Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Thank You, Rep. Andrews!

On Thursday April 26th Representative Rob Andrews (D 1st - NJ) signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 1246, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA). As most of you know, if enacted, this legislation would replace "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" with an open service policy that respects all our service members. I am a constituent of Representative Andrews (pictured) and am thrilled that he recognizes how damaging this policy is to both our readiness in a time of war and our service members serving under the policy. MREA was originally introduced in the 109th Congress. I, along with many others, have worked hard since then to bring Representative Andrews on as a co-sponsor. We have made numerous phone calls to Representative Andrews' district and Washington offices. We have organized a letter writing campaign coinciding with JAG interviews on the campus of Rutgers Law School which is in Representative Andrew's district. And eventually I met with the Representative in person to discuss the bill. When I met with him I told him my personal story. I served in the 82nd Airborne from 1991-1993 during the time the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was introduced. On the day the policy was adopted my company commander declared during evening formation that if there were any "faggots in his company, he would kill them himself." I also shared with Representative Andrews my colleagues' accounts of long careers ruined and unit cohesion destroyed because of witch hunts under the policy. Finally, I emphasized to Representative Andrews the policy's harmful effects to our national security, in a time of war when critical specialties are desperately needed. Representative Andrews' decision to co-sponsor H.R. 1246 is evidence of his dedication to equality and a strong national defense. His decision shows respect for the professionalism of our armed forces and recognizes the military's historic role as a leader in civil rights. I applaud Representative Andrews for his decision to sign on as a co-sponsor. I encourage all of you to reach out to your Representative and encourage them to do so as well. - Matt Rudolphi

Labels: Congress, legislation, rob andrews, veterans, your stories

05-02-07