In this powerful episode "Military justice advocate", Theresa Carpenter welcomes Master Sergeant Crystal Romero, a retired U.S. Army National Guard veteran who served for 16 and a half years. Crystal shares her incredible journey, from overcoming a tumultuous childhood to achieving success in the military, only to face a toxic work environment that ultimately led to her wrongful discharge. Her story sheds light on the systemic issues within the military justice system and the challenges faced by those who speak out against injustice.
Meet the Guest: Crystal Romero
Crystal Romero is a veteran advocate who played a significant role in passing legislation related to military sexual assault and veterans' mental health. During her military career, she obtained four military occupational specialties, held various positions, and successfully ran programs like the DOD Innovative Readiness Training Program. Currently, she resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her three daughters and continues to work tirelessly to support veterans and bring about systemic change.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
✔️ The impact of childhood trauma and how it shaped Crystal's resilience and determination to succeed in the military.
✔️ The challenges faced by whistleblowers and those who report misconduct or seek accountability within the military system.
✔️ The importance of leadership, moral courage, and holding those in positions of authority accountable for their actions.
✔️ The devastating effects of moral injury and the need for better support systems and mechanisms for addressing mental health issues within the military.
✔️ The power of storytelling and advocacy in driving systemic change and raising awareness about the issues faced by veterans.
💡 Discussion Points:
- Crystal's experience with reporting her concerns about a colleague's lack of performance and the subsequent retaliation she faced.
- The flaws in the military's investigative processes, lack of due process, and the difficulties in obtaining justice or accountability.
- The emotional and financial toll of pursuing legal action against the military, and the barriers that prevent many service members from seeking justice.
- The role of advocacy organizations, legislation, and grassroots movements in addressing systemic issues within the military.
- The importance of providing support and resources for veterans transitioning to civilian life and dealing with the aftermath of trauma and moral injury.
Listen to Audio
Watch Full Episode:
Resources:
- Parade deck: https://www.paradedeck.com/creator/StoriesofService?track=pd
- Crystal's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalcromero/
- S.O.S Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheresaCarpenter76
