links for 2009-10-23

The investigation, completed in 2007, apparently did not result in any punishment for Toussaint, who later was promoted to senior chief. His second-in-command, Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Valdivia, committed suicide as the investigation was nearing completion after posting a message that she was upset with being held responsible for the others' mistakes.

The hazing came to light only last month as a result of media interviews with Joseph Rocha, now a junior at the University of San Diego, who served in the unit from 2004 to 2007.

Rocha said Toussaint identified him as homosexual soon after he joined the unit and orchestrated gay-themed harassment that targeted him because he refused to patronize prostitutes or join in raunchy heterosexual banter.

BUT IS IT ENOUGH?

YOUTH RADIO INVESTIGATED AND BROKE THE STORY: What follows is a link collection containing all the posts and supporting documentation we have for the story: Sailors' Abuse Kept Silent in Navy Canine Unit.

This collection will update as new material is posted online.

Trying to serve his country, a young man faced bigotry and abuse: He tells his story.