Broken Systems, Broken Hearts: Lakeydra’s Fight for Her Life
Lakeydra, an Air Force veteran, shares her powerful story of survival through betrayal, MST, and profound grief after losing her sister. In this gripping episode, she exposes the toxic military culture of alcohol abuse, systemic silencing, and trafficking, while charting her hard-fought journey toward healing, advocacy, and reclaiming her voice.
Lakeydra found herself trapped in a trauma cycle of alcohol and MST in a new duty station. Her breaking point came when faced with an unexpected and tragic loss that set her up for the fight for her life.
Lakeydra’s story exposes betrayal, grief, and her inextinguishable inner-light that propelled her toward healing and advocacy.
“It was back to back.”
In this gripping episode of The Silenced Voices of MST, Air Force veteran Lakeydra continues sharing her deeply personal journey of survival, betrayal, profound grief, and transformation. Her story spans nearly drowning in military culture steeped in alcohol and silence, the trauma of military sexual assault (MST), and the unbearable loss of her sister. With unflinching honesty, Lakeydra recounts how these intertwined traumas nearly cost her everything—but also sparked her fight to reclaim her voice and help others do the same. This is a story of standing up after being held down by institutional neglect.
Lakeydra describes her next assignment in South Korea, a period marked by overwhelming peer pressure. The heavy drinking culture, normalized toxic behaviors, and relentless push to conform left her vulnerable and isolated. She was betrayed by her wingman—a moment that shattered her trust and marked the continuation of her experiences of MST. While trying to deal with feeling completely numb, Lakeydra pulls back the curtain on human trafficking within the military, detailing how senior leadership facilitated exploitation and turned a blind eye to widespread abuse. Seeing that she could do nothing to help the exploited women, Lakeydra withdrew further into herself. Her grief deepened with the sudden, devastating loss of her sister—a moment that left her in a spiral of depression, isolation, and self-harm. Facing both external betrayal and internal collapse, Lakeydra reached her breaking point, confronting a mental health crisis that felt insurmountable.
Toxic Cultural Shifts in New Environments
Lakeydra paints a vivid picture of arriving in South Korea, unprepared for the cultural and environmental changes that would redefine her military experience. She unpacks how the pervasive alcohol culture created an unsafe and high-pressure atmosphere, where refusal to participate meant ostracization and ridicule. The deep impact of toxic environments on service members' mental health and well-being is something that wasn’t discussed because it’s perceived as weakness and “not belonging”.
The Cycle of Trauma and Systemic Betrayal Continues
Pin this story to help amplify Lakeydra’s voice and story for survivors!
Lakeydra reveals the full extent of her MST experience, starting with the betrayal by someone she thought she could trust, then understanding how the military’s own structures failed her at every turn. She shares difficult details about the pattern of abuse, the denial of justice, and her growing awareness of a hidden world of trafficking enabled by those in power.
What’s not widely known is these systemic failures and the dark undercurrents are still at play within our military.
Reaching Her Breaking Point
Lakeydra shares a defining moment in her life. Her heartbreaking account of losing her sister—a loss that compounded her trauma and left her feeling more isolated than ever. Her sister was present at Lakeydra’s basic training graduation, as mentioned in the previous episode. That was one of the last times she was full of happiness and pride in her abilities. She opens up about battling severe depression, experiencing harassment when she was at her most vulnerable, and making a serious attempt on her life. This is a searing look at the hidden toll these layered traumas take, not just in the moment, but for years after, and sadly, many do not get the chance to share their stories because of it.
Against all odds, Lakeydra found lifelines in community and advocacy. She describes the pivotal moment when an unfamiliar Master Sergeant came forward to support her, offering strength and understanding she had long craved. He helped her find help, ultimately saving her life. This surge of support reignited her will to fight—not just for herself, but for other survivors. Her commitment to building safe, empowering spaces for fellow survivors who are struggling to find hope has become the core of her mission.
“You have to remember your ‘why’.”
- Lakeydra
Click here to explore more survivor stories
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.
Links
This episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below:
🔍 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
If you need professional support. please contact:
☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
☎️ If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1
Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming episodes, new resources, and daily support.
Episode Trigger Warning Index
This episode contains references to the following topics. Please use this guide to skip if needed:
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 healing
Takeaways from Part 2
Military culture and peer pressure has lasting psychological effects.
Alcohol abuse normalization creates and insulates unsafe environments, especially for those unprepared or influenced by previous traumas..
MST survivors face systemic silencing and deep betrayal.
Personal grief and loss amplify the mental health crisis among service members.
Human trafficking within the military requires urgent investigation and accountability.
Advocacy, peer support, and community are critical tools for healing.
Institutional reform and trauma-informed care are essential for true change.
Reflection Journal Prompt
Has someone unexpected shown up in your life when you needed them the most?
Spend a few minutes after listening to reflect or journal. What did you feel during this episode? What are you still thinking about? What systems need to change — and what part could you play in that change?
Join the Conversation & Amplify Survivors
Want to talk through your experience? Or support someone else in theirs?
