Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

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“Gays in the military” is a sensitive yet troubling concern at a time when our Nation is engaged in an all-out war that we must win.  I say sensitive because sex and politics as well as religious and personal beliefs are involved.  Troubling because we as a Nation are not in a position to turn away or discharge, simply because they are gay, otherwise intelligent, competent, qualified, patriotic young people who desire to serve in uniform.<BR><BR>I am a U.S. military officer and a combat pilot.  I am also the commanding officer of an aviation unit that routinely deploys to armed conflicts—including Iraq.  It has been my honor and privilege of serving with and leading some of this Country’s best and brightest military service members.  Many are former high school or college athletes.  Some are fluent in a second language.  A large number of them might well be regarded as over-achievers in one respect or another.  They are hard working, dedicated and enthusiastic.  Most are role models in some way.  All have graduated high school and many have attended college or beyond.  Each would give up their own life to protect their colleagues and our Nation.  And the ones I have described here are gay.  Despite this fact they are still Americans, still veterans and entitled to be honored for their contributions.<BR><BR>Like their identical straight colleagues, they are the exactly the type of American I want and we need waging this difficult war.  Thankfully they continue to serve despite the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.  You see, we need them in our military now more than ever.<BR><BR>The Defense Department claims homosexuals are a security risk and incompatible with military service.  My experience has been those who pose the greatest security risk are not gays.  The greatest risk may well be posed by service members in dire financial condition or those engaged in extramarital affairs and, therefore, subject to being compromised.  My experience has also been that gays are not incompatible with military service any more than any other category of individual.<BR><BR>They serve for the same personal reasons other young people serve: the military offers unlimited potential, an opportunity to start over, exciting training opportunities, new challenges, wonderful educational benefits, a guaranteed pay check and decent benefits, international travel opportunities, and escape from small-town life or a less than wonderful home life. <BR><BR>Most of us in the military could not care less about the sexual orientation of those with whom we serve.  We only care that our fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines carry their own share of the workload; that they share with us their food and water when ours are running low; and that they look out for us and cover us when the shooting starts.<BR><BR>It is terrorism and extremism that threatens our Nation, not gays in the military.  I often wonder why gay men and women risk so much by serving in the U.S. military where they are not wanted, fully knowing that if discovered, they will suffer ridicule, perhaps prosecution and eventual discharge by the military.  Their desire to serve and willingness to place them in harm’s way despite “don’t ask, don’t tell” is both remarkable and enviable.<BR><BR>Do we really want to destroy this type of dedication, eagerness and willingness to serve in our military?  Can we truly afford to discharge some of our best, brightest and most capable young people during this war simply because they are different from the majority?  I hope not.  I too am gay.  Many think I have been a role model for others.  I strive to always do my absolute best and take care of those I am responsible for leading.  And if others like me are a security risk, or incompatible with military service, we as a Nation are truly in very, very big trouble.<BR><BR>-Name withheld by request.  Virginia, USA

We have a military veteran friend who was honorably discharged during the Vietnam era. He served in the US Navy while having dual citizenship (Canadian/US). He was born in Canada and his family moved to New York when he was a child and became dual Canadian and US Citizens.<BR><BR>After discharge my friend worked in the US for over 3 decades, paying US taxes and Social Security. When it came time to retire and apply for his pension he was informed that the US Department of Homeland Security had revoked his US citizenship and did not recognize his Canadian citizenship.<BR><BR>The Social Security Administration will not begin his pension payments until his citizenship issue is resolved. He has been trying to work this matter through the VA, his local representatives in government (congressional level) and directly through the Social Security Office. No one seems to know what to do, who should take action and who has responsibility. The DHS will not reply to his inquiries. Any ideas?