Military Mom Calls on Leaders to Show Courage
As a military mom, I was very concerned when Defense Secretary Robert Gates made the statement on Fox News Sunday that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal should be "pushed down the road a little bit."
My son, Darren Manzella, served as a decorated medic and a sergeant in the Army until he was discharged last June. He earned the Combat Medical badge honoring him for treating American and Iraqi service members and saved lives while risking his own. We were concerned for his safety, as all military families are for their sons and daughters in uniform. We were also concerned for him because he was openly gay while he served during his second tour. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was always on our minds.
Mr. Gates - what are you thinking? I realize that our country is in the midst of a great change with the new Administration having to make many crucial decisions. I understand that the Administration has "a lot on their plate" right now. I'm an American too and have many concerns about our country. But "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" cannot be pushed down the road - not even a little bit.
This ban impacts so many lives adversely. It causes unbearable stress not only on our service members, but on our families every day. I know because I've lived through it. Our sons and daughters in the military are intelligent, brave and committed Americans who are willing to put their lives at stake for our country. Not only do we need them for our country's military readiness, but we need to support American military families.
Don't put the freedom to serve on hold - all repeal requires is leadership, and that's why you were elected. Repeal this law.
04-02-09 By Nancy Manzella |
1 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Erin Taylor in Grand Rapids Michigan on April 10, 2009 at 03.52 pm
Very well put. I am a soldier serving in the Michigan Army National Guard and as all of us who serve in the military, i know several good battle buddies who feel very passionately about DADT and the Freedom to Serve. At this point i believe that people are putting way too much hope on the shoulders of my Commander-In-Chief. He is just a man and he himself in is acceptance speech said that all the needs this country would not be met in one year or even one term.
But for the sake my battle buddies, change needs to happen now. The Armed Forces are losing out on several highly qualified soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors etc by disallowing them to serve. And for those who are serving in the military, they lose out on numerous financial benefits.
Mr President, change needs to happen now.
HOOAH!