Podcast Summary: Exposing the Dark Side of Military Service: From Homeless to Hero with Janae Sergio

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Determined Society with Shawn French
• Host: Shawn French
• Guest: Janae Sergio
• Episode Title: Exposing the Dark Side of Military Service: From Homeless to Hero with Janae Sergio
• Release Date: February 10, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French welcomes Janae Sergio, a bestselling author, former servicewoman, and dedicated philanthropist. Janae brings to light the often-overlooked injustices within the military, particularly focusing on sexual assault, systemic abuse, and the challenges veterans face post-service.

Janae Sergio's Background

Janae Sergio shares her harrowing journey from homelessness to serving eight years in the Navy. She began her military career at the tender age of 16, having been dropped off at a homeless shelter in Hollywood by her mother. Her early experiences shaped her mission to advocate for those who suffer in silence within the military system.

Janae Sergio [36:49]: "I joined the Navy from a homeless shelter when I was 16 years old. When I came in, I was so excited that I finally had a family, I could let my guard down."

Exposing Military Injustices

Janae delves deep into the prevalent issues within the military, emphasizing the high rates of sexual assault and the systemic failures that allow perpetrators to evade justice. She recounts the tragic story of Denisha Montgomery, a soldier who was attacked by her unit members and subsequently found dead under suspicious circumstances.

Janae Sergio [01:22]: "Her roommate was one of the people who had attacked her in the car, and so there were some concerns that maybe she allowed access to the room while she was gone."

Specific Cases and Systemic Failures

The discussion highlights the case of Major Stocken, an Army doctor accused of sexually assaulting 41 men. Janae points out the flaws in the military justice system, where such cases often result in minimal convictions, leaving victims without adequate support or closure.

Janae Sergio [28:31]: "He'll still have a life after, and all these people, he robbed their life. 41 people. Who's to say there's not more victims that have already taken their life because they couldn't live with it?"

Statistical Insights

Janae provides alarming statistics to underscore the severity of sexual misconduct in the military. In 2021, approximately 36,000 military members experienced sexual assault, with only about 5,000 reported cases and less than 2% resulting in convictions. Furthermore, 33% of those who reported assaults were pushed out of the military.

Janae Sergio [15:10]: "In 2021, the military reported about 36,000 members who experienced sexual assault, but only about 5,000 were reported, and less than 2% were convicted."

Advocacy and Legislative Changes

Janae discusses her role in advocacy, working alongside the Vanessa Guillen family to support President Biden's Executive Order in December 2023. This order mandates that major crimes, including sexual assault and homicide, be handled by an external entity rather than falling under commanders' jurisdiction, aiming to reduce bias and ensure impartial investigations.

Janae Sergio [16:46]: "President Biden signed that. We had been pushing for that, though. Vanessa Guillen was in 2020, and since then, advocates have been relentlessly pushing for reform."

Personal Story: From Homeless to Hero

Janae opens up about her personal transformation from a homeless teenager to a high-ranking official overseeing 88 Air Force hotels. Her resilience in the face of sexual assault and systemic abuse fuels her mission to empower others and advocate for meaningful change.

Janae Sergio [34:06]: "I joined the Navy from a homeless shelter when I was 16 years old... After I got out of the Navy, I promoted very quickly within the Department of Defense, now overseeing 88 Air Force hotels."

The Hero Mindset

Towards the episode's conclusion, Janae introduces her concept of the "hero mindset," distinguishing it from victim and survivor mindsets. She emphasizes the proactive role individuals must take to advocate for themselves and others, fostering a community of strength and resilience.

Janae Sergio [36:19]: "The hero mindset is about stepping up to be your own hero and then becoming a hero for others as well."

Closing Remarks

Shawn expresses profound admiration for Janae's courage and dedication, urging listeners to support her mission by purchasing her book, Perfectly Flawed: A Veteran's Journey from Homeless to Hero, and following her work on social media.

Shawn French [37:42]: "Please go check her out. If this episode made your hair stand on end or if you know something, please reach out to her so she can help you and share this show with someone you know."

Notable Quotes

• Janae Sergio [16:46]: "We are now pushing major crimes to an external entity, so commanders can't hide or suppress these cases anymore."
• Shawn French [14:35]: "It's not about the party, but it's about the mission of our country. Are we doing things for our people?"
• Janae Sergio [24:19]: "It's systemic. The military's focus is on being lethal, not on creating an equal culture. This leads to minorizing serious issues like sexual assault."

Conclusion

This episode sheds light on the dark underbelly of military service, highlighting systemic issues that allow abuse and injustice to persist. Janae Sergio's unwavering commitment to advocacy and reform serves as an inspiration, reminding listeners of the importance of speaking out and fighting for justice within and beyond the military framework.

For more information and to support Janae's efforts, visit janaesurgio.com or follow her on social media @ena_perfectlyflawed. Her book, Perfectly Flawed: A Veteran's Journey from Homeless to Hero, is available on Amazon.

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