Troy: That’s treating me normally. Now, that doesn’t mean since my attack, there weren’t moments. In the beginning when I regained consciousness, my friends didn’t leave me because I was considering suicide. I hurt. I was paralyzed, on a ventilator to breathe, and couldn’t control my bodily functions. I’ve cried my share. I speak with a therapist regularly. I also attend physical and occupational therapy.
Some may think I’m unfit to lead because of what happened to me. My doctors, my bosses, and I disagree. I think it’s made me a better boss and investigator. And Ian always made expectations clear to all his executives. Kieran Chase, Martin Bailey and Mike Johnson follow that plan as well. Then add Julian Dupart, Chief Executive of San Diego, and our executive staff. No one will put our work at risk.
Alec: In my research I came across public records of your court appearances regarding sexual assault victims. I got nosy and had my research team pull the documents. Your victim interviews resulted in the successful prosecution of sixty-seven assailants. I was also able to find the non-profit filing to create a foundation for military sexual assault victims, called Soteria, you started in 2001.
Troy: My mom is Greek. Soteria is the Greek goddess of safety and salvation, deliverance, and preservation from harm.When I was attacked, I had the best care possible. Not many others get that advantage. In 2001, I was growing aware of that. Now, I understand the self-loathing and disgust victims feel. I also understand how devastating the injuries can be.
Troy turned his body to face Ian.
Troy: In November, I was deemed medically stable. Doctor speak for, if I talk about something traumatic, I likely won’t die from being upset. Ian took my statement. As an investigator, I’ve done countless debriefs, um, discussions about what occurred on missions. I’ve also asked those questions many times from victims. I always felt sympathy, but I learned, talking about the crime, what happened to me, was agony. Ian, over two hours that day, and hours over others, helped me understand the need to reach out. No one should go through this alone.They need someone who can simply listen. No questions. Watch a movie. Share a meal. And know when to say “I’m here.” Thank you is not enough.
Alec: Is there anything you want to say to the source of the films and article recently published.
Ian: I’ll take this question. Due to the nature of this material, it is likely that someone involved in the original crime released these films. When caught, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Alec: Troy, do you have anything you want to share?
Troy: Yes. Currently, we are investigating a group of sexual assaults preying on both male and female military members. I urge anyone with information about these crimes to reach out to Chase Security International in San Diego or the Department of Defense Helpline at 877-995-5247. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment, seeking help, please call the Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-656-4673. Both numbers are answered around the clock.
Sexual assault is a stigmatizing crime. Male sexual assault is seriously underreported. This crime has the power to destroy the victim. It almost destroyed me—and the people who outed the events that happened to me were counting on my self-destruction. The people who hurt me took away my control through no fault of my own. Thanks to the support I received, I took it back.
I’d also like to add, a victim of assault serving in the military still faces an uphill battle to be believed, if they report at all. And when they report, they are often rushed into a personality disorder discharge, which alleviates any post-discharge care for PTSD. There have been some changes, likely from press investigations and the demand from victims’ rights groups. And there are some in the command structure, but it is not enough. I appreciate you allowing me to have access to your platform.
Alec: Ian, thank you. And Troy, like you just said to Ian, thank you doesn’t seem to be enough.
Troy: If you want to thank me, keep sharing the hotlines on your broadcasts.
Alec: That we can do. This isAlec Kunzleman Full Circle. Goodnight.
The cameras went off. When Troy dropped his head between his knees, Ian knelt beside him. “You did amazing. Breathe,” he coached. Ian’s brows fretted. “Greece? Talk to me. I need medical.”
Alec joined Ian on Troy’s other side. “Talk to us. What can we do?”
The door opened, and Tim and Gwen walked slowly toward the men. Ian waved the news crew out of the room, then stood back with Alex as Tim and Gwen moved to Troy’s side.
Gwen took Troy’s hand. “I’m here.”
Tim reached for his wrist. “Your pulse is 140.” He placed the back of his hand against Troy’s forehead. “Take off your jacket. You’re burning up. What’s going on?”
Troy held his stomach. “I don’t know. Thought it was nerves. Low back, sides and thighs hurt. Nauseated.”
“Ian, help me get him on the floor. Gwen, call medical and get a stretcher,” Tim said.
“Tim, what’s happening?” Troy stopped them from laying him flat.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll find out. Try to breathe nice and easy.” Tim stayed beside him.
Gwen backed into the room with a stretcher, Trask behind her. “Okay, Troy, let us do the work.” They lifted him on the stretcher. “Ian, call Sommerfeld. Tell him high fever, abdominal pain, low back pain.”
Trask pushed Troy over the bridge, backed onto the elevator and down to the medical floor. “We’re going to get rid of the pain,” Tim promised.
Trask helped Troy onto the bed and began applying oxygen, removing his shirtand hooking up the monitor. Tim manually took his blood pressure. “180/90, pulse 160. Respirations 24. Temp, 104.6.” He asked Trask to draw specific tubes of blood. “Get a large-bore IV, KVO.” He turned to the nurse. “Cara, please get a 12-lead ECG. Troy, how are you doing?”
“Don’t feel good,” he groaned.
Tim listened to Troy’s chest. “Heart sounds good, and lungs are clear. “1000 milligrams acetaminophen PO. Can you pee for me?”
“Yeah, I think so.” Troy panted.
