In Annapolis, Maryland, a seemingly unassuming house holds a powerful mission. The building serves as the headquarters of the HM2 Buck for Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and suicide prevention in the military. This organization, founded by Elizabeth Buck, is a deeply personal tribute to her late son, Danny Buck, whose life and service were tragically cut short, Megan Loock of the Baltimore Sun reported Oct. 28.
A Mother’s Loss
Danny Buck, a native of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, home to Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy, served in the Navy for 14 years, achieving the rank of Hospital Corpsman Second Class (HM2). Despite his dedication and service, Danny endured a devastating experience during his deployment in Japan: he confided to his mother that he had been sexually assaulted by fellow officers.
In a five-hour FaceTime call, Danny shared his anguish with his mother and sisters. Elizabeth Buck and her daughters pleaded with him to seek help, but the shame and pain proved overwhelming. Minutes after their conversation, Danny took his own life.
“I was so blessed with that five-hour conversation. I got so much that many parents don’t,” Elizabeth recalls. Yet, justice for Danny remains elusive, as his alleged abusers were never held accountable.
A Silent Crisis in the Military
Danny’s story is one of many that highlight the systemic failures survivors of sexual violence face in the armed forces. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), 6.8% of active-duty women and 1.3% of active-duty men reported unwanted sexual contact in fiscal year 2023. That same year, the Navy documented 1,942 reports of sexual assault—a 5% decrease from 2022. Meanwhile, suicides among service members increased, with 364 deaths in fiscal year 2023, up from 331 the previous year.
For Elizabeth Buck, these statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic reform. Following her son’s death, she sold the family’s 74-year-old business and founded the HM2 Buck for Hope Foundation. The organization raises awareness about the intersection of sexual assault and mental health crises in the military.
A Fight for Accountability
Elizabeth’s search for answers has been met with silence. Despite her claims that Danny reported the assault to his commanding officer, neither the Navy nor the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) have released information about the case.
The Navy cites privacy concerns as the reason for withholding details, stating:
“NCIS takes reports of sexual assault very seriously, and we are dedicated to fully investigating any such allegation. However, out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS does not comment on, confirm details relating to, or confirm the existence of sexual assault investigations.”
Elizabeth asserts that after Danny reported the assault, he was given limited support: a single psychiatric visit and instructions to remain silent about the incident. She describes these measures as inadequate, leaving her son isolated and vulnerable.
Legislative Reforms and a Mother’s Mission
In 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order transferring the prosecution of sexual assault cases from commanding officers to independent military prosecutors. Advocates hope this shift will lead to more impartial investigations and greater accountability for perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Buck continues her fight to honor her son’s memory. One of her current projects is completing a mural on the side of the HM2 Buck for Hope Foundation’s building. The mural, painted by artist Ginger Vanderbilt Haeghe, features symbols of Danny’s service, as well as teal and purple ribbons representing suicide and sexual assault awareness.
“I just want to continue to spread the word anywhere I can see I can make a difference,” Elizabeth says.
The Silent Trauma of Military Sexual Assault
For many service members, sexual assault remains a deeply stigmatized issue, compounded by fears of retaliation or disbelief. Advocates argue that reforms must go beyond policy changes to include cultural shifts within the military. Survivors need access to trauma-informed support systems, and reporting mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure justice is both accessible and transparent.
The scars of sexual assault and suicide extend far beyond the individual, impacting families and communities. Non-profits like HM2 Buck For Hope serve the survivor community by breaking the silence surrounding these issues and creating a legacy of change.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
