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Seeking to find the justice that is denied

The United States’ military is embroiled in two overseas conflicts.  Years before, patriot Sergeant Amanda Ashe enlisted after high school to serve her country.  With her unit, she’s sent overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

 

During her first deployment, threats of terrorism, IED blasts, and attacks on convoys are at an all-time high, but Sergeant Ashe faced more pressing dangers inside the wire.  Life is made more difficult when she reports the violence and is silenced.  She takes justice into her own hands and confronts one of her attackers.  

 

Amanda is sent to an Army mental health hospital as a way to control her.  Locked inside the system, she works against personnel and a hierarchy of importance designed to keep her truth hidden. She seeks to find the justice that is denied to her time after time before it’s too late, and she’s silenced for good.

Maria Auer Salmon, the Author of Existed Prior to Service

Meet The Author

I am a West Point graduate and former Army officer who deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

 

Years later, now I am a mother of two, wife, and high school teacher of ESL students. ​It’s been years since I left the Army.  Even after all this time, it's been hard to recover from the military sexual violence I experienced. 

 

With this book, I am determined to bring awareness to the many victims who are coping with their own struggles, because this trauma never just goes away.

Why I wrote the Book

Sexual assault and harassments are more prevalent in the U.S. Army than many Americans realize.  Even worse, victim retaliation is a common reaction when those who are hurt try to seek justice. 

I started to write this book about my own experiences many years ago as a way to process my emotions. Unfortunately, the feelings were so intense, that my mental health suffered. Luckily, I was able to receive help from the Wounded Warrior Project, which helped me connect with the local Veteran Affair’s Hospital.

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With the help and support of my therapists and psychiatrist, not to mention family and friends, I was eventually able to finish my first manuscript. The book took many revisions, and I hope the final product will be able to connect with people from all backgrounds—not just the military.

 

Ultimately, I wrote the book hoping that my experiences might be helpful for anyone out there who have experienced a trauma and were never able to receive any type of justice. If you never felt heard or understood after a traumatic experience, this book could be for you.

Why I wrote the book

The book is available on

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Existed Prior to Service cover

Supporting Good Causes

There are many organizations available to offer resources to help victims.  You are not alone and there are people who want and can help.  Below are some that supported me through my journey:

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Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP)

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been a tireless advocate for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of millions of wounded warriors and their families. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we provide programs and services that change – and save – lives.

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Protect Our Defenders (POD)

Protect Our Defenders (POD) is the pre-eminent national human rights organization dedicated to ending sexual violence, victim retaliation, misogyny, sexual prejudice, and racism in the military and combating a culture that has allowed it to persist.

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United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance (USVAA)

USVAA provides opportunities for veterans in the arts by highlighting the work of veterans in the arts, humanities and entertainment industry along with the contributions veterans have made to the rich cultural history of our nation since the Revolutionary War.

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Heroes to Heroes Foundation

To address the unseen moral injury, guilt, and shame of combat veterans by fostering reconnection to faith, rebuilding hope, revealing purpose, and guiding them toward belonging and peace.

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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

​​​Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988

Maria Auer Salmon

Get in touch

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