PFC (Private First Class) Jennifer Sewell has been found safe according to Fort Hood officials. Sewell went missing last week and is now said to be with her family.
Officials did not divulge any other additional information in regards to why Sewell went missing out of respect for Sewell and her family’s privacy.
“PFC Sewell is a valued member of our team, and our number one priority is ensuring her safe return. We are in regular contact with her family and will provide any assistance she and her family may need to return to Fort Hood,” said Ltc. Octavia Davis, commander of Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment.
Sewell was reported missing after she left her assigned location on Oct. 7 and did not return. Her family and superiors were unable to get in contact with her. Officials were finally able to make contact with Sewell on Sunday.
Fort Hood officials have offered any needed help to Sewell and her family “to ensure she has access to resources she may need and to return her safely to Fort Hood.”
Fort Hood was previously criticized for a lack of attention to sexual assault incidents, drug use among soldiers, and more. Issues on the base came to light following the disappearance of several soldiers, suicides, and two deaths. Particularly the death of soldier Vanessa Guillin, who was found murdered last year in June.
The issues stemmed from an investigation that revealed military officials were not properly handling internal problems on the base among soldiers. An independent review also exposed problems within the criminal investigation department of Fort Hood.
“There was a serious risk there that should’ve been known by the leadership. The NCOs [non-commissioned officers] became the blockers,” Chris Swecker, chairman of the review panel, shared back in March following the review. “They did not facilitate or encourage reporting and were part of the shaming of victims.”
