Latest News
02-22-09
Letter to the Editor
New York Times
Published February 21, 2009
Re "U.S. Military Will Offer Path to Citizenship" (front page, Feb. 15):
We were heartened to read your article about the Pentagon's new program to recruit 1,000 skilled temporary immigrants over the next year. But here's even better news: we could go out and find the Pentagon the same number of qualified service members tomorrow.
A little math: Take the 600 gay and lesbian service members who were discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" in 2007. Add to that the hundreds who choose not to enlist or re-enlist because of the law. You end up with well over 1,000 highly qualified, tough, committed folks each year who are waiting in the wings, waiting to serve our country.
It's time that the president, the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs huddle to discuss "don't ask, don't tell," so Congress can repeal this odious law once and for all. Our military would be stronger for it.
Aubrey Sarvis
Executive Director
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Washington, Feb. 17, 2009
New York Times: Military Recruiting
Letter to the Editor
New York Times
Published February 21, 2009
Re "U.S. Military Will Offer Path to Citizenship" (front page, Feb. 15):
We were heartened to read your article about the Pentagon's new program to recruit 1,000 skilled temporary immigrants over the next year. But here's even better news: we could go out and find the Pentagon the same number of qualified service members tomorrow.
A little math: Take the 600 gay and lesbian service members who were discharged under "don't ask, don't tell" in 2007. Add to that the hundreds who choose not to enlist or re-enlist because of the law. You end up with well over 1,000 highly qualified, tough, committed folks each year who are waiting in the wings, waiting to serve our country.
It's time that the president, the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs huddle to discuss "don't ask, don't tell," so Congress can repeal this odious law once and for all. Our military would be stronger for it.
Aubrey Sarvis
Executive Director
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Washington, Feb. 17, 2009
