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Leading By Example

Ask John Cook and Waverly Cole about the night they met and they will tell you “We were introduced and we found each other attractive and pleasant and nice and so we started going together.” That was 50 years ago.

Earlier this month, at the SLDN National Dinner, the two received a standing ovation when they took the stage to acknowledge their half century together. Arm in arm they waved to the hundreds of SLDN supporters gathered for the evening. The Washington Blade’s Chris Johnson was there and offers this report on the couple.

Generous contributors to SLDN, Cook and Cole both served in the Army. During World War II Cook was part of the second wave of troops that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was also among the thousands of troops who liberated Paris from Nazi control. For his service, France decorated him with the Croix de Guerre, given to troops who distinguish themselves in conflict. Cole served as well, having been drafted into the Army in 1955, during peacetime, and served in the medical corps as a captain in Hallenberg, Germany. A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia at Richmond, Cole’s service and degree enabled him to become a practicing physician at age 24. Today, from their home in Richmond, VA, their lives have slowed down a bit and, according to Cole, “Our fondness grows and that doesn’t diminish with the longevity of our relationship — it just gets more interesting and more delightful to be with each other each day.” SLDN is proud to call these two gentlemen supporters of our cause. With their help and inspiration SLDN is in the hallways of Congress and in key states and Congressional districts fighting to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” -Aubrey Sarvis

Labels: 2008 National Dinner

03-27-08 Comment (1)

State House Bill Would Extend Benefits to Gay Vets

Congratulations to the people of Middlesex, Massachusetts for having elected to office State Representative Carl Sciortino who, according to media reports, has introduced a bill in the Massachusetts State House which would provide soldiers discharged for being gay with the same tax breaks, Welcome Home and education benefits afforded to their heterosexual counterparts. The bill would require the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Affairs to develop regulations "to ensure veterans discharged under the above mentioned codes, and/or same-sex spouses of veterans, qualify for and receive benefits they would otherwise be entitled to under Massachusetts General Laws and regulations." The sacrifice made by America's uniformed men and women deserves to be honored, and the clearest way to do that is by keeping our promise to them -- and their families -- and provide the benefits they have already earned. It is the right thing to do. The bill, which has been referred to the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, is currently awaiting further action following a February 28th hearing. -Aubrey Sarvis

Labels: Massachusetts

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03-20-08 Comment (0)

Open Letter to President Bill Clinton

During a March 16th interview with college journalists Former President Bill Clinton spoke out on a variety of issues relevant to young people today. One of the many issues he touched on was "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Mike Allen, with the media outlet Politico, reports on the forum and the former president's comments regarding the law which bans openly gay service members from the armed forces.

As a result of that appearance, SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis yesterday sent a letter to the former president office expressing his belief that "it is important that the political and military leadership of our nation have a clear understanding of the terrible burden and inequitable treatment our lesbian, gay and bisexual troops live with because of the ban on open service." Following are excerpts from that letter:

"Over the last several months you have been asked by reporters and others about the passage and implementation of 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.' You have stated the law was not implemented as you understood at the time it would be. I gather from your comments that when 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' became law you intended for the Department of Defense’s implementing regulations to protect service members’ private lives. Unfortunately, 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’s' implementing regulations are by in large consistent with the statutory language of the law itself and effectively prohibits service members from engaging in any actions seen as homosexual conduct. This includes simply telling others that you are lesbian, gay or bisexual."

Sarvis concludes his letter by writing, "'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,' in its inception, application, and practice has placed an unjust and unnecessary burden on lesbian, gay and bisexual troops. This law and the implementing regulations forces good troops to choose between service to their country and a life of personal integrity. I write this letter most respectfully to share with you the harsh realities, record, and consequences of this law over the past fifteen years. I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with you soon to share this record in greater detail. In the interim, let us focus our attention on the important work ahead -- repealing 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.' We welcome the opportunity to work with you to get that done."

-Victor Maldonado

Labels: Bill Clinton

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03-18-08 Comment (0)

Metro Weekly Spys on SLDN

The camera's were flashing at SLDN's 16th annual national dinner, and the busiest bulb in the room belonged to Metro Weekly's Ward Morrison.

