The Need for Change
The mission of Shield of Sisters is to support and empower Lady Veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma by providing a sisterhood focused on healing and restoration. We create safe spaces where these courageous women can share their stories, access vital resources, and transform from surviving to thriving. We strive to foster resilience, strength, and hope, ensuring that every woman can reclaim her voice and triumph over trauma.
Shield of Sisters (SOS) will one day be the premiere nonprofit organization for Lady Veterans who endured Military Sexual Trauma during their service to the United States. We will lead the way by raising awareness of this pervasive issue, collaborating with like-minded organizations, and advocating for policy changes within the Department of Defense to eliminate sexual assault in the military. Our Restoration Retreats will occur all across the United States and its territories with the assistance of regional and local SOS chapters.
Shield of Sisters believes that we are duty-bound to help our sister service members overcome the weight of Military Sexual Trauma. It’s time to end sexual assault in our armed services. Read more About Us »
When you decided to join the military, you raised your hand and vowed to protect and defend. Never in your wildest dreams did you think you would need to be protected from those brothers/sisters in uniform who took the same oath as you.
The statistics are concerning and the call for change has to be so loud that it can be heard – not ignored – by those in charge of our Armed Services. The Pentagon releases statistics annually to show the increase in the number of assaults across the branches of service. In 2022, over 36,000 lady service members reported some form of sexual assault. These are the cases that were actually reported; the numbers may be very different when considering many did not report their sexual assault; many refuse to report because they fear of retaliation.
While military officials continue to scramble to find solutions; we know one thing: there is a path to restoration after an assault. There is still dignity in your service and there are resources available to help you get through your experience.
Our battle cry WILL be heard, we will make an impact, and we are committed to helping you find yourself again. If you are looking for immediate resources, please contact your command, local VA, or military crisis line. Our Resources Page has Additional Contacts »
An Overview & Introduction
We’d like you to get to know us…because we, too, suffered from MST. We’ve come a long way! Join us on the journey to recovery.
Restoration Retreats
Shield of Sisters is dedicated to offering transformative restoration retreats and a robust support network for active duty, guard, reserve, veterans, and their families who have endured the harrowing experience of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Our mission is to extend our compassionate reach to as many of our sisters as possible, providing healing and renewal through our empowering retreats and the steadfast support of our Battle Angel network.
Through Shield of Sisters, we strive to create a sanctuary of healing, strength, and resilience. Our restoration retreats offer a safe and nurturing environment where our sisters can rediscover their inner power, reclaim their sense of self-worth, and find solace in the company of fellow survivors. Our dedicated Battle Angels, who have overcome similar challenges, stand by their side, providing unwavering peer support, guidance, and understanding throughout their journey towards recovery.
At Shield of Sisters, we aim to break the barriers of silence and stigma surrounding military sexual trauma, fostering a community where survivors can find their voices and regain their sense of agency. By embracing each individual as a cherished member of our sisterhood, we empower them to rewrite their narratives, heal their wounds, and forge a path towards a brighter and more resilient future.
Battle Angels Network
In the military, we have our battle buddies we can rely on for those tough moments we experience during our time of service. At SOS, we created a Battle Angels Network to continue the support needed after a retreat. When a retreat ends, each participant is assigned a Battle Angel. Angels provide assistance when needed and can be incredibly helpful in navigating triggers that may arise. Battle Angels provide regular check-ins with participants, referrals for potential resources and counseling, and lend an ear when a participant just needs to chat.
We are so excited to have Battle Angels join us as part of our retreat community! Some Battle Angels are individuals who may have participated in one or more of our retreats and have chosen to pay it forward by offering their time, energy, and advice to future retreat participants. They are an invaluable resource to our community and we appreciate their willingness to share their experiences and offer support. We welcome them with open arms and appreciate them!
Founders Circle
$2,500 (or more)
DEADLINE: April 20, 2025
Shield of Sisters is the only veteran nonprofit of its kind. Our mission focuses solely on Lady Veterans who endured Military Sexual Trauma.
We will grow in the coming years.
We will be a household name. We will be the go-to organization for Military Sexual Trauma support.
Wouldn’t it be great if YOU (or your company, organization, etc.) could claim that you were among those who were right there with us from the very beginning? Find out more »
Make a Recurring Monthly Gift!
There are several ways to make a big impact. Every little bit helps! View Additional Donation Opportunities »
About Us / Board of Directors
A Message from Our Founder
As women, we’re hardwired to believe that we are responsible for how others respond to our bodies, even with violence. We think carefully about how we present ourselves so as to not be “distracting” or attract “the wrong kind of attention.” No outfit or perfect combination of choices prevents sexual assault. Most attacks happen in our own homes or by trusted people in our lives – including fellow service members. We serve our country just like men. Sexual assault is an indication of what is broken with society, not an indication of who you are. You did not cause your attack, and you share none of the blame.
You are not alone. We’re here for you.
Advisor to the Board:
Paul McKellips
Thank you, Paul, for your generous contributions to our organization!
Shield of Sisters (SOS) is a 501c3 veteran organization that was launched in 2022, after many months of planning and creation. Military sexual trauma (MST) impacts 1 in 3 lady service members/veterans. SOS was created to help restore the lives of our sister veterans. They can live their story in a new way with a new vision.
Shannon Hough is our CEO and Co-Founder. She is a Lady Veteran of the Navy, a military wife and mother. Shannon has also served as a mayor, congressional staff member and as a city administrator. Shannon holds an MPA and MBA from Norwich University. Shannon endured sexual assault in the Navy over 25 years ago and never fully recovered from what happened to her. While Shannon was serving as a congressional staffer she encountered several service members who needed help with their own sexual assaults while serving in the military. She decided to create Shield of Sisters as a way to help her sisters that endured MST. Shannon’s passion is helping others find restoration and supporting her sister service members. She is an avid reader, loves to cook and spend time with her family, including her dog Zeus. 
Tracy is a 24 year Veteran of the Wisconsin National Guard and is focused in service member support. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has supported a National Comprehensive Wellness Program. 
Penny’s passion is advocacy, training and helping others develop resilience and working through trauma. This passion has led her to Shield of Sisters. She has recently been certified as a Master Resilience Trainer and in Motivational Interviewing for advocates. She holds an associate degree (AAS) in Paralegal studies and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from Herzing University.
Bio coming soon…