SLDN, AVER Partner for Albuquerque Pride
Pride 2010 in Albuquerque came with another warm and sunny June day. The anticipation of leading the parade with our color guard and meeting new LGBT vets is always encouraging. SLDN and AVER make great partners. I always look forward to getting our stories and the mission to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" out to our younger vets and the community. More people stopped by our booth and signed the petition to repeal DADT than in any previous year.
I was particularly impressed by a young Navajo Navy veteran who drove two hours in from Window Rock, Arizona, the capitol of the Navajo Nation, and stopped by our booth toward the end of the day. He was surprised to see a booth of LGBT veterans and supporters. He joined the Navy out of deference to his family's wishes and the proud Navajo tradition of service to our country. Unfortunately, as a gay man he did not have the support of his family and was isolated during his service to his country. He made it honorably through his tour with the Navy and now wanted to thank us for being at Pride.
This young native American warrior fought back tears as he gave me a great hug and didn't want to let go. We invited him to our Open House and made the whole day worth every effort.
Wishing the best for all your Prides and our efforts to repeal DADT for those young service members who can't speak for themselves.
From Valley Forge to Baghdad, we proudly serve! Repeal DADT! We have earned the right to serve openly!
06-21-10 By Steve Loomis, LTC, EN, U.S. Army (Retired) |
Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.