Hayley Johnson

Hayley Johnson’s journey in the U.S. Navy is a powerful story of perseverance, hardship, and ultimately, advocacy for others. Born in Los Angeles, Hayley’s early years were marked by independence—living on her own since the age of 14. Despite the challenges, she completed high school with the help of a cooking program, which became her lifeline. In 1993, Hayley enlisted in the Navy, inspired by her best friend’s experience in the Army and a fascination with the military lifestyle. Originally aiming to join the Air Force, Hayley decided on the Navy due to shorter wait times, though she resisted certain aspects, such as the requirement to cut her hair.

Hayley’s military career, however, took an unexpected turn when she was assigned as a military police officer, a role she did not initially seek. Wanting to become an attorney and serve in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), she felt conflicted about enforcing the law rather than defending individuals. Yet, despite her reluctance, she embraced her duty and underwent intensive training, including police training and multiple rounds of gas chamber drills.

Unfortunately, her time in the military was marred by severe personal trauma. During her police training, Hayley was raped, an event that deeply affected her. The environment at the time, during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” left her with few avenues for reporting the assault, as those responsible were her fellow police officers. The lack of leadership and oversight within her unit compounded the issue, creating a toxic and unsafe environment. Hayley’s trauma did not end there; when she became pregnant and gave birth on an Air Force base, her treatment during labor was grossly mishandled, leaving her daughter in critical condition and herself with lasting injuries. The negligence seemed to stem from retaliation, as she had spoken out about her experiences. These injustices led Hayley to pursue legal action, but her file was lost, further deepening her frustrations with the system.

Despite these challenges, Hayley found solace and strength in advocating for better care for veterans, particularly in the area of women’s health and military sexual assault. She relocated to New York City, where she began to find her voice through theater. Participating in a program for veterans that used Shakespeare to heal from the traumas of war, Hayley realized that she could channel her experiences into art. Her powerful performances and writing earned her recognition, and she began to speak out more publicly about the injustices she faced. Her story was featured in Glamour magazine and discussed at the White House through the Joining Forces initiative led by Michelle Obama, as well as at the United Nations.

Through her experiences, Hayley became a fierce advocate for veterans’ rights, particularly in areas where the system has failed. Losing custody of her children while fighting for her VA benefits was one of the most painful consequences of her struggles, and she has since focused her efforts on creating better legal resources for veterans in similar situations. To fund these efforts, Hayley turned to baking, launching her own company to support her mission of establishing a fund that would provide legal assistance to veterans, particularly women and parents.

Hayley’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others is a testament to her resilience. After relocating to Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic, she relaunched her baking business, which has found success in local restaurants. Her ultimate goal remains to create a legal resource fund for veterans, a cause born out of her personal trials. Through her work, Hayley has emerged as a strong voice for veterans, especially those who have been overlooked by the system. Her journey from military police officer to advocate and entrepreneur highlights her determination to turn personal pain into a broader movement for justice.