Click here to see the candid moments that helped make the evening such a terrific success.
-Victor Maldonado

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03-14-08 Comment (0)

UNITE—An Evening in Pictures

UNITE was the theme of our 2008 SLDN dinner. Bitsey Folger, the daughter of a former DOD Secretary, and one of the grand ladies of Washington, quietly underscored UNITE when she stood before us at the beginning of the evening to say she was proud to be with us and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell must go. Elizabeth Birch, the former Executive Director of HRC and one of this year’s dinner chairs, shared her solidarity with SLDN and our clients when she and SLDN board member Mati Weiderpass opened the floor to donations and raised $155,000 during twenty minutes of spirited giving. And Tipper Gore shared with us some of the early days she and her husband former Vice President Al Gore, spent as a young Army couple stationed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, living in an Army trailer park, before he left for Vietnam. Tipper is the real deal. Everyone left the dinner knowing full well her remarkable commitment to equality for all. UNITE, indeed.

Likewise, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, the dazzling lady in Vegas pink, spoke with the good humor and grace, and she spoke from the heart. I couldn’t avoid a good chuckle when Shelley said Sgt Manzella was a “hottie”. But I was near tears when she said she would want Darren Manzella treating her if she was wounded in combat. Shelley honored Darren and she honored all who serve under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Ambassador Michael Guest, Pat and Wally Kutteles, dinner co-chair Riley Temple, and Judy Sheppard all came to UNITE, to end DADT, and to underscore why they believe this fight for equality and dignity must be waged and won.

Finally, we came to UNITE for fellowship and friendship. Yes, this is serious business, but we also need to toast each other from time to time, embrace and share a good laugh or story. This we did last Saturday night in the historic Pension Building. I didn’t have the opportunity to toast each one of the 875 guests (over 200 were active, retired, or former service members,) so permit me to raise my glass now.

Thank you for a splendid evening, for your generosity, and thank you for your camaraderie. -Aubrey Sarvis

Dinner Speaker Tipper Gore

Dinner Co-Chair Bitsey Folger, Evening's Emcee Carol Joynt & Friends

Evening's Color Guard

Labels: national dinner

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03-14-08 Comment (0)

This is what our movement looks like!

Last Thursday and Friday were proud days on Capitol Hill for SLDN and for LGBT Americans in uniform. SLDN's sixth annual Lobby Day was a record-setting outpouring of support for our movement to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It was a joy to see over 200 SLDN activists all over the Hill, looking Members of Congress in the eye and insisting on equality. I had the honor of observing democracy unfold from the Capitol West Front Lawn, the site of what I'll un-humbly describe as a terrific rally. Looking out from the stage to the sea of activists before me, I got a jolt of renewed confidence that victory is within our reach. And how lucky am I, to get to introduce to our crowd the indomitable Congresswomen Shelley Berkley (D-NV) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)? I want to acknowledge by name each of the individuals who shared their own brand of inspiration with our crowd at the rally. In addition to the two Congresswomen, we had the pleasure of some excellent words from Chaplain Colonel Paul Dodd, Christopher Dyer from the office of the DC Mayor, Major General Vance Coleman, Vermont Law School Professor Jackie Gardina, Army veteran Austin Rooke, and Reverend and Command Master Chief Jennifer Paty. Each were just awesome. It's no small feat to get hundreds of people to listen to your speech as it starts to pour down rain. Thank all of you readers who joined us on Capitol Hill last week! It's one of the greatest joys of my job to see citizens engaging with the democratic process on a personal level. Those of you who weren't able to be with us in DC last week, I hope to see you out here next time! -Jill Raney

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03-14-08 Comment (0)

Fabulous Las Vegas

Washington is the kind of city where sensible shoes and modest hemlines rule. However, there is at least one politician who is not afraid to shine: the very gentle lady from Nevada, Shelley Berkley. Molly Ball and Tony Batt at the Las Vegas Review Journal report on the star power and legislative authority the Congresswoman from Las Vegas brings not only her constituents, but the Halls of Congress. SLDN was honored to have Rep. Berkley address supporters at both last week's Capitol Hill rally as well as our 16th annual national dinner. Because of her help and leadership we are closer than ever to the day when every patriotic man or woman in uniform is afforded the respect they have earned. -Victor Maldonado

Labels: national dinner, Shelley Berkley

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03-13-08 Comment (0)

Military Preparedness—The Foreign Perspective

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Last night the Georgetown Law Center hosted active duty and veteran members of four foreign militaries – Australia, Britain, Canada and Israel – to share stories of how their nations did away with gay bans within their armed forces.

