Doing My Part
As I get older, great quotes become more poignant and painfully applicable to my life. I wish I could have met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I think he and I do have the same dream - equality and to be judged on the content of my character verses a single inherent characteristic. I often read his speech to remind myself that in my lifetime the world will be a different place than when I started my journey . . . but that requires me doing my part.
What does that mean? In the past, it has been important to me to give my time and energy. I still believe this is true, but donating has become a significant piece of my giving too. Giving time has some added benefits. During my volunteer time with SLDN, I have learned how to give to something much bigger than myself. A residual reward has been meeting some of my closest friends. I didn’t anticipate I would gain so much.
Money is the hardest thing to give. I have always been reticent to give money, and there never seems to be enough of it. This message doesn’t come from someone who makes a lot of money or can just donate whenever I feel like it. I am a graduate student and a government employee. However, SLDN is the non-profit I commit to giving a monthly donation. I give to SLDN because I know I can help make the world a better place through their work. It was a watershed moment in American civil rights history when President Truman issued his executive order desegregating the services and, subsequently, when Congress allowed women to serve. The military is our country's largest employer and their policies spill over into civilian society. When lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are allowed to serve openly a tremendous barrier to other civil rights will be lifted ... at least that is my dream.
You will be hard pressed to find anyone more grateful for the work SLDN does everyday than me, since I am a former client and plaintiff in their suit. What an amazing group of altruistic people!! Recent events have made it clear to me the final battle is coming and we should prepare our advocates for that fight.
The barrage (“an overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, blows, or criticisms”) of media in the last two weeks is a signal. With the help of SLDN, we will continue fighting for our reinstatement in court this year, Congress will potentially begin debates, and service members will need legal advice. During tax season and the upcoming dinner please consider how much you can give -- whether it is volunteer time, auction items for events, and/or monetary amounts – it all goes towards achieving the dream of greater equality in society.
- Former Sergeant First Class Stacy Vasquez, USA
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03-19-07
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