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Former Missouri Airman Urges Senator Bond to Support Repeal in Open Letter

Below is a copy of a letter I sent to Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) requesting to meet with him to discuss repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. This particular law has affected me more than anything else in my life. At age 21, my life was turned completely upside down simply because someone outside my command, outside the military sent my commander an email stating I was gay.

I grew up in a small town in rural Missouri with not much hope for a successful future unless I was able to get out of my hometown. I was raised by my grandparents who passed away when I was 15. I lived the remainder of my teenage years in foster care. I always remembered what my grandfather had told me: “No one can make you who you want to be. Only you have the power to be what you want to be.” I kept that near and dear to my heart and after graduating high school I joined the United States Air Force. I was the first in my entire family to graduate high school and the first to serve my country.

During my tenure in the military, I grew to respect the men and women who served before me and my heart truly grew into a professional life of public service. Unfortunately, in December of 2001, only two years after raising my right hand and swearing to protect the constitution of the United States of America from foreign and domestic enemies, the military now looked at me as an “enemy” simply because of my personal life. For three months leading up to me being fired from the United States Air Force, I was read my military Miranda rights, I was asked if I had ever had sex with a woman, if I have ever had a girlfriend, where do I go on the weekends and believe it or not, even was asked by the Investigating Officer if I was gay!

After receiving well over 40 letters of support from my civilian and military counterparts and even after receiving the highest rating on my yearly evaluations and noted by my commanding enlisted officer to promote as soon as possible, it was not enough to save my career. I was informed by my First Sgt. and Squadron Commander that I would be discharged from the United States Military because of who I choose to sleep with and not because of my ability to perform my duties as an Airman in the United States Air Force even though my Squadron Commander said he did not agree with the law.

I was truly broken. At such a point in my life where I was learning who I was, where I wanted to go and what my professional interest was in life, I was thrown a curve ball and was discharged from a way of life that I had grown to love and a way of life I wanted to live professionally.

Since March 15, 2002, I have continued on in my personal life as well as my professional life still serving in the public’s interest. I continue to grow professionally and personally and am very proud of who I am. I have made it my duty to understand what happened to me and how I can help overturn this terrible law.

I have worked with SLDN to repeal DADT throughout the country. This past weekend I had the privilege of working at SLDN’s booth at the St. Louis Pride Festival. People from all walks of life – gay, lesbian, straight and transgender – came by the booth, shook my hand and thanked me for my service. I was happy to tell them my story. I was happy to share information they did not realize about the current repeal process and I was very happy to see others just like myself who served our military.

I am very appreciative of all of the support, the hard work and the commitment made by others in helping me win this fight for justice. This truly is my way of giving back to SLDN, which was there when I needed them, while also helping thousands of other dedicated men and women currently serving, wanting to serve and for ones who have been discharged under DADT.

This is the closest we have ever been to the repeal of DADT. The House has voted and now I urge you to call both your senators and tell them to vote for repeal. We must stand up for what is fair, legally, morally and ethically our right to serve!

Open Letter to Senator Bond:

My name is Judson Smith. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force. I am 29 years old and live in the St. Louis, Missouri area. I would really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in regards to the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy.

I am a veteran who was affected by this policy. I was simply discharged because my command received an anonymous email from someone not even in the military stating I was gay. I am an honor graduate of the Military Basic Training, Department of Defense Fire Academy and was assigned a special duty assignment to Patrick AFB to the 45th Space Wing Space Shuttle Support Team. I was honorably discharged on March 15, 2002. I have graduated with a Masters Degree and currently still work in Public Service but in the civilian sector.

I truly do want to serve my country as an Air Force Reserve or in the Coast Guard as a Helicopter Pilot. I would truly like the opportunity to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy and how very important this is not only to me but thousands of American's who currently serve, men and women who want to serve and for ones like myself who have been discharged under a policy that is out of reach from what the United States is all a about.

Thank you so very much for your time. I truly do appreciate it and I do look forward to hearing from you in the very near future.

Judson Smith
Former Airman First Class

Judson Smith currently lives in St. Louis, MO, with his partner of six years. He holds a BS in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Judson currently works as a Flight Paramedic for Air Evac Lifeteam. He also is a script director and article writer for 24-7ems.

06-29-10 By Judson Smith, former Airman First Class |