Perfectly Flawed: A Veteran's Journey from Homeless to Hero

Sixteen-year-old Janae Sergio walks the streets of Hollywood, California terrified and focused on how to survive while avoiding attempts to be lured into drug addiction and sex trafficking.After making a life-changing decision to join the U.S. Navy, she experienced yet another petrifying adventure when at just nineteen she was amongst the first service members to be forward deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A war that would go on to last 20 years. Some would label her a hero for her contributions to preserving freedom around the world. But most importantly, Janae became the hero she always needed for herself.She went on to become a successful businesswoman where she was recently selected as the Chief of Air Force Lodging managing a portfolio of 88 Air Force Hotels. And after gaining a large social media platform she turned her childhood dream into a reality by opening an online fashion boutique where she helps women step out of their comfort zones and embrace their own “flaws” as what makes them unique. Janae’s perseverance has been a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world. This story will have you reflecting on the hero you became for yourself.About the AuthorJanae Sergio is a mom, wife, philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur, social media motivator and the Chief of Air Force Lodging where she manages a portfolio of eighty eight Air Force Inns.In 2018, Janae’s social media platform skyrocketed and she took advantage of the opportunity to pair her love for fashion with her dream of empowering women through her quickly growing online clothing boutique.She is a Combat Navy Veteran who was amongst the first group of service members to be forward deployed aboard the USS John C Stennis one month after the 9/11 attacks to kick off Operation Enduring Freedom. Her Navy achievements include dual warfare certifications and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement (NAMs) medals. Prior to being sent to war, Janae was no stranger to facing the unknown as that’s exactly what she had to do when she was dropped off at a homeless shelter at the young age of sixteen where she spent the next two and a half years avoiding attempts to lure her into drug addiction and the sex trafficking industry. By embracing the victor mindset Janae became the hero she always needed. Through her story, Janae has been committed to giving back to the very community she rose from. She has created multiple programs geared at mentoring at-risk youth towards creating a better future for themselves. She also uses her social media influence to provide necessities to the homeless in her community. Janae has been married for 15 years and currently lives in San Antonio with her husband and two beautiful daughters. Read more