SAN ANOTNIO – JohnSteven Solis Diaz often finds himself volunteering for different causes, including recently honoring and celebrating the life and birthday of Vanessa Guillén.

“She could’ve been like my sister, my mom, my aunt, my tia, a neighbor - a community person in my area,” Diaz says.

The celebration of life was held by Circle of Arms, a nonprofit created by Air Force veteran Larissa Martinez. The group aims to promote mental health awareness through education and filling gaps in minority communities.

“I’m also tough – a survivor of military sexual trauma – so I definitely understand the challenges that we need to have change in the military,” Martinez says.

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Martinez admits she wasn’t yet ready to share her own personal trauma, but when she saw Guillén’s case making headlines the Air Force veteran felt inclined to use her voice.

“…I want to use my voice, not only to bring awareness to Vanessa Guillén, but all soldiers that have had injustices with military sexual trauma, sexual harassment, and even just mental health,” Martinez says.

The celebration of Guillén’s life had cake, folk dancing, and even an appearance from the Guillén family. Martinez says she wants to encourage others to speak up on timely issues.

“Use your voice and help pass the Vanessa Guillén act,” Martinez says. “Talk to your elected officials. Put pressure on them because the Vanessa Guillén act is so important because it’s going to help criminalize sexual assault in the military.”