My Story: Seeking Justice and Accountability in Mississippi
My name is Shannon Dill, a 29-year-old resident of Mississippi. I am a veteran who served in the United States Army and the Mississippi National Guard. Despite my dedication to service, my experiences living in this state have been deeply troubling. Over the years, I have endured harassment, discrimination, and violence that have left lasting scars on my life and well-being.
Throughout my time in Mississippi, I have faced systemic abuse, including officials falsifying records and destroying evidence to cover up scandals involving my name. This pattern of misconduct has compounded my struggles to find justice. Today, I am speaking out and sharing my experiences, with the hope of exposing the injustices I’ve faced and seeking legal support to move forward.
Allegations of Misconduct by Officials
I have encountered numerous instances of mistreatment involving individuals and institutions, including:
- Michael Doyle Seawright: He paralyzed my body, suffocated my brain, and closed my throat during an encounter. He later had the audacity to say, “I treat you right, don’t I?” despite my repeated protests about his behavior.
- Kermit McAfee: Held me at gunpoint when I refused his advances while I sought therapy at “The Oaks” in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
- Chaz Coleman: Raped me in 2019, with his sister, Mya Coleman, complicit in the act. I was intoxicated and woke up to find him on top of me. Despite filing reports, the military has yet to address my case adequately.
Additional individuals and entities implicated include Chris Berry, Bruce Ducksworth, Marilyn Upton, Virginia Markham, and organizations like the Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center.
Patterns of Abuse and Neglect
While serving in the Mississippi National Guard, I was subjected to harassment, bullying, and ostracism based on my race, gender, and sexual orientation. My efforts to report these issues were ignored, and I faced retaliation, including pay deductions and being placed on administrative leave. These experiences led to a mental health breakdown, and I was later diagnosed with severe anxiety, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Seeking Legal Support and Justice
The justice system has failed me repeatedly. Police have falsified records, and officials have sought to institutionalize me without proper cause. My home was invaded without a warrant, and I was detained under dubious circumstances. I have been denied the opportunity to seek justice for the harms I’ve endured, including sexual assault, harassment, and systemic mistreatment.
I am in urgent need of legal representation to navigate these challenges, seek accountability, and protect my rights. This fight is not only for myself but for others who may face similar injustices in the future.
A Call for Change
I am reaching out to those who can help bring these issues to light—advocates, legal professionals, and organizations that stand against systemic abuse. My experiences are a testament to the urgent need for accountability and reform in Mississippi’s institutions.
If you are able to assist or offer guidance, I urge you to reach out. My hope is to ensure that no one else endures the horrors I have faced.
Together, we can demand justice and create a system where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
Sexual Harassment and Systemic Failures in the 1108th Aviation Unit
Sexual harassment, racism, and discrimination persist within the ranks of the Mississippi National Guard, particularly in the 1108th Aviation unit. Despite the military’s commitment to initiatives like “Not in My Squad,” my experience has revealed a culture of negligence, retaliation, and cover-ups.
I filed multiple reports of harassment in 2022 against SFC Kermit McAfee and SFC Virginia Markham, but leadership failed to act. Instead, I was met with indifference and blame-shifting. For instance, when reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) officer, Johnson, I was told, “Did you even try to get to know her?” and subjected to demeaning remarks about my body. My concerns were brushed aside as they prioritized protecting the careers of those I accused.
Incidents of Harassment and Abuse
1. Height and Weight Testing Misconduct:
In one instance, during height and weight testing, I was subjected to inappropriate and degrading behavior. I was asked by SFC Markham to lift my shirt, exposing myself, under the pretense of “accurately measuring.” SFC McAfee then made vulgar comments about my body, including a crude reference to “booty dew.” Both individuals laughed, humiliating me further.
2. Threats and Physical Intimidation:
SFC Markham repeatedly used her position to demean and threaten me. She once told me she would “punch me in the face” when I asked her for assistance with a task. Her behavior escalated to physically posturing as if she would strike me. Despite reporting these incidents to leadership, no disciplinary action was taken.
3. Retaliation and Ostracism:
My attempts to report these incidents led to retaliation. I was labeled AWOL for leaving after a confrontation with Johnson during drill, though I had legitimate reasons and had informed my leadership. This punitive action was part of a broader pattern of retribution for speaking out against misconduct.
4. Racism and Discrimination:
During annual training, a white soldier approached me and dismissed the significance of Black Lives Matter, equating it to “all lives matter” in a tone that undermined the movement. Another soldier made inappropriate comments about the children of a Black female soldier married to a white man, highlighting racial bias within the unit.
Leadership’s Failure to Act
Leadership consistently protected perpetrators instead of addressing my concerns. Reports were ignored, and I was told to “stop filing complaints” because it might jeopardize others’ careers. This systemic failure not only perpetuated the culture of abuse but also silenced victims.
Efforts to leave the unit were met with roadblocks. I was flagged, preventing me from transferring, and leadership fabricated justifications to keep me in the toxic environment. Even after discovering my sexuality, leadership attempted to relocate me only to protect their image rather than addressing the root issues.
Call for Accountability
The failures at the 1108th TASMG reflect broader issues within the Mississippi National Guard. Protecting soldiers from harassment and discrimination should be the top priority, yet my experiences suggest otherwise. These issues extend beyond sexual harassment to include systemic racism, negligence, and a pervasive “cover-your-friends” culture.
It is imperative for the National Guard and military leadership to take these allegations seriously. Independent investigations, accountability for leadership, and systemic reforms are necessary to ensure that no other soldier endures the treatment I faced.
Resources and Additional Information
I have documented my experiences in music and writing to shed light on these issues. Links to my work are provided below:
- Book: Colors of Blue Shades of Black on Amazon
- Book: Colors of Blue Shades of Black on Barnes & Noble
- Music: DaphoDILL on Spotify
Social Links:
Video evidence of some incidents is available here.
