A Gay Veteran Reflects on Post DADT
BY: JOE THOMPSON
Being a gay Army/Desert Storm Veteran, people often ask my opinion about the "don't ask,
don't tell" policy. When it was first enacted, I thought it was a step in the right direction.
As the years went by, it became an outdated tool used for witch hunts and discrimination.
Some of the top soldiers in the United States Military were being fired for the sole fact that
they were gay.
don't tell" policy. When it was first enacted, I thought it was a step in the right direction.
As the years went by, it became an outdated tool used for witch hunts and discrimination.
Some of the top soldiers in the United States Military were being fired for the sole fact that
they were gay.
Then DADT was finally repealed. We’ve been granted the civil right to serve in our military.
I am thankful that our country seems to be taking a step in the right direction. Let’s hope we
continue on this path to equality.
I am thankful that our country seems to be taking a step in the right direction. Let’s hope we
continue on this path to equality.
In the past few years, I have become reacquainted with many of my comrades from the 440th
Signal Battalion. We served together from 1988-1990 in Darmstadt, Germany. Upon becoming
reacquainted, I came out to them. Each veteran assured me that my sexual orientation was not
an issue and they supported me in my fight for equal rights; every one of them was in favor of
the DADT repeal. My comrades also let me know that my sexual orientation would not have been
an issue back when we served together. Some may have suspected I was gay, some may not,
but they saw me as a soldier, a friend and comrade, and that was what mattered to them. To my
comrades of the 440th Signal Battalion, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The time I served
with you helped shape me into the man I am today. It's men and women like you who made, and
continue to make, our military great.
Signal Battalion. We served together from 1988-1990 in Darmstadt, Germany. Upon becoming
reacquainted, I came out to them. Each veteran assured me that my sexual orientation was not
an issue and they supported me in my fight for equal rights; every one of them was in favor of
the DADT repeal. My comrades also let me know that my sexual orientation would not have been
an issue back when we served together. Some may have suspected I was gay, some may not,
but they saw me as a soldier, a friend and comrade, and that was what mattered to them. To my
comrades of the 440th Signal Battalion, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The time I served
with you helped shape me into the man I am today. It's men and women like you who made, and
continue to make, our military great.
As soldiers, our duty is to defend America and our country's way of life. And now, as it should be,
ALL qualified men and women, regardless of race, religious affiliation or sexual orientation,
can serve in any of our Armed Forces.
ALL qualified men and women, regardless of race, religious affiliation or