Vandalized Vanessa Guillen Mural Needs Our Help!

We need your help to restore, enhance and protect the historic Spc. Vanessa Guillen Memorial Mural in Killeen, Texas which was desecrated with graffiti by a 3rd vandalism incident since July of 2020. The mural at the Vanessa Guillen Gate of Fort Cavazos was the site of national protest seeking answers and justice for the disappearance and death of Spc. Vanessa Guillen.

In response to this latest attack, we call upon the community to join us in a renewed effort to ensure that its legacy continues to inspire positive change.

Restoration: Due to rain and the blistering Texas heat, the signatures have faded away and leaving a blank slate that is vulnerable to vandals. We want to clean, coat and shore up the opposite side of the mural to ensure the elements won’t deteriorate the mural any further.

Donations will be used to buy nails, wood glue, stain sealant, sandpaper, and brushes.

Enhancement: We will add a powerful second piece of art on the other side of the Spc. Vanessa Guillen Memorial Mural that will dissuade vandals from tagging the art and will be a beacon of hope for all. The Brandon Act was named in honor of AE3 Brandon Caserta who served in the U.S. Navy, whom died by suicide after he was sexually assaulted and also faced relentless bullying and harassment from his superiors. Both the I am Vanessa Guillen Act and The Brandon Act were signed into law by the President of the United States on December 27, 2021. Adding the Brandon Caserta Mural will complement the Vanessa Guillen mural and its mission. This will serve to remind all service members that they can demand The Brandon Act to receive mental health help without fear of retaliation.

Donations will be used to buy high-quality paint, paint supplies, cover artist fees and include travel, meals and hotel stay in Killeen during the painting of the mural for the artist team and the Caserta Family.

Protection: Enhancing security measures will deter future vandalism and ensure continuous surveillance. Additional security cameras are needed with higher quality video that have additional features to ensure better coverage of the mural. Additional lighting around and on the mural is necessary to secure it.

Donations will be used for video cameras, lighting, and labor to have those installed.

Together, we can safeguard this memorial and uphold the values it represents. Please help us reach the goal quickly so we can paint the mural before June 25 which is the anniversary of Brandon’s death by suicide.

All additional donations raised will be donated to The Brandon Caserta Foundation to help in their mission to get justice for AE Brandon Caserta and to stop military suicides.

1st Vandalism October 1st 2020

2nd Vandalism April 5th 2021

Who is AE Brandon Caserta and The Brandon Act?