Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Welcome New SLDN Staff

We are pleased to introduce you to our newest employees at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). They join us at a critical time as we work to lift the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on open service for members of the armed forces on the basis of sexual orientation.

SLDN has a passionate, talented and diverse team of individuals who are dedicated to ensuring that all members of the armed forces will one day be free to serve the country they love openly and honestly. In this time of new momentum and opportunity, we are excited to welcome these latest additions to our growing team. We encourage you to learn more about the most recent members of our staff by clicking here.

Paul DeMiglio, SLDN, Communications Manager. Prior to joining SLDN, Paul served as Deputy Communications Director for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus. In this role, Paul planned and executed press conferences, oversaw the tracking of daily news and editorial coverage, responded to media inquiries, developed talking points and speeches, as well as created and updated communications plans.

In addition to his public relations work, Paul also served as copy editor for The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and freelanced for several alternative weekly newspapers in Columbus, Ohio, including Outlook News.

In 2005, Paul graduated summa cum laude from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where he majored in public relations and communications. As an undergraduate, Paul volunteered on the Membership Committee of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Columbus, Ohio chapter. He also interned in the Communications Office at the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Business Week Foundation and in the Public/Media Relations Office at the Ohio State Bar Association.

Dave Stalling, SLDN, Grassroots Organizer and Policy Advocate. Dave recently moved to Washington DC from Missoula, Montana, where he worked as a grassroots organizer for the National Wildlife Federation.  A past President of the Montana Wildlife Federation, Dave has worked for various wildlife conservation organizations to protect fish, wildlife and wild places throughout the West. He completed training with former Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Training Project and recently testified before the U.S. Senate regarding the impacts of global warming on fish, wildlife and wild lands.  In 2006, Dave was recognized by the Montana Wildlife Federation as Montana’s Conservationist of the Year.  He is also an award-winning author, and has written for numerous national magazines, including the Advocate.

Prior to earning his degree in journalism from the University of Montana, Dave served on active duty in a Marine Corps Force Recon unit, where he attained the rank of Sergeant, and completed the Army Special Forces Qualification Course, Army Ranger School, Navy SCUBA course, Army Parachutist Course, Jumpmaster School and Military Freefall Parachutist (HALO) School. He was deployed to the Middle East in the mid-1980s and received numerous awards, citations and medals for his service, including the Navy Achievement Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Meal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon and several General’s Commendations. He also served in the Marine reserves and the Montana Army National Guard.

Jeremy Wilson-Simerman, SLDN, Policy Advocate. Prior to joining SLDN, Jeremy worked as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA). In this role, Jeremy advised the Congressman in areas related to budget, Social Security, taxes, welfare, housing and pension issues, while also establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant constituent parties and consultants.

In 2006, Jeremy graduated from George Washington University, where he majored in International Affairs with a concentration in International Politics.

09-18-08 By SLDN Staff |