Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN
Shameful Petition Echoes Fears of the Past
On Tuesday, the Center for Military Readiness unveiled a petition of 1,000 retired flag officers, who are warning President Obama to oppose repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. We deeply appreciate the service of these retired officers but what they are expressing here is irrational fear. Read our blog post to learn more about the latest petition engineered and orchestrated by the Center for Military Readiness. Let us know what you think. ...Read More
03-31-09 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (3)
Faith Community Welcomes Former Army Sergeant
Recently the congregation at the Temple Emmanuel in Baltimore invited me to speak at their Friday service about the harms of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It was the first time I ever attended a Jewish service. Although I felt slightly out of my element, I cherished the invitation to attend. ...Read More
03-31-09 By Darren Manzella, former U.S. Army Sergeant | Comment (0)
Are We There Yet? Yes, We Are!
I was disappointed to hear Secretary of Defense Robert Gates suggest repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is something we should push "down the road a bit." We've been pushing for 16 years now! How much farther do we have to go? ...Read More
03-31-09 By Former U.S. Army Sergeant and SLDN client Pepe Johnson | Comment (1)
Time for Courage and Leadership, Mr. President
Put yourself back in the Sixties, aging boomers, and you kids listen up, too. Remember Pete Seeger's famous song, "Where have all the flowers gone?" Today the question is, where have all the leaders gone? ...Read More
03-29-09 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (4)
Time to Get Real
A recent letter by Staff Sgt. Cory R. Schneckenburge in Stars and Stripes puts to rest some of the common fears used to oppose repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." ...Read More
03-27-09 By Kevin Nix, SLDN Communications Director | Comment (1)
Attention, Mr. President, More Danger Ahead
If they have a gauge to measure the frantic level at the White House, it's probably spinning like a top right now. And if they're not frantic, they ought to be. ...Read More
03-24-09 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (6)
2009 Barry Winchell Courage Award
This July marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of PFC Barry Winchell at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. One of the privileges of my job with SLDN is having the honor of meeting and getting to know Barry's parents, Pat and Wally Kutteles -- two of the strongest, most genuine and courageous people I know. ...Read More
03-20-09 By Emily B. Hecht, SLDN Managing Attorney | Comment (1)
Too Busy, Too Tired
We wanted to share this touching message from a military supporter who could not attend our Freedom to Serve rally or National Dinner last weekend. This is a poignant reminder of why we must lift the ban now. ...Read More
03-19-09 By Paul DeMiglio, Senior Communications Manager | Comment (0)
A Missouri Perspective
I’d always imagined seeing DC for the first time with my partner. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make the trip with me. But I still was determined not to miss SLDN’s Freedom to Serve rally or the opportunity to visit my home state Senators, Claire McCaskill and Kit Bond. ...Read More
03-19-09 By Shonda Garrison, Holts Summit, MO | Comment (0)
DADT Repeal: More Yawns Than Howls
We would be the first to admit that support for open service among the military brass is not equivalent to what it is in the civilian world. But, still, views toward gays and lesbians, as a whole, have changed dramatically among service members. ...Read More
03-18-09 By Kevin Nix, SLDN Communications Director | Comment (1)
