In her home state of Rhode Island, Sarah builds her reputation as a celebrated war hero. But as her public profile grows, so do the quiet doubts. Get early, ad-free access to more episodes of Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Access ad-free episodes, exclusive binges, full audiobooks, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows with Pushkin+.Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who is Sarah Kavanaugh and what is her story?
Now, in such a small place, it seems like it'd be hard for anyone to keep secrets. But that didn't seem to stop Sarah Kavanaugh.
Sarah passed herself off as a veteran, specifically a former U.S. Marine who'd served in Iraq and Afghanistan, who'd been injured, a decorated war hero. But none of this was true. was a story she told about herself. A sprawling lie she lived for six whole years. You might think that to pull this off, she'd play it safe.
Avoid attention, like not advertise the lie because that'd be a great way to get caught. Seems logical, right? Instead, she did this.
Rhode Island is celebrating National Purple Heart Day, and there will be a heartfelt tribute for the brave women and men who have been awarded this special medal. Here to tell us all about it is a Purple Heart veteran, Sarah Kavanagh. Sarah, if you can tell us a little bit about yourself and you were awarded a Purple Heart.
Yes, so I served in the Marine Corps for about 11 years. I was given a Purple Heart for action in Afghanistan.
This is Sarah giving an interview on the local news. She's speaking about the state's new Purple Heart Trail, a network of roads dedicated to veterans who were injured or killed in service.
Yeah, it really is an honor to be a part of this. Being able to recognize it and be the voice for other Purple Heart veterans who may not be comfortable is really an honor.
Just a few days after this interview aired, Sarah attended a dedication ceremony for the new Purple Heart Trail. I've seen a photo of this event. Sarah wore a Marine Corps uniform, pressed, neat, immaculate, medals gleaming, a sharp white cap framed her face, her eyes kind of hidden under the visor. She stood alongside the governor and made a speech about patriotism and sacrifice.
Sarah told the assembled crowd, no one earns a Purple Heart alone. I earned mine amongst 11 other Marines. She added, I have long been one of those veterans, the ones who wish to fly under the radar, who merely did what was asked.
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