In this powerful episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter welcomes Adam Derito, a decorated veteran, whistleblower, and fierce advocate for reforming the military justice system. Adam’s story is one of loyalty, betrayal, and relentless perseverance. From a promising future at the Air Force Academy to surviving systemic retaliation and fighting back with advocacy, Adam reveals the darker undercurrents within military institutions and how he’s turning personal injustice into national reform.
Guest Bio: A Veteran Turned Advocate
Adam Derito grew up in West Milford, New Jersey, and was inspired to serve in the military following the 9/11 attacks and the loss of a hometown Marine in Iraq. A certified firefighter, EMT, and search and rescue technician, Adam was accepted into every federal service academy but chose the Air Force Academy, hoping to become an F-22 pilot. His military career took a turn when he became a confidential informant for the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), reporting misconduct among cadets. After being sexually assaulted and receiving no support from the institution, Adam was ultimately dismissed just hours before graduation—despite having completed his requirements and being selected for the Marine Corps. Following years of legal battles and revelations of falsified medical records, Adam now serves in the Army Reserve and leads advocacy efforts for military justice reform through initiatives like the Derito Act and media efforts including his podcasts Dark Saber and Texas and Tomahawks.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Military Whistleblower Turned Target: Adam’s cooperation with OSI as an informant earned him trust at first—but eventually made him a target. His reports of misconduct, especially against athletes and prep school cadets, led to retaliation from leadership.
- Sexual Assault and Institutional Failure: Adam bravely reported a sexual assault, only to face indifference and manipulation. The transfer of jurisdiction from civilian authorities to OSI resulted in no action being taken, highlighting deep flaws in military accountability systems.
- Graduation Denied, Records Falsified: Despite meeting all graduation requirements and earning a Marine Corps commission, Adam was denied the chance to graduate and was escorted off base. Years later, he uncovered falsified psychological evaluations dated after he had already left the Academy—used to block his continued service.
- Resilience and Redemption: Through a rare exemption from the governor of Colorado, Adam re-entered the military via the Army National Guard. He went on to serve in special operations and deploy to the Middle East, proving both his capability and dedication despite institutional betrayal.
- The Derito Act and Advocacy: Adam is now a national advocate for reforming command-directed mental health evaluations and protecting service members from abuses of power. The Derito Act, his proposed legislation, seeks to create safeguards that prevent psychological diagnoses from being weaponized against troops.
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Adam Derito’s story is a sobering reminder that integrity in the military must be defended not just on the battlefield, but within its own ranks. His courage to speak out—and continue serving despite being wronged—reflects a deep loyalty to the very values the military is supposed to uphold.
As Adam pushes for the Derito Act to be included in upcoming legislation, he represents a growing movement of veterans demanding transparency, fairness, and accountability in military justice. His mission isn't just personal—it's structural. And it’s far from over.
