102. Aaron Stone: Retired Sergeant Major Continues His Mission of Healing and De-Stigmatizing Male Rape Victimization

I'll start these notes off by providing you some important information about my guest this week, Sergeant Major Aaron Stone, US Army, Retired. This information is taken directly from Aaron's website, https://18winters.com/#about 18 Winters – Shattering the silence I am a retired Combat Medic in the United States Army, and I have completed multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia; none of those experiences affected me as much as the trauma I suffered at age 15 at the hands of a male teacher who methodically groomed and raped me. I choose the word "rape" deliberately, because it conveys the reality of that man's actions so many years ago. For over 17 years, 18 winters, I became a silent sufferer of depression and PTSD. The cost of keeping that shameful secret caught up with me in 2010 through a nervous breakdown. Thankfully, I finally realized I needed help and, for the first time in my life, I told my story. It was an act of liberation. Over the last eight years I have spoken over 100 times to numerous military organizations across the U.S., Germany, and South Korea spreading my message of pain, redemption, and hope. My goal is to be an inspiration for those who may be suffering through the same mental anguish as I once did. I reassure survivors that sexual assault is never their fault, they are never alone, and help is here. With social stigmas and victim blaming, most male victims who never report a sexual assault. Public awareness and education of male-on-male sexual violence and the horrifying impact it can have on one's life must increase. For me, the most amazing aspect of interviewing Aaron was how his personality and conversation style is both calm and collected, yet commanding and powerful while telling his story. It's no wonder Aaron is so incredibly sought after as a speaker. Our conversation is insightful and comprehensive. It was a true honor to speak with Aaron and learn about both his rape story and his healing journey, and how he looks at telling his experience as his therapy. I share in Aaron's belief that telling our own rape or sexual assault experience is one of the first steps in our healing journey. If your organization or agency is looking for an inspirational presenter as a way of educating your employees or colleagues on the solution to the stigmas of rape and sexual assault, Aaron is the person you need to bring aboard. I feel no doubt that you will be impressed with the results! Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode…Please hit the subscribe button on whatever podcast platform you found this show, and leave a review, if you would…it helps more than you know! Also, don't forget to do your part to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape or sexual assault. A great way to do this is to Start By Believing! Please take a look at these sites, and pass them on to others who may find the information helpful: https://markel-consulting.com https://www.army.mil/article/233617/army_nco_to_speak_out_against_sexual_assault_at_redstone_kickoff https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org https://safeinharmsway.org dave@sasstories.com