Calay News
A female soldier was found dead earlier this week at Fort Hood, the same Army base in Texas where Vanessa Guillén was murdered three years ago. Private Ana Basaldua Ruiz, a combat engineer who joined the Army in July 2021 and was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division since December of that year, died on Monday at the base. Officials did not reveal how she died but said an investigation is underway into the circumstances. Basaldua Ruiz, who was from Long Beach, California, was only 20 years old at the time of her death.
Fort Hood released a statement saying that the chain of command is in contact with Basaldua Ruiz’s family and is providing support and resources to her family and those who worked with her. The tragic incident is a painful reminder of the Army base’s troubled history, which includes reports of sexual harassment, assault, and violence against female soldiers. Vanessa Guillén, a 20-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Hood, was killed in April 2020, and her death prompted widespread calls for change in the military justice system.
Fort Hood officials have faced criticism for their handling of Guillén’s case and their response to reports of sexual harassment and assault. In December, the Army released a report that found a culture of sexual harassment and assault at Fort Hood, with leaders at all levels failing to address the issue. The report also outlined several recommendations for the Army to address the problem, including a need for increased accountability and oversight.
The death of Private Basaldua Ruiz is a tragic loss, and the Army’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing. As Fort Hood continues to grapple with its troubled history and work towards improving the safety and well-being of its soldiers, it’s clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all soldiers are protected and respected.