Join our private Facebook group: The Advocates of MST
Don’t forget. This conversation matters. And MSTy showed immense courage by telling her story. Please help us make sure her voice travels further: Leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts helps elevate the visibility of the show for more survivors suffering in isolation and pain. A simple review can change another person’s life forever.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Although this podcast is a great resource, it does not and should not replace care from a medical professional. If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to:
Call the Veterans Crisis Line — 988, then press 1
Or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are not alone. We believe you. You matter.
Next week, May 13, 2025, we speak with Gender Violence Institute founder, Chuck Derry, who offers insight into why MST has endured and exactly how to stop it.
How To Destroy an Airman in 60 Days
Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston joined the Air Force to escape trauma and reclaim her life—but just 60 days after arriving at her first duty station, a trusted leader shattered her newfound self-esteem and confidence. In this raw survivor story, Lakeydra shares how military sexual trauma (MST), institutional betrayal, and a culture of silence forced her into a destructive trauma cycle. If you’ve ever wondered how fast the military can break someone, this episode is your answer.
She was starting to believe in herself again.
Then she encountered the first sergeant, the enforced silence, the laughter—
and everything she’d rebuilt began to fell apart.
Piece by piece. Trauma by trauma.
She rebuilt herself in basic training. Her first duty station shattered her again.
The Brutal Reality
Meet Lakeydra Houston, an Air Force veteran who joined the military seeking purpose after surviving childhood trauma. In this episode, she shares how basic training offered her confidence, but the career that followed delivered betrayal. From harassment and sexual assault by a predatory leader to numbing the pain through alcohol and enduring domestic violence, Lakeydra’s story is both harrowing and heartbreakingly familiar for many women in uniform.
Lakeydra describes her path into the military, which is a path many of us have walked. After struggling in college and coping with past trauma through volleyball, she decided to join the Air Force for a fresh start. Despite initial reluctance and the shock of September 11th, she found herself inspired by the recruiter’s promise of becoming a doctor or physical therapist—only to later discover she’d unknowingly signed an open general contract. Basic training was a culture shock, but it also gave her a sense of pride and purpose once she found her footing. Her transformation into a confident airman marked the first time she truly felt accomplished—until her assignment to Security Forces reintroduced the very violence she’d tried to escape.
The Punchline: Assaults, Silence, and Systemic Betrayal
She was reporting in, doing exactly what every new Airman does when they reach their first assignment. Lakeydra opens up about her horrifying encounter with a first sergeant who groped her suggesting she needed a “harmless” fix on her uniform. When she fled his office, a fellow airman warned her not to report him—because she had, and was being discharged for it. What’s worse: the men in Lakeydra’s unit already knew he had a reputation. They laughed about it. Lakeydra was silenced, shamed, and eventually pushed toward alcoholism as a way to cope. Surrounded by a toxic drinking culture and carrying a weapon every day, she was emotionally unraveling—and no one noticed. No one intervened.
Entering The Loop: Loss, Pregnancy, and Deployment
Pin this story to help amplify Lakeydra’s voice and story for survivors!
The spiral continued. Lakeydra entered into a volatile relationship, became pregnant, and was deployed just six weeks after giving birth. She wasn’t physically or emotionally ready. While serving in Dubai, the violence and harassment continued—this time involving officers and friends too scared or ashamed to report what happened. Eventually access to alcohol was cut off, but not before the damage was done to numerous people. When Lakeydra got a call that her husband had been shot, she didn’t want to return home.
Somehow, being overseas felt safer than being with the man she didn’t trust.
Above All Else
Lakeydra’s story quickly exposes how a toxic command climate and male-dominated culture enabled repeat offenders to thrive while silencing survivors. For many, systemic betrayal compounds personal trauma.
If you’re still wondering if your pain “counts” or if you’re the only one—this episode proves otherwise. Lakeydra hopes her courage helps other survivors understand they’re not alone, and that they can get out of the loop that they’re stuck in with support and help from advocates, trustworthy leadership, and mental health treatment and services.
“Going to the military was my way to start over and feel like I had a purpose in life.”
- Lakeydra
Click here to explore more survivor stories
If you’re still wondering if your pain “counts” or if you’re the only one—this episode proves otherwise. Lakeydra hopes her courage helps other survivors understand they’re not alone, and that they can get out of the loop that they’re stuck in with support and help from advocates, trustworthy leadership, and mental health treatment and services.
Links
This episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below:
🔍 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
This episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below:
☎️ SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
☎️ If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1
Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming episodes, new resources, and daily support.
