Joining Forces…and Moving Forward
On Wednesday, I attended the one-year anniversary event for Joining Forces at the White House. Joining Forces is a national service venture started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, dedicated to shining a light on the sacrifices made by military and veteran families and creating an avenue by which a grateful country can honor those families.
The audience of service members, government officials, business and nonprofit leaders sipped from hot coffee and cider during the cold, outdoor presentation. The Air Force band Sidewinder delivered the heat and got the audience members clapping and tapping their feet with a set of three or four songs, belting out a great rendition of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." After the band played, Dr. Biden and the First Lady listed the accomplishments of Joining Forces' first year, among them helping train future physicians on the symptoms of PTSD, helping to secure jobs for veterans and military spouses, and increasing education opportunities for military children forced to move from state to state, as well as returning veterans who wish to further their education.
At the conclusion of the event, a receiving line was set up and I was able to speak with both Dr. Biden and the First Lady. I expressed SLDN's gratitude for the administration's help in repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and let them know that SLDN looked forward to continuing to work with the White House and Joining Forces to help all service members and their families - including LGBT military families. Both Dr. Biden and the First Lady lit up with huge smiles and communicated to me just how happy they were that DADT was dead. They also expressed a sincere desire to continue to work with us as we fight for full equality for every military family.
As Joining Forces moves into its second year, SLDN will work closely with the administration to ensure that LGBT service members and their families are represented and that the White House understands the special circumstances and sacrifices that come with being the spouse or child of an LGBT service member. It's great to know that Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden will be fighting alongside us.
Follow Jeremy on Twitter @wilsonsimerman
04-12-12 By Jeremy Wilson-Simerman, SLDN Government Affairs Director |
