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Chicago Reception to Benefit Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

WHAT: A Chicago reception to benefit Servicemembers Legal Defense Network's (SLDN) legal aid and advocacy work in support of personnel impacted by the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel.

WHO: SLDN Chicago board member, MSgt. Jean Albright, USAF (Ret.), will be joined by Brigadier General Keith H. Kerr, USA (Ret.); Colonel Stewart Bornhoft, USA (Ret.); Capt. Joan E. Darrah, USN (Ret.).

In March, Col. Bornhoft and Capt. Darrah were part of a group of seven retired officers who �came out� in response to remarks by General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, referring to lesbians and gays as �immoral.� They were later featured in the national LGBT newsmagazine The Advocate and have spoken widely about the need to repeal the military�s ban on open service.

WHY: Since 1993, more than 11,000 men and women have been dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." According to statistician Gary Gates, at least 18,000 lesbian and gay veterans now live in the Chicago metropolitan area. More than 65,000 lesbian and gay service members are estimated to be on active duty and in the reserves of the United States armed forces. SLDN is the only national organization providing direct legal assistance to service personnel harmed by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The organization has answered more than 8,000 calls for help since its founding in 1993.

WHEN: Friday, August 3, 2007 from 7pm -- 9:00pm

WHERE: Center on Halsted -- Roof Garden, at 3656 North Halstead Street

TICKETS: $40. Tickets are available online at www.sldn.org/events.

Media interested in attending should contact Victor Maldonado at (202) 328-3244, ext. 123 or via email at vmaldonado@sldn.org.

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