Sunday, January 2, 2011

Don't Ask, Don't Tell


I have read with interest the letters to the editor of my local newspaper that have been sent concerning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  SGM M's letter finally prompted me to write of my experiences.  The SGM opines that "soldiers who serve alongside the homosexuals do not all [emphasis mine] agree that this was a good idea." SGM, that's probably true.  ALL soldiers may not agree. But many soldiers/sailors/marines and air force personnel do agree!  I served in leadership positions in both the Navy and Army during the period long before "DADT" was even a glimmer of an idea.  I served with gays and lesbians in both branches and would gladly do so again today.  My biggest disciplinary issues in both services was the conduct of heterosexual military personnel and not gays and lesbians!  I would gladly exchange my heterosexual troops/sailors and all their sexual issues for gay and lesbian troops/sailors any day.  Those with whom I served with were "mission oriented" first and foremost.  They were not concerned about who to have a sexual relationship or who to flirt with while on duty! Furthermore, SGM, the last time I checked, gays and lesbians' blood bleed red just like yours and mine.

2 comments:

  1. Joan, thank you for your unwavering support for the full rights of gays and lesbians, especially for their full inclusion in the military. As the mother of a wonderful man whose life was drastically affected after being outed by a disgruntled shipmate, I appreciate when current and retired military stand up to be heard on this serious issue!

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  2. Cheryle: "Educating" the masses is never easy! HOPEFULLY, we have turned the corner. The "excuses" used against gays were the same excuses used against blacks in the military.

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