John Schmidt III is 48-years-old, has been married 15 years, and is a father. He’s far from average. He’s served 23 years in the military, and is a well-decorated Navy Seal. For combat overseas, for instance, he was awarded a valor citation. No one is questioning his commitment to service or that he gives of himself to his country and community. After all, he’s a man who makes time to deliver pep talks in Los Angeles to special needs children.
So what’s the problem? Schmidt is also known on-screen as Jay Voom. He has moonlighted for seven years and has acted in over two dozen porn flicks.
It’s not that his wife minds. She has been his on-screen sex partner and is porn star Jewels Fade. He has also delivered roles with XXX actresses such as Mena Li and Ashden Wells.
It was after filing for bankruptcy over debts resulting from the couples' real estate business, that Schmidt joined his wife, acting in the porn industry.
Schmidt's second income leads to investigation
Schmidt’s second job is an issue, despite how his wife feels about his work or performance – for her film distribution service. He is under investigation by the Naval Special Warfare Command based in Coronado, CA. A commissioned officer is at the helm of the investigation, which commenced eight months before Schmidt wanted to retire.
Disciplinary action could adversely affect not only his rank but also his pension benefits.
Pivotal questions center around whether commanders gave Schmidt the required advanced approval for his second job (or violated rules mandating that approval) and also whether his work was tacitly condoned by commanding officers. SEALs’ spokesman Captain Jason Salata said the regulations governing outside employment are very clear, along with regulations against behavior that discredits the service.
Did Navy brass grant approval?
While Schmidt’s wife claims that “many” SEAL brass have long-standing knowledge that her husband moonlights in porn flicks and have “tolerated” it, Navy officials disagree. The Navy claims the mandatory paperwork seeking clearance to work as an actor were not filled out by Schmidt, nor was he given the approval to have a side business selling herbal supplements.
Violators of the armed forces’ rules regulating secondary employment can be tried for lack of compliance under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Navy SEAL's Creed reads, in part: "Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast."
