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SLDN Clients to Testify Before Congress on Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2010
Contact: Kevin Nix, knix@sldn.org
(202) 621-5402
SLDN Clients to Testify Before Congress on Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Major Mike Almy, Lt. Jenny Kopfstein Make Case for Open Service, 2010 Repeal of Law
WASHINGTON, DC — Servicemembers Legal Defense Network announced today that two Iraq/Afghanistan veterans discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” former Air Force Major Mike Almy and former Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Jenny Kopfstein, are scheduled to testify Thursday, March 18, 2010, before the Senate Armed Services Committee in favor of DADT repeal. Almy and Kopfstein are former SLDN clients.
“We are pleased the committee has decided to hear from Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who have been impacted by DADT,” said Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN executive director. “Both were dedicated and skilled members of their units, who should not have been kicked out. Men and women like them every day continue to be fired, which is why we urge DADT repeal to be included in the defense authorization bill in a matter of weeks. The law must be repealed this year while the Pentagon Working Group continues its work looking at how to implement open service.”
The witness in favor of keeping DADT is retired U.S. Marine Corps General John J. Sheehan. Born in 1940, General Sheehan has dedicated 35 years of service to his country, serving in Vietnam and Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He retired from the military 13 years ago. Bios of pro-repeal witnesses follow.
Former Air Force Major Mike Almy
Mike Almy joined the US Air Force in 1993 after graduating from Wright State University, where he earned his commission through Air Force ROTC. He served a total of thirteen years on active duty as a communications officer before he was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2006. During his career in the Air Force, Almy was stationed at Kelly AFB, Texas; Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Quantico Marine Corps Base, Virginia; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. He deployed to the Middle East four times during his career, supporting Operation Desert Fox, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Almy holds a master's degree from Webster University, and is also a graduate of Marine Corps University and Air University. His decorations include the Joint Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He was also named Officer of the Quarter and Officer of the Year several times throughout his career. In 2005 he was named the top communications officer for the Air Force in Europe, and in 2006 he was recommended for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Since leaving the military Almy has worked as an IT consultant in the Washington, DC area on projects for the Department of State and Department of Defense. Almy is a native of Dayton, Ohio.
Jenny Kopfstein, former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade
Jenny Kopfstein joined the United States Navy when she entered the United States Naval Academy in 1995. Kopfstein graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelors Degree in Physics and was selected as a Surface Warfare Officer. Kopfstein gave her Commanding Officer a letter saying that she was a lesbian, and also saying that she wished to continue service. The Navy did not immediately seek to discharge Kopfstein during her first deployment. Instead, Kopfstein went on a second, six-month deployment in the Western Pacific in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She completed that deployment, and still no discharge proceedings began. Admitting her sexual orientation to others did not harm Kopfstein's job performance. Nevertheless, she was discharged her in 2002 under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law, notwithstanding that her commanders testified at her board hearing that she should be retained in the Navy. At the time of her discharge, Kopfstein had served in the Navy for nearly three years, not counting her four years as a midshipman at the Academy. She received numerous awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), among others.
