Galaburda, Laura

Former 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force Reserves (1998-2002)

Laura Galaburda joined the United States Air Force on December 10, 1998.

Dr. Galaburda participated in the Air Force's Health Profession Scholarship Program as an Air Force Reserve officer, which provided her a scholarship to attend medical school at Boston University.

During her active duty rotations at Andrews Air Force Base, Dr. Galaburda realized that she was continually forced to lie or only partially answer questions from her colleagues and patients because of her sexual orientation. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" made it impossible for Galaburda to conceal her sexual orientation and also remain true to her personal sense of honesty and her obligations to her patients. Consequently, Dr. Galaburda decided to tell commander that she was a lesbian. She submitted a letter to her commander on February 14, 2002.

Dr. Galaburda was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" because of that statement. She was discharged from both the Air Force and the Health Professional Scholarship Program.

Following her discharge, the Air Force began recoupment proceedings against Dr. Galaburda, purportedly seeking to recover the cost of her medical education. That recoupment proceeding is ongoing.

At the time of her honorable discharge, Dr. Galaburda had served in the Air Force Reserves for almost four years. She had attained the rank of Second Lieutenant (O-1) and was a resident physician with training specializing in family medicine.