On the recordMarch 21, 2012
I rise again today to highlight the epidemic of rape and sexual assault in the military. This is the 17th time that I've stood here on the House floor to tell the story of a brave member of our military who has been raped or sexually assaulted by a fellow servicemember. Today I will tell you the story of Elle Helmer, who served at the prestigious Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., at 8th and I from 2005 to 2006. The Marines who serve here in Washington are known throughout the military as the tip of the sword. They perform ceremonial roles and participate in the silent drill platoon. They are the creme de la creme. You will notice that Elle's story follows the exact same pattern as the dozens of stories I've told before and probably the same pattern of the estimated 19,000 rapes and sexual assaults that occurred in the military in 2010. This is the pattern of the epidemic. This is Elle's story: The harassment started as soon as she arrived in Washington. Lieutenant Helmer was told that she was selected to be the public affairs officer for the barracks based on her appearance. She was told that Command wanted a good-looking female officer to serve as a ``poster child.'' In addition to her role in public affairs, Lieutenant Helmer was also notified by mail that she was made a sexual assault and response coordinator. No one told her what the role required, and the only thing she knew about the position was that she'd been appointed to do it.…
