Surviving Military Assault with Kim Lengling
What happens when trauma gets buried for fifteen years? Kim Langling’s powerful journey from military sexual assault survivor to advocate and author shows us both the cost of silence and the liberation that comes with breaking it.
Kim never planned to join the military when she was growing up in small-town America, but with limited options and no interest in college, she enlisted and quickly found herself thriving in military intelligence. Her life changed forever when she was sexually assaulted during her service. The aftermath brought not just personal trauma, but institutional betrayal as she faced what she describes as punishment for reporting her assault.
The next fifteen years saw Kim burying her experience, determined to be “strong” by never showing what she perceived as weakness. It wasn’t until a perfect storm of personal losses—divorce, death, and a friend’s suicide—brought her literally to her knees in what she now recognizes as a severe panic attack. This breakdown became her breakthrough, beginning a spiritual awakening that ultimately led to healing.
With the reluctant help of Vietnam veterans who recognized her symptoms and “dragged her kicking and screaming” to the VA, Kim began confronting her past. Though the VA had no programs for female veterans who’d experienced sexual assault at that time, this first step eventually led to writing books, hosting her “Let Fear Bounce” podcast, and becoming an advocate for others.
The most powerful moment in Kim’s story comes when she describes an 81-year-old woman who approached her after a talk, revealing she had carried similar trauma silently for 70 years. This heartbreaking revelation underscores why Kim now shares her story: “When you share, you find peace and help others do the same.”
Are you carrying unspoken burdens? Kim’s advice resonates with beautiful simplicity: “Look in the mirror and remind yourself that you’re standing there. That means you have a 100% success rate of getting through the tough stuff.”
Key Takeaways from From Surviving Military Assault
2:24 | Small-Town Roots and Early Dreams |
| 3:32 | Military Life and Thriving in Structure |
5:48 | Trauma and Silence |
| 10:36 | PTSD and Breakdown |
| 14:57 | Community and Forced Healing |
| 17:59 | Reclaiming Power through Storytelling |
| 20:45 | The Power of Sharing: Breaking 70 Years of Silence |
| 22:00 | Advice to Women Facing Trauma |
Small-Town Roots and Early Dreams:
Kim describes her childhood in a tiny town—one stoplight, surrounded by farms. Although she appreciates it now, back then, she wanted out. College wasn’t financially or personally right for her, so she joined the military, like half her graduating class.
Military Life and Thriving in Structure:
Kim enjoyed the structure, discipline, and being part of something greater. She thrived in basic training and was selected for military intelligence, specializing in Morse code, something she excelled at despite its difficulty.
Trauma and Silence:
After a night out with friends, Kim was assaulted. She buried the trauma for a long time, but it began affecting her behavior. When it surfaced, she faced further trauma—ostracization and a harrowing military trial where she was treated like the problem. Eventually, she accepted an honorable discharge.
PTSD and Breakdown:
Fifteen years later, compounded by personal losses and divorce, Kim suffered a breakdown. In her darkest moment, she heard a whisper that led her to a Bible verse—Isaiah 40:31—which marked the beginning of a spiritual and emotional healing journey.
Community and Forced Healing:
Combat veteran friends recognized her pain and physically brought her to the VA. Despite her anger, they kept bringing her back. Though there were no resources for female sexual assault survivors at the time, this started her journey of healing and rediscovering self-worth.
Reclaiming Power through Storytelling:
Kim found healing through writing and later created a podcast, Let Fear Bounce. Sharing her story helped her and others shed darkness and shame. Now, she empowers others to speak their truth, knowing how impactful it can be.
The Power of Sharing: Breaking 70 Years of Silence:
After a church talk, Kim is approached by an elderly woman who reveals—through tears—that she had been holding onto a similar trauma for 70 years. She had never told a soul until that moment. The exchange is deeply moving for Kim, highlighting the power of storytelling to unlock healing, even if just by being heard.
Reflection on Her Own Journey:
Kim reflects on how long she carried her own trauma (15 years), and feels grateful that she didn’t hold onto it for a lifetime. She emotionally acknowledges the weight of staying silent and the joy and “color” that can be missed in life because of it.
Advice to Women Facing Trauma:
Kim offers simple but powerful advice: look in the mirror and remind yourself you have a 100% success rate of surviving hard times. Life might still be difficult, but you’re still standing. She encourages flipping your mindset and using breath as a grounding tool—“in with the good, out with the bad.”
Connect with Kim Lengling
Connect with Bev:
Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/
Need advice? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/reinventimpossible/15min
