Protect Our Defenders Applauds Military Reporter Rose Thayer on First Place Recognition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2024
Brian Purchia, brian@protectourdefenders.com
Protect Our Defenders Applauds Military Reporter Rose Thayer on First Place Recognition
Thayer’s award-winning story exposed the U.S. Air Force Academy’s mishandling of sexual assault allegations and its failure to properly address cadet suicide risks.
Washington, DC – Protect Our Defenders (POD) congratulates Stars and Stripes reporter Rose Thayer on winning first place for enterprise reporting from Military Reporters and Editors, a distinguished nonprofit organization dedicated to journalists covering the military, national security, and defense. This year’s contest was highly competitive, featuring the largest number of submissions from news organizations in recent years. Rose stands among an esteemed group of winners, including CNN, NPR, ProPublica, and The Washington Post.
Thayer’s award-winning story uncovered the U.S. Air Force Academy’s failure to properly address sexual assault allegations and cadet suicide risks. The investigation centered on Cailin Foster, a graduate of the Academy and commissioned second lieutenant, whose family raised concerns about how her case was ignored by leadership. Thayer’s reporting revealed systemic issues within the Academy’s approach to sexual assault cases and the broader implications of neglecting the mental health of cadets. Her work highlighted the urgent need for accountability and reform within military institutions.
Protect Our Defenders Founder, and CEO, Nancy Parrish, released the following statement:
“We are proud to congratulate Rose Thayer on this well-deserved recognition. Her award-winning story is a powerful testament to the vital role investigative journalism plays in uncovering injustice and driving accountability. Rose’s work with the family of Cailin Foster, a courageous cadet whose story tragically underscores the systemic failures within the U.S. Air Force Academy, brings much-needed attention to the urgent reforms required within our military.
POD has had the honor of collaborating with Rose, providing expert analysis and supporting her in-depth investigations. Her unwavering commitment to truth and transparency aligns with our mission to expose misconduct and fight for justice for survivors of military sexual assault. Together, we will continue to advocate for change and ensure that the critical issues of assault and harassment in the military remain at the forefront of the national conversation.
We look forward to seeing Rose accept her award, and we deeply appreciate her tireless pursuit of justice.”
