In 2006, DeRito was accepted to the Air Force Academy, which he called his dream school. But just prior to graduation four years later, he was told he was being stripped of that honor and his degree while his family sat in the stands of the academy’s stadium.
The USAFA informed him he would not be graduating a mere 3 hours prior to receiving his diploma and commission. The reason? For violating Air Force Academy rules for fraternizing with a subordinate.
“It was the most crushing moment of my life, and it’s a moment I won’t forget,” DeRito said. “It’s like ‘there’s no way this is happening. There’s no way I’m not going to be an officer. There’s no way I’m not going to fly’ and it hurt.”
DeRito details a horrifying experience he endured while serving at the Academy which led him down the sordid path of betrayal.
The Air Force determined DeRito’s record was not worthy of graduating, becoming an officer and joining the Air Force to repay his debt for his four-year education.
He believes he was thrown out because of what he calls a history of retaliation against those who report sexual assault at the academy.
“When I was working as a confidential informant for the Office of Special Investigations, I reported 30 perpetrators of sexual assault and rape at the Air Force Academy.”
Strap in folks, this is a good one! Find out how you can support Adam DeRito and his proposed legislation by leaving a comment.
Brian Tally
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