Military Sexual Trauma in Korea’s Drinking Culture and Trafficking: Lakeydra Houston (Part 2) | The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith
Lakeydra Houston shares her story of Military Sexual Trauma in the U.S. Air Force, exposing alcohol culture in Korea, systemic betrayal, and survivor advocacy.
U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston discusses Military Sexual Trauma, alcohol culture in Korea, and her journey to advocacy on The Silenced Voices of MST .
Intro
U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston shares her experience of Military Sexual Trauma while stationed in Korea, where a culture of heavy drinking and peer pressure created unsafe conditions for service members. She describes how trafficking operated inside the ranks, how leadership failed to act, and how systemic betrayal deepened her trauma. Despite these challenges, Lakeydra has become an advocate for survivors, emphasizing the need for accountability, support, and reform.
This is Part 2 of Lakeydra’s story. Read Part 1 here: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/military-sexual-trauma-lakeydra-houston-part1
Episode Summary
In this continuation of her interview on The Silenced Voices of MST, Lakeydra Houston opens up about the ways Military Sexual Trauma shaped her service in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in Korea, she encountered a drinking culture that normalized alcohol abuse and lowered safeguards for vulnerable service members. She explains how this environment not only increased the risk of assault but also protected perpetrators from accountability.
Lakeydra details multiple incidents of Military Sexual Trauma and the profound sense of betrayal she felt when leadership failed to act. Instead of receiving support, she faced retaliation, blame, and silence that compounded the harm. Her account also reveals the presence of trafficking networks inside the military, where power and authority were used to exploit and control.
Adding to this burden, Lakeydra experienced devastating personal loss with the death of her sister while she was still in service. The grief amplified her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, leaving her isolated in a culture unwilling to protect or support survivors.
U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston discusses Military Sexual Trauma and alcohol culture in Korea on The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith
Despite this, Lakeydra found strength in advocacy. By seeking therapy, connecting with survivor networks, and building community through groups like KeyFit and The Pink Berets, she began transforming her pain into purpose. Today, she speaks out about the connection between Military Sexual Trauma, toxic military culture, and systemic neglect, calling for urgent reform and trauma-informed care.
“You have to
remember your ‘why’.”
- Lakeydra Houston
This episode points out the intersection of Military Sexual Trauma, alcohol culture in Korea, trafficking within the Air Force, and the enduring fight for survivor justice.
Lakeydra’s experience is a rallying call to action. Her story exposes institutional betrayal, the hidden crisis of trafficking, and the devastating effects of unaddressed complex traumas. But take this to heart. Her story is an example of the almost miraculous healing power of support and community. Lakeydra’s journey shows that even in the darkest moments, there is still a dawn.
Episode Trigger Warnings and Timestamps
01:18–02:29: Alcohol abuse and toxic drinking culture
02:32–02:50: MST and military inaction
02:54–04:10: Peer pressure, bullying, isolation
04:23–05:39: Sexual assault, betrayal, victim blaming
05:42–06:18: Further assault, deepening trauma
06:25–07:23: Depression, reluctance to disclose
07:44–08:18: Human trafficking, leadership complicity
08:24–10:19: “Juicy Girls,” survivor guilt
11:02–14:10: Sister’s death, harassment, self-harm, suicidal thoughts
17:34–18:39: Supporting another MST victim, starting advocacy
19:31–20:34: Survivor silencing, victim blaming
26:08–26:43: Transition out of service, overdose mention, ongoing healingThis episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below:
Resources from this Episodes
🔍 If you’re currently working through the VA Disability claims process, download our free toolkit that helps you get the rating you deserve: Get access now
Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives
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Next Episode
Our host, Rachelle Smith, speaks with Gender Violence Institute founder, Chuck Derry, who offers insight into why Military Sexual Trauma has endured in the Armed Forces and exactly how to stop it.
Support and Community
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1
SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
Join our Facebook community: The Advocates of MST
About the Guest
Lakeydra Houston is a U.S. Air Force veteran, survivor of Military Sexual Trauma, and advocate for reform. Through her work with organizations such as KeyFit and The Pink Berets, she supports fellow survivors and pushes for systemic change in how the military addresses sexual assault.
