affects those of us who experience it while serving. For me as a Latina, Vanessa Guillén’s murder in April 2020 was the catalyst for repressed memories of MST and catapulted me on a journey of healing and action. The poem was first shared publicly on the one year anniversary of Vanessa’s murder. It is important that we never forget. I hope my poem provides some insight in order to affect much needed change within the military. The public should clearly understand the complex issues surrounding MST so that they can advocate for true transformational change. A year since Vanessa was murdered and we are still awaiting that level of change.”
– Colonel Carrington Firmin
In times of crisis, we often look to leaders, role models, and heroes for inspiration. The continuing absence of appropriate Hispanic representation at senior levels within the U.S. military is indeed a crisis.
Throughout my career my actions were guided by two simple principles: do the best job you can at the job you currently have and always take good care of others, particularly your subordinates
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“I wrote 'Into the Light' as a way to both educate and to help people understand how deeply Military Sexual Trauma (MST) affects those of us who experience it while serving. For me as a Latina, Vanessa Guillén’s murder in April 2020 was the catalyst for repressed memories of MST and catapulted me on a journey of healing and action. The poem was first shared publicly on the one year anniversary of Vanessa’s murder. It is important that we never forget. I hope my poem provides some insight in order to affect much needed change within the military. The public should clearly understand the complex issues surrounding MST so that they can advocate for true transformational change. A year since Vanessa was murdered and we are still awaiting that level of change.” 
