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Veterans Make the Case for Repeal in Montana and South Dakota

This morning The Daily Republic (Mitchell, South Dakota) and The Missoulian (Missoula, Montana) published opinion pieces written by local veterans who support repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). SLDN was honored to work with these veterans, whose courage in speaking out for repeal is making a real difference in winning this fight.

Leighann Dunn, who served nine years in the National Guard, argues in The Daily Republic (“In Other Words: Stand up, let all military members serve openly”) that forcing patriots to serve in silence and fear under DADT hurts individual service members, weakens the readiness of our armed forces and undermines military values:

I support repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” because this law makes it impossible for gay and lesbian patriots to serve honestly. The psychological effects of living in the closet are staggering. These individuals live in fear of discharge and loss of benefits every day they serve.

This should be a non-issue considering other pressing issues this country is facing. As a nation at war, we need all able and willing volunteers to stand up and defend our country. Sexual orientation does not determine the fate of the mission. Asking service members to hide their sexuality degrades the integrity of the military. These patriots have stepped up to defend the rights and freedoms most Americans choose not to defend. Only 1 percent of the U.S. population serves in our military. With numerous deployments, growing rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and suicides, our military needs gay service members to help complete the missions in the Middle East.

She closes by urging residents in South Dakota to contact both their senators ahead of expected key votes on repeal next month in the Senate:

Senators Thune and Johnson have not yet pledged their support for repeal, and we must encourage them to do so.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Jay D.P. Foster also urges his senators to vote for repeal in his op-ed, “U.S. forces ready to have 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repealed.” Lt. Col. Foster points to the experiences of other countries in allowing for open service to show that the U.S. military can and will adapt successfully to change, as it has in the past:

Allowing open service will not disrupt unit cohesion because the military already knows how to do this right. From the Pentagon to the foxhole, commands will brief and enforce any personnel change - just like we did with the integration of racial minorities and women. With any new policy, some feelings will get hurt, but professional forces will faithfully execute, once the order is given. The military has a history of adapting to change and becoming stronger for it.

The successful experiences of more than 24 militaries - including Great Britain and Israel - that have given the green light to open service further undermine the arguments of repeal opponents. These allies, despite similar debates before implementing open service, were surprised at how uneventful integration proved to be. I am not surprised.

The Senate vote is just a few short weeks away. Whether you’re a veteran or civilian, you can add your voice to the repeal debate too and write to your local paper today. This is the time for supporters of open service to weigh in and urge both their senators to vote for repeal next month. Tell your friends, family members and neighbors who believe in the freedom to serve to speak out, spread the word for repeal and make history. Call, write and schedule an in-district meeting with both your senators today.

08-20-10 By Paul DeMiglio, Senior Communications Manager |