A Marine Corps veteran from Brownsville says it took her nearly 40 years to speak out about the sexual assault she experienced while in uniform.

Laura Serna Marquez said the death of Angelina Resendiz, a Navy seaman from Brownsville who was found dead in Virginia in June 2025, triggered her to come forward.

"Right away, I thought she was been sexually assaulted, if not being sexually harassed," Marquez said. "Sexual assault isn't about sex. Sexual assault is about a predator looking for power, looking for overcoming somebody just because they can.”

Marquez said speaking out can be part of the healing process.

"Little by little, when you're ready, you'll speak up," Marquez said. "If not, that's fine too. But releasing that is what brings us the medication. That's our medication."

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about one in three females who served in the military report being sexually assaulted. For men, that number is one in 50.

Veterans and active service members can call VA Mental Health Services at 855-864-0516 or visit safehelpline.org for help.