Episode Trigger Warning Index
This episode contains references to the following topics. Please use this guide to skip if needed:
1:36 Mention of CSA, drug use for coping
3:30 - 4:56 Discussion of September 11th
7:36 Mentions of loss of sister
9:07 Mentions of loss of parent from gun violence
09:49 - 10:59 Discussion of harassment/ SA, at tech school as a woman in male-dominated space
11:26 - 22:39 Detailed discussion of SA’s, childhood trauma, abuse of power, predatory leadership, male peers making light of and committing SA, trauma responses to SA, self-blame, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, pregnancy, lost lives due to lack of mental health resources, witnessing a friend take their life, SI, deployment soon after giving birth, family members that were veterans of the Vietnam War and their mental health and coping with alcohol
23:02 - 29:11 SA’s on deployment due to alcohol and abuse of power, feeling unable to report due to rank structure, feeling powerless to protect friends, domestic violence, gun violence, being stuck in a trauma cycle, lies and betrayal by spouse, alcohol abuse, financial abuse
Takeaways from Part 1
Lakeydra joined the Air Force to start over after trauma that occurred in childhood..
Basic training was a significant challenge for her, but ultimately led to a newfound sense of accomplishment and confidence in herself..
She faced harassment and assault during her service immediately and was warned to not speak up by another victim, while her male peers laughed about the perpetrator and his reputation for being “nasty”.
Coping with alcohol, and hiding in partying with everyone else became a way to numb her pain.
Mental health was not openly discussed in the military when she served.
Deployment and alcohol’s availability brought new gender-based challenges and experiences.
Support from leadership made a difference in her journey.
Seeking help and connecting with others is instrumental in traumatic situations.
Lakeydra's story emphasizes the need for mental health awareness in the military.
Reflection Journal Prompt
Have you ever felt like you were caught in a trauma loop or cycle?
Spend a few minutes after listening to reflect or journal. What did you feel during this episode? What are you still thinking about? What systems need to change — and what part could you play in that change?
Join the Conversation & Amplify Survivors
Want to talk through your experience? Or support someone else in theirs?
Join our private Facebook group: The Advocates of MST
Don’t forget. This conversation matters. And MSTy showed immense courage by telling her story. Please help us make sure her voice travels further: Leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts helps elevate the visibility of the show for more survivors suffering in isolation and pain. A simple review can change another person’s life forever.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Need Support?
Although this podcast is a great resource, it does not and should not replace care from a medical professional. If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to:
Call the Veterans Crisis Line — 988, then press 1
Or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are not alone. We believe you. You matter.
The final part in Lakeydra’s two part series goes live Tuesday May 7, 2025.
Introducing BIG VOICE - Weekly Roundup from June 10-15
BIG VOICE is a weekly podcast that delves into the most pressing news stories affecting our military and veteran communities. Released every Saturday, this podcast aims to provide transparency, accountability, and a platform for advocacy within the military. By uncovering stories that matter, BIG VOICE seeks to empower listeners with the information they need to demand justice and support for all service members.
What is BIG VOICE ?
In the military, the term "Big Voice" typically refers to a loudspeaker system used on military bases to broadcast important announcements, warnings, or instructions. These messages are critical for maintaining safety, security, and operational efficiency within the base, ensuring that all personnel are informed of any immediate actions they need to take.
However, in the context of our podcast, BIG VOICE symbolizes our commitment to amplifying the stories and issues that matter most to the military and veteran communities.
BIG VOICE is a weekly podcast that delves into the most pressing news stories affecting our military and veteran communities. Released every Saturday, this podcast aims to provide transparency, accountability, and a platform for advocacy within the military. By uncovering stories that matter, BIG VOICE seeks to empower listeners with the information they need to demand justice and support for all service members.
Welcome to this week's episode of BIG VOICE, where we delve into the most pressing news stories affecting our military and veteran communities. This week, we uncover a series of alarming events that demand our attention and action:
1. Resignation and Allegations of Cover-up in the Coast Guard (00:00)
A high-ranking Coast Guard official has resigned after being instructed to cover up misconduct. This shocking story highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability within our military branches. [For more information]
2. Suspension of ROTC Leader Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation (02:36)
An ROTC leader has been suspended following allegations of sexual misconduct. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and immediate action in addressing such serious accusations. [For more information]
3. CEO of Veterans Nonprofit Found Liable for Sexual Harassment (03:58)
The CEO of a prominent veterans nonprofit has been found liable for sexually harassing 12 women. This disturbing revelation calls for stricter oversight and zero tolerance for harassment in organizations serving our veterans. [For more information]
4. Charges Against Major General in the Air Force (05:47)
A Major General in the Air Force has been charged with multiple crimes, including rape. This case exemplifies the critical need for holding individuals accountable, regardless of their rank, to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all service members.
[For more information], [For more information], [For more information]
What Can We Takeaway From These News Stories?
- Transparency and accountability are crucial in all branches of the military.
- Support for survivors of military sexual trauma is essential.
- There is an ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in addressing sexual misconduct in the military.
- Power dynamics within the military can complicate issues like consent.
- Holding people accountable regardless of their position is important for creating safe and respectful environments.
- Advocacy and sharing stories can contribute to positive change.
Join the Conversation
Join the conversation and make your voice heard! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest developments and support our mission for justice and accountability in the military.
We now have a private Facebook group named The Advocates of MST, please join! https://www.facebook.com/share/2K6kFarhiqBv8HkA/
Click the thumbnail below to watch, and remember: accountability and change are impossible without visibility. Your voice is a weapon against MST.
