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New Calendar Showcases Veterans, Supports SLDN

WASHINGTON, DC – A 2007 calendar released today by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) showcases twelve veterans from various branches of the U.S armed forces. The “Lift the Ban” calendar includes images from the organization’s national ad campaign, captured on film by photographer Judy G. Rolfe.

“Every day, the Pentagon fires at least two people for being lesbian, gay or bisexual,” said SLDN executive director C. Dixon Osburn. “Our national ad campaign puts a face to the statistics we hear so much about, and tells an important story about the talent our military loses out on because of the gay ban. SLDN’s 2007 calendar features just twelve of the more than one million gay Americans who have served in our armed forces, but stands as a testament to the contributions our community makes to our national defense.”

Among the veterans featured on the calendar are:

Former Marine Sergeant Brian Fricke. Fricke served openly during his tour of duty in Iraq, where his fellow service members declared it was “no big deal” that Fricke is gay.

Former Air Force Sergeant David Hall. Hall, who served for five years as an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force before joining the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Alaska, was ranked first in his ROTC class. After serving in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Hall was fired when a fellow cadet and friend outed him to his command.

Former Navy Lieutenant Paula Neira. Neira, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served at sea and ashore on active duty and as a reservist, including serving in mine warfare combat during Operation Desert Storm.

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