Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Dear SLDN Supporters, I want to tell you how enormously proud I am of my son, Darren, and about my extraordinary visit with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network in Washington. I am more committed than ever to working alongside SLDN for repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” And I hope you will join me in this historic fight against inequality in our military. I arrived in the capital last Tuesday evening, just after Darren spoke at the National Press Club about his experience serving in the Army as an openly gay medic. The next morning, the Associated Press featured Darren in an article about the growing trend of troops who are serving out of the closet with the support of their colleagues and command. I am so proud of him for speaking out, and so moved by the dedication and commitment of everyone at SLDN to help service members like Darren, and to end this unjust law once and for all. I hope you will join me in standing with SLDN and working to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” On Wednesday evening, more than 100 SLDN supporters joined Darren and I at the Army-Navy Club in Washington, and I was inspired by their passion for this important work. But I know, too, that it will take all of us, working together, to win this battle. Please join me in supporting SLDN’s 60 in 60 campaign to raise the resources we need. An average case at SLDN can cost $10,000 or more as the SLDN attorneys provide support to service members and their families . . . and work to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Yet, SLDN never charges a single penny for their services and is always there for our men and women in uniform . . . and for families like mine. So, between now and February 15 (60 days from his appearance on 60 Minutes), we want to raise enough funds to support 60 more troops like Darren. You can be an important part of that effort. As I left Washington on Thursday morning, I felt as if I had a second family: the family of dedicated people at SLDN, and the LGBT troops serving under this law. On their behalf, I am enlisting in this fight, and on their behalf, we will win. Join Us. Sincerely,

Nancy Manzella Proud Mom of Sergeant Darren Manzella