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Voices for Vanessa – Update

Voices for Vanessa – Update

Update: 2024-07-319
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This podcast delves into the tragic story of Vanessa Guillen, a young soldier who went missing from Fort Hood in April 2020. The episode begins by outlining the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the investigation, and the subsequent discovery of her remains. It then explores Vanessa Guillen's last known activities on April 22nd, 2020, including her interactions with fellow soldiers and her communication with her family. The podcast reveals the disturbing discovery of Vanessa Guillen's remains, found by a contractor near Fort Hood, leading to the arrest of Specialist Aaron Robinson, who later died by suicide. The episode examines the Army's response to Vanessa Guillen's disappearance and murder, including the investigation, the disciplinary actions taken against soldiers and officers, and the broader issue of sexual harassment and assault within the military. The podcast discusses the Vanessa Guillen Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Spear that aims to address sexual harassment and assault in the military by requiring independent investigations of complaints. The episode concludes with a brief advertisement for Dateline True Crime Weekly, a new podcast covering breaking crime news around the country.

Outlines

00:00:00
Vanessa Guillen: A Missing Soldier and the Army's Response

This chapter introduces Vanessa Guillen, a soldier who went missing from Fort Hood, and explores the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the investigation, and the subsequent discovery of her remains. It also examines the Army's response to her disappearance and murder, including the investigation, the disciplinary actions taken against soldiers and officers, and the broader issue of sexual harassment and assault within the military.

00:01:49
Vanessa Guillen's Last Day and the Disturbing Discovery

This chapter delves into Vanessa Guillen's last known activities on April 22nd, 2020, including her interactions with fellow soldiers and her communication with her family. It also reveals the discovery of Vanessa Guillen's remains, found by a contractor near Fort Hood, leading to the arrest of Specialist Aaron Robinson, who later died by suicide.

00:40:35
The Vanessa Guillen Act and its Impact

This chapter discusses the Vanessa Guillen Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Spear that aims to address sexual harassment and assault in the military by requiring independent investigations of complaints. It also explores the impact of Vanessa Guillen's case on the military and the broader conversation about sexual harassment and assault.

Keywords

Vanessa Guillen


Vanessa Guillen was a 20-year-old soldier who went missing from Fort Hood in April 2020. Her disappearance sparked a national movement against sexual harassment in the military.

Fort Hood


Fort Hood is a large US Army base located in Killeen, Texas. It has been the site of several high-profile incidents, including Vanessa Guillen's murder and multiple mass shootings.

Sexual Harassment


Sexual harassment is a form of unwelcome sexual behavior that creates a hostile work environment. It can include verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct.

Sexual Assault


Sexual assault is any sexual act that is committed without consent. It can include rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of sexual violence.

I Am Vanessa Guillen


"I Am Vanessa Guillen" is a hashtag that was created in response to Vanessa Guillen's murder. It has been used by women in the military to share their own experiences of sexual harassment and assault.

Vanessa Guillen Act


The Vanessa Guillen Act is legislation that aims to address sexual harassment and assault in the military by requiring independent investigations of complaints.

Aaron Robinson


Aaron Robinson was a specialist in the US Army who was accused of murdering Vanessa Guillen. He died by suicide before he could be brought to trial.

Cecilia Aguilar


Cecilia Aguilar was Aaron Robinson's girlfriend. She was convicted of accessory after the fact to Vanessa Guillen's murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Q&A

  • What were the circumstances surrounding Vanessa Guillen's disappearance?

    Vanessa Guillen went missing from Fort Hood on April 22nd, 2020. Her car, keys, and ID were found at the base, but she was nowhere to be found.

  • What role did sexual harassment play in Vanessa Guillen's case?

    Vanessa Guillen's family alleged that she had been sexually harassed by a superior. This allegation sparked a national movement against sexual harassment in the military.

  • What was the outcome of the investigation into Vanessa Guillen's disappearance?

    The investigation led to the arrest of Specialist Aaron Robinson, who was later found dead by suicide. Robinson's girlfriend, Cecilia Aguilar, was convicted of accessory after the fact to murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

  • What is the Vanessa Guillen Act and what does it aim to do?

    The Vanessa Guillen Act is legislation that aims to address sexual harassment and assault in the military by requiring independent investigations of complaints. It also establishes sexual harassment as a standalone offense under military law.

  • What impact has Vanessa Guillen's case had on the military?

    Vanessa Guillen's case has brought to light the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the military. It has led to increased awareness of the problem and calls for reform.

Show Notes

When soldier Vanessa Guillen vanishes from Fort Hood, her family works to bring attention to her disappearance. Andrea Canning reports on the case on the case that inspired a movement across the country. 

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Voices for Vanessa – Update

Voices for Vanessa – Update

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