30 Days of Pride!

June 24: Captain M. Matthew Phelps, USMC

Captain M. Matthew Phelps is a native of Illinois and is currently finishing his command at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego as the Commanding Officer of the Receiving Company. He enlisted in the Marines in 2002, and after attaining the rank of Sergeant in 2005, decided to commission as an officer.

Capt Phelps gained national attention when he attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball last November with a same-sex date – with positive feedback from his command and peers. Phelps, even before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), was an outspoken advocate for repeal, but with his identity unknown to the public. Since the repeal has become a visible role model for other Marines, straight and gay, who seek guidance on how to come out, how to deal with other openly gay service members, or who wish to get a better understanding on the experiences of LGBT service members. 
Later this summer, Capt Phelps will attend Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA. He was selected for this assignment by the 2012 Commandant of the Marine Corps Career-Level Education Board, a board that selects “the best and fully-qualified officers for career-level professional military education, graduate-level education, and select special duty assignments.”
After more than a decade of service in both enlisted and officer capacities, Capt Phelps may finally serve openly and honestly, fully upholding the “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful” motto of the U.S. Marine Corps. SLDN thanks Capt Phelps for his service and commitment to this country, to the Corps, and to future generations of LGBT service members.

Capt Phelps gained national attention when he attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball last November with a same-sex date – with positive feedback from his command and peers. Phelps, even before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), was an outspoken advocate for repeal, but with his identity unknown to the public. Since the repeal has become a visible role model for other Marines and service members, straight and gay, who seek guidance on how to come out, how to deal with other openly gay service members, or who wish to get a better understanding on the experiences of LGBT men and women in uniform. 

Later this summer, Capt Phelps will attend Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA. He was selected for this assignment by the 2012 Commandant of the Marine Corps Career-Level Education Board, a board that selects “the best and fully-qualified officers for career-level professional military education, graduate-level education, and select special duty assignments.”

After more than a decade of service in both enlisted and officer capacities, Capt Phelps may finally serve openly and honestly, fully upholding the “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful” motto of the U.S. Marine Corps. SLDN thanks Capt Phelps for his service and commitment to this country, to the Corps, and to future generations of LGBT service members.

 

 


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