'We must do better': Army secretary shares Ft. Hood review after Guillen's death

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Monday, December 7, 2020
Army to release independent review of Fort Hood in December
As Fort Hood's commander works to rebuild trust at the post, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy pledges to hold leaders accountable. You can see his full statement above from Nov. 18.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Officials from the United States Army said an investigation regarding the death of Vanessa Guillen will soon be available to the public.



According to a video announcement made by Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, the independent review of Fort Hood's command climate in the handling of her death will be made public on Tuesday, Dec. 8.



McCarthy said the review after Guillen's death showed the base "must do better" in regards to soldiers who report sexual assault and sexual harassment.



"Leaders, regardless of rank, are accountable for what happens in their units and must have the courage to speak up and intervene when they recognize actions that bring harm to our Soldiers and to the integrity of our institution," he said. "If we do not have the trust of America - nothing else matters."



SEE ALSO: Commander seeks to get embattled Fort Hood 'back on track'



The family of Guillen prompted the investigation after they complained that the Army's sexual harassment program (SHARP) wasn't doing enough for victims of sexual assault crimes.



An additional investigation regarding the death of Guillen is ongoing and details will be released at a later date.



Meanwhile, a bill in honor of Guillen is being deliberated in Washington, D.C.



If passed, the #IAmVanessaGuillen bill would allow active duty members to file sexual harassment and assault claims to a third party.



RELATED: Nancy Pelosi agrees to bring #IAmVanessaGuillen act to House floor


Vanessa Guillen's legacy enters Capitol Hill in the form of a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming sexual assault in the military. The video breaks down what has gone into getting to this point.

SEE ALSO:


What led to 28 soldiers' deaths from 1 Army base? Congress wants to know



Congress is stepping in and investigating the disappearances and deaths of soldiers at Fort Hood. Watch the video above for more details on the cases involved.

Timeline offers look at tragedy and legacy of Ft. Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen


ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: How has the military handled Vanessa Guillen's case? What does her family know about the suspects in her disappearance? Hit play to hear their answers.


The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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