* TRIGGER WARNINGS – incest, suicide, intimate partner violence, rape *

Shield of Sisters founder Shannon Hough is joined via Zoom by Jane Giampaolo, a U.S. Army Veteran who attended one of our Restoration Retreats in the fall of 2024. At the age of 21, Jane followed several of her siblings into military service as a way to escape her abusive parents and brother. While deployed overseas, Jane was raped by a fellow service member - - she reported him and WON! Given the sheer volume of trauma Jane experienced not just during her time in the Army but for years beforehand as a child and for years afterward in her marriages, Jane is one of the most resilient survivors we at Shield of Sisters have ever encountered. Listen to Jane’s story - - she is Invisible No More!

SUMMARY: *trigger warning*

In this raw episode that is part 2 with U.S. Air Force Veteran Angela Pope, she shares why she used to feel like her voice didn’t “deserve” to be heard, that her occurrences weren’t “as bad as” others’. Listen as Pope talks about the extremely positive outcomes of the Shield of Sisters Restoration Retreat she attended in October 2024, and her realization that her story is valid and her voice matters . . . and how she found that voice.

Join Shield of Sisters founder Shannon Hough and her guest, U.S. Air Force veteran Angela, for episode 10 of Invisible No More. Angela was one of the first 15 in the Air Force to be selected for a specific MOS (military occupational specialty). She discusses the many “close call” experiences she had – during tech school that then bled over into her first duty station – at the hands of one specific higher-ranking fellow Airman. Listen as Angela describes her journey from putting on a brave face daily to where she is now, over 25 years later.

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Bethany, a compassionate therapist who bravely navigated her own journey of healing from military sexual trauma. Through deep introspection and personal growth, Bethany not only found the strength to heal but now dedicates her life to guiding others on their own paths to recovery. Join us as she shares her inspiring story, the tools she’s learned along the way, and the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those affected by military sexual trauma. This conversation is a testament to resilience and the healing power of connection.

"In this solo episode of Invisible No More, host Shannon Hough brings you the latest updates from Shield of Sisters, including exciting news about the upcoming Journey to Restoration Conference. Learn more about the mission, the impact, and how this transformative event is helping military veteran women go from surviving to thriving. Don’t miss this inspiring and informative episode!"

In this powerful episode of Invisible No More, we sit down with Bethany, a compassionate therapist who bravely navigated her own journey of healing from military sexual trauma. Through deep introspection and personal growth, Bethany not only found the strength to heal but now dedicates her life to guiding others on their own paths to recovery. Join us as she shares her inspiring story, the tools she’s learned along the way, and the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those affected by military sexual trauma. This conversation is a testament to resilience and the healing power of connection.

Navy Veteran Amie Arizmendi talks about her experiences during and after the Shield of Sisters Restoration Retreat she attended (in June 2024). A life coach and counselor herself, Amie speaks at length about the sisterhood she has found as a result of attending that retreat. She gives her thoughts & advice about finding the support a survivor needs in order to begin a healing journey.

Jodi Barnett, a U.S. Navy Veteran and the Veterans Program Specialist & Women Veterans Coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, discusses the current state of the Veteran community in the state of Wisconsin. She talks about her experiences of being met with surprise when she introduces herself as the Veteran, not the Veteran's spouse. Barnett then speaks at length about recent changes in the process of filing not only for disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma but also how to file an appeal for a previously-denied claim. Finally, she details the numerous VA resources that exist for MST survivors.