Renew the Fight for Repeal this July 4th
As you celebrate with your family and friends this July 4th to remember our nation's struggle for independence, I ask you to pause for a moment and think of the service members who are serving our country under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." These patriotic Americans are serving honorably and defending our freedom while serving in silence. I will be thinking about my friends who are currently serving, as well as thanking the ones who have finished their service for one reason or another.
Every patriotic holiday that comes and goes always brings back the memories of my childhood growing up as an Air Force brat as well as my own service in the Air Force. I am reminded of all the July 4th celebrations spent overseas and how proud I was that my dad served in the military. The times I have marched in a parade wearing my uniform, proud and honored to serve my country. But those days have come and gone, since I am no longer in the Air Force. Next month will mark 7 years since I was discharged from AFROTC for my "Failure to Maintain Military Retention Standards (homosexual conduct)," as stated in my official paperwork. My 5 years of active duty service or the fact I was ranked #1 in my class and had a pilot slot didn't matter. It only mattered that someone said I was gay.
Even after 7 years, I still look forward to the day I can go back in. Why you ask? Because the sense of duty, honor, and willingness to serve becomes instilled in you. I know I have earned the right to serve my country and will continue to fight until that happens. I have hope and I know change is on the horizon. But change doesn't just happen. You have to fight for it, and fight I will!
So this July 4th I send a shout out to all of the LGBT service members who are currently serving and those who have served this great country. You are all proud patriotic Americans, and no one can take that away from you!
07-04-09 By David Hall, former U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant |
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