A life's trajectory derailed by a single night, a textbook case of injustice unfolding at one of America's most prestigious military academies. This urgent special episode of Stories of Service brings to light the troubling case of Joseph Fernau, a wrestler and former Air Force Academy cadet fighting to save his military career and avoid crushing debt after being falsely accused of sexual assault.

When a devastating ankle injury sidelined Fernau from his beloved wrestling team, he made a mistake while heavily medicated - fraternizing with a freshman cadet. What followed defies belief: months later, after he began dating someone new, came an accusation of sexual assault that threatened everything he'd worked for. Despite text messages clearly showing consent before and satisfaction after their encounter, and despite OSI investigators finding the assault allegation unfounded, Fernau now faces disenrollment and $240,000 in debt while his accuser transferred to Stanford without consequences.

The episode reveals disturbing inconsistencies in how military discipline is administered, with numerous examples of cadets committing similar or worse violations receiving far lighter punishments. Captain Adam DeRito, himself a veteran of a 15-year battle with the Academy over his own case, provides crucial context about potential bias and command influence affecting the proceedings. The conversation raises profound questions about who receives second chances in our military, and whether factors like identity politics might be corrupting the process of justice.

Whether you're connected to military service or simply care about fairness in our institutions, this case demands attention. As Fernau's appeal reaches the Secretary of the Air Force, the fundamental question remains: Should one mistake, immediately self-reported and followed by exemplary conduct, end a promising military career? Listen now and decide for yourself.

Support the show

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76