Being able to "visit" virtually, is truly a gift. Decades ago, my cousin, Eddie Marzola at the age of four, died of injuries sustained from persistant and ongoing physical abuse by a step-parent. He was quickly buried in an unmarked grave, and essentially forgotten. Generations later, when investigation followed, the actual event of his death was no less horrifying than the fact that multiple neighbors in every direction had witnessed ongoing abuse, first-hand, and had not reported their observations to authorities. The US Army and the Archdiocese of Denver had been well aware of ongoing abuse and both failed to intervene in a meaningful way. Each party, and/ or agency considered the circumstances " a family matter." In this particular case, when domestic violence resulted in death, all claimed to have done their respective due diligence. All pointed elsewhere, with regard to accountability. In research, I have discovered that domestic violence in military families continues on and off base. More children have lost their lives in circumstances that are similar and equally disturbing.It is essential that military families in crisis have access to quality services in support of mental health. My cousin's very preventable death was at the hands of an Army soldier whose deteriorating mental health had been documented for several months prior to the final assault. An expedited discharge from the military and a consult with the Archdiocese was thought to be a sensible "solution" in reaction to the ongoing physical battery of a defenseless 34 lb. child. Families on all sides of this tragedy; including that of the aggressor, were deeply affected by this horrific tragedy and impacted for generations. My heart and mind are open to all who have something to add, share or inquire about this case, even if you prefer to remain anonymous. The passage of time does not diminish this tragedy. We can, and we must, do better. If you see something, say something. Shine a light on domestic violence.

Being able to "visit" virtually, is truly a gift. Decades ago, my cousin, Eddie Marzola at the age of four, died of injuries sustained from persistant and ongoing physical abuse by a step-parent. He was quickly buried in an unmarked grave, and essentially forgotten. Generations later, when investigation followed, the actual event of his death was no less horrifying than the fact that multiple neighbors in every direction had witnessed ongoing abuse, first-hand, and had not reported their observations to authorities. The US Army and the Archdiocese of Denver had been well aware of ongoing abuse and both failed to intervene in a meaningful way. Each party, and/ or agency considered the circumstances " a family matter." In this particular case, when domestic violence resulted in death, all claimed to have done their respective due diligence. All pointed elsewhere, with regard to accountability. In research, I have discovered that domestic violence in military families continues on and off base. More children have lost their lives in circumstances that are similar and equally disturbing.It is essential that military families in crisis have access to quality services in support of mental health. My cousin's very preventable death was at the hands of an Army soldier whose deteriorating mental health had been documented for several months prior to the final assault. An expedited discharge from the military and a consult with the Archdiocese was thought to be a sensible "solution" in reaction to the ongoing physical battery of a defenseless 34 lb. child. Families on all sides of this tragedy; including that of the aggressor, were deeply affected by this horrific tragedy and impacted for generations. My heart and mind are open to all who have something to add, share or inquire about this case, even if you prefer to remain anonymous. The passage of time does not diminish this tragedy. We can, and we must, do better. If you see something, say something. Shine a light on domestic violence.