WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army announced the firing and suspension of 14 senior officers at Fort Hood on Tuesday. This follows several numerous deaths at the Texas base. An independent review of the base’s command was ordered to review years of sexual assault and violence. One of those deaths is a Brockton native.
“This report, without a doubt, will cause the Army to change our culture,” Secretary of Army, Ryan McCarthy. The review panel surveyed more than 31,000 soldiers at Fort Hood. The findings identified major flaws with the Army’s Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Prevention Program and a command climate that was permissive of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Over the past year, 25 soldiers assigned to Fort Hood have died due to suicide, homicide or accidents, including the bludgeoning death of 20-year-old Vanessa Guillen. The Houston native was missing for about two months before her remains were found.
“This is some fresh air that is coming to our breathe because we know something is done. We’ve been waiting to hear something,” said Leonilde Fernandes.
Fernandes is the aunt of Brockton native, Sgt. Elder Fernandes. Her 23-year-old nephew was found dead just outside of Fort Hood in August. His death has been ruled a suicide, but his family isn’t buying it. Fernandes died just days after reporting he had been a victim of sexual assault.
The Army says his claims were unfounded.
“I’m very excited today knowing they are doing something about it. They did something about it and I know they are going to do more. I am very happy. I am very happy, yes,” Fernandes said.
In September, Representative Stephen Lynch led a Massachusetts congressional delegation to Fort Hood to get answers about Sgt. Fernandes’ death and the staggering number of deaths and high rate of crime at the Texas base.
“It is gratifying in some respects that they did such a thorough job. It’s not all done, but this is a significant step. There were 9 findings and 70 recommendations that they made,” Rep. Lynch said.
The Army said all 70 of those recommendations have been accepted and will be implemented by March. The Fort Hood Independent Review Committee had one reference to Sgt. Fernandes’ death.
Cox Media Group
