Veterans - Near and Far - Mobilize for Repeal
The Sunshine State. True to its word, I spent five magnificent days in sunny Miami and Fort Lauderdale as part of SLDN's effort to build local support for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
On March 31 I spoke at the Miami branch of the Holland & Knight law firm, recounting how I was personally impacted by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." My military career ended under this law - a law that at least 65,000 gays and lesbians in uniform have to serve under every day in silence and secrecy, as second-class citizens.
During the next two days, I worked with SLDN board member and former Marine Brian Fricke as well as co-hosts Matt Sampson and Chip Arndt to organize receptions in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Veterans from all over the state came to voice their support for repeal and stand with SLDN to ensure the freedom to serve for all patriots.
Unfortunately, one person who was not present at either event was a high-ranking, active-duty military officer. This individual sent a check to the event but preferred to remain anonymous. A seasoned veteran, this American hero chose not to attend due to the fears that stem from "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It is for men and women like this that we continue our vigilant fight to erase DADT and replace it with a policy of nondiscrimination allowing the best and the brightest to serve and defend our nation, regardless of their sexual orientation.
04-03-09 By Darren Manzella, former U.S. Army Sergeant |
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