Vanessa Guillen was reported missing from Fort Hood in April 2020 and her remains were found on June 30, 2020. She was reportedly sexually assaulted prior to going missing. Her body was buried for three days before being moved, where they were later found.

Using Guillen’s case as inspiration allowed me to face the assault I survived while on deployment in 2010. At the top of the piece is my old service record, which serves as the anchor. Attached is a quilt made of panties, torn, stretched and starched. The violence attributed to the underwear reflects the hidden cruelty being done to women soldiers, who are often suffering in silence.