The event, organized by SLDN Military Advisory Committee member and Georgetown Adjunct Professor Tom Fields, was an opportunity for Americans to hear how allied nations integrated gay troops into their militaries. The take away message of the evening was -- allowing openly gay service in the armed forces has been a non-event in those countries. While each nation did weather some adjustments, none of the dire doomsday predictions turned out to be true (no mass resignations, no problems with recruitment, no spike in violence). In fact, the experiences of last night’s speakers was, readiness and cohesion has increased because their service members are no longer required to lie. So, where does this leave the United States military? Unfortunately I think it leaves our military operating under an antiquated law that hinders their ability to recruit, train and retain patriotic Americans who want to serve our country. I often have heard from staff on Capital Hill that the US military is different from other countries militaries and that is why we cannot lift the ban. I think that is a hard argument to swallow when confronted by an Australian NCO who was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by the US military while he was stationed in Iraq last year working with US military troops. He contributed just as much to the fight for freedom as his US counterparts – he just did not have to hide who he was while he accomplished his mission. And, what about the British and Canadian troops who are working hand-in-hand with our units in Afghanistan and Iraq. How insulting is it to our coalition partners to say that they can lift their bans without problems because they are somehow less of a military than the US military? Forget insulting, this argument just does not make sense. As the panelist from Israel commented – there has never been a time in Israel’s existence where they have not been under siege and yet they have been able to integrate openly gay service members into their units to the benefit of effectiveness and cohesion. Last night I saw a light. We are quickly approaching a time when the tired, lame and specious arguments in favor of banning lesbians and gays are overwhelmed by the mounting evidence that it doesn’t work and detrimental to our military. It is time for Congress to catch up to the American people on this issue and repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” It is time to do the right thing.

-Kathi Wescott

Labels: foreign militaries

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03-13-08 Comment (0)

Dear Diary

Intrepid blogger, and emcee for SLDN's 16th Annual Dinner, Carol Joynt describes Saturday evening's festivities for readers of the social site New York Social Diary.

"There were a lot of uniforms and medals in the room, and from all branches of the service, emphasizing what’s often reported – that for a lot of military commanders, trying to fight two wars, it is impractical to have willing soldiers sidelined from the front. CBS News, when they featured Manzella, said that discharges of gay soldiers has dropped dramatically from over 1200 in 2001 to about half that."

Click here to read more and to see the photographs.

-Victor Maldonado

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03-11-08 Comment (0)

About Last Night

Six young Marines drove up from North Carolina to attend the 16th SLDN Annual Dinner in Washington Saturday night. They stood tall in their dress blue uniforms and I think they had a good time. At the end of the evening one of those Marines approached me and said, “Sir, we got out our wallets and came up with this. We want to help.” He handed me $77.00 in cash. To say that I was amazed would be an understatement, amazed and very moved. At that moment I realized yet again what an awesome responsibility we have at SLDN. The women and men in uniform serving under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell are counting on us. They look to us for legal help and they look to us to get this law repealed. The evening was a success on all counts. It was dazzling and elegant, the National Building Museum looked truly beautiful and the food was delicious. We had a great crowd—some 900 men and women filled the hall. The speeches were inspiring, and the champagne sparkled. We’re still adding up the results, but it looks like we raised close to $750,000 around the annual dinner, and nearly $155,000 of that amount came during what we call The Ask. That’s the best we’ve ever done. But the evening was finally about something else besides glitter and excitement and dollars raised. It was what those six Marines who’d driven up from North Carolina, those young men who’d dug into their pockets to hand me their $77 in cash—the evening was about what they represented. And they represented the thousands of men and women in our armed services that we serve. It’s for them that we are putting all our efforts into repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell so that not one of them ever requires our legal services again. That’s our mission, and if you haven’t signed on yet, now is the time. Join us. You’ll be glad that you did—and so will we.