Sergeant Manzella Comes Home
The holidays will be a whole lot brighter for the Manzella family, who are looking forward to welcoming a very special guest home.
Many of you have called and emailed about what's next for Sergeant Darren Manzella, the SLDN client who was featured on Sunday's 60 Minutes story about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Today, we can give you the first update on Darren's story.
Sergeant Manzella arrived back in the United States yesterday with his unit, returning from a long tour in Kuwait. He got back to his base in the States yesterday, safe and sound.
As you can imagine, his CBS appearance on Sunday has caused quite the buzz among his fellow troops, but Darren reports to SLDN that he's received an overwhelmingly positive response from many people - both inside and out of the armed forces - who have contacted him to offer support and congratulations. (And we've been passing along your messages to Darren, too. You can still email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).)
Now, of course, Darren's thoughts are turning to the upcoming holidays. And, we're happy to report, it looks like he'll likely be able to spend Christmas at home with parents and siblings, who are all immensely proud of him.
I called Darren's mom & dad just a few minutes ago to let them know that SLDN is working hard to get him home for the holidays.
To say they are excited . . . proud . . . and looking forward to seeing him is an understatement. (Darren's mom has shared just a few tears with me on the phone many times throughout this process.) Their support for Darren has been unwavering, and their commitment to joining him in the fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has inspired and moved all of us at the SLDN office.
But first, there's a well-deserved holiday break on the horizon for Sergeant Manzella and a homecoming that two wonderful parents have been waiting for . . . for a very long time.
- Steve RallsLabels: Darren Manzella, sldn clients, SLDN on 60 Minutes
12-20-07
5 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Thank you for your strength and support!<BR><BR>I’m stoked to hear more and more oft that in today’s military that some gays are being judged on their merit rather than on a preconceived notion. We have a long road still to travel but I believe each mile marker we pass it is towards one of the most powerful voices in the military to be heard. “Hooah” to you Darren and SLDN for taking care of this and other JOE’s!<BR><BR>Sgt/USArmy<BR>“Go Engineers”
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SDnavy PROUD on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
I’ll echo the positive messages, and express more support for Darren. I’m also Active Duty, and no preoccupied with concealing my orientation. Though I don’t feel the need to “come out” due to a variety factors, I will say I’ve heard innuendos that my co-workers are aware of this side of my personal life, and its OK. However, there are more general comments that I would not call supportive.
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
I cant believe his discharge papers havent started yet after the 60 mins show but then again it depends on his chain of command. I wish him the best tho! And thanks for all your guys hard work!!! P.S. my entire office knows im gay including my commander, NCOIC and guess what they had asked if I would take them to a gay club so Saturday all 6 of us went to Town they had soo much fun!!!<BR><BR>SGT/US Army<BR>Pentagon<BR>Arlington, VA
Anonymous on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
This is such great news to hear!<BR><BR>Hope all turns out well for Darren and every other gay servicemember!
Juan on December 31, 1969 at 02.00 pm
Thank You SLDN! you have been the silent voice for all of us here in the Armed Services, it makes me proud and helps me get through those tough days here in the military. We fight the silent battle in the background and you are in the forefront, Keep hope alive!<BR><BR>Sgt/USMC