From the Prairie to the Pentagon by Denise M. Jelinski-Hall

Author:Denise M. Jelinski-Hall [Jelinski-Hall, Denise M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Biography & Autobiography, Military
ISBN: 9781649524218
Google: SXFJEAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
Published: 2021-10-15T02:45:07+00:00

Chapter 33

Threats of Rape

Serving as the WG CCM was the most rewarding position I’d held in my career; I loved what I did and felt like the Wing leadership team was making a difference. I had the opportunity to work with the senior leadership of the 154th WG and develop partnerships with PACAF and with Fifteenth ABW leadership. Above all, I had the opportunity to work with others to implement programs and effect policies and procedures to strengthen our enlisted corps and the overall Wing. The Wing leadership was making positive changes, our missions were solid, and our Airmen were doing great things at the state and federal levels.

One day out of the blue, I received a phone call on my official cellular Blackberry. When answering my official phone, I typically said, “Good morning/afternoon. Chief Jelinski-Hall.” The male voice on the other end was downright frightening and intentionally distorted so I wouldn’t be able to recognize it. The man sounded gruff, used vulgar language, and talked about raping me. It was clear I was being threatened. I was so caught off guard that I actually listened for a few seconds. I kept silent, then hung up.

The call shook me up, but I rationalized that it must have been a mistake—a random caller with no particular number in mind. Although I tried to shake it off as not really a serious concern, throughout that day, I continued to feel unsettled because of the man’s words. I couldn’t stop thinking about the call.

Initially, I didn’t tell anyone about the incident. Then a few days later, it happened again. It was the same voice and the same vulgar language on the other end of the phone. This time, I hung up more quickly. I sat back and thought, This guy has my phone number, and again, he’s talking about raping me. After calling my number twice, I assumed he knew my name. The hair stood up on the back of my neck, and it scared me deep down to my core. I didn’t know what to do, but I continued to keep it to myself. I was more careful and became more aware of my surroundings, including where I parked, but refused to let this caller alter who I was or what I did.

I received the third call while I was at home with Ashley, by now a teenager. The man never wasted time in starting his rant. This time was no different. He began with filthy language and described how he wanted to rape me. This was the first time I spoke to the man. I was strong and firm and told him to never call this number again. I then hung up the phone.

“Who was that?” Ashley asked, looking up from her homework.

“Just a telemarketer,” I answered dismissively, trying to keep my voice light. “I’m so tired of them calling my business phone!”

Ashley bought my response and resumed her homework.

I went to the bathroom and bawled. Now I was deeply scared. It finally hit me that this was serious.

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