In the Navy
Yes, it's true. Jason Knight, the openly gay sailor who has been speaking out against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' is still, technically, in the Navy. As the newspaper Stars & Stripes reports this morning, Jason recently received his DD-214 paperwork, marking the end of his return to active duty. But, much to his suprise (and ours), Jason has been placed back into the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) until 2009. And there's not a mention anywhere on his paperwork about his sexual orientation.
Similar discharge paperwork resulted in Jason being re-called to active duty a year ago, after completing his four-year enlistment in the Navy. At the time he left his first enlistment, Jason was also out to his command and his colleagues. Rather than dismissing him for being gay, though, the command simply marked his exit papers with a 'completion of service' designation, sent him to the IRR and made him eligible for call-up again. And they did the exact same thing this time.
Jason, as always, remains ready and willing to answer the call to duty yet again, should it come. When asked by Stars & Stripes if he would accept a call-back to active service again, Jason replied, "Of course I would."
And that, more than anything, may tell us why his commanders are so anxious to keep him in the service.
(Photo by Rudy K. Lawidjaja)
- Steve RallsLabels: in the news, jason knight
-----06-07-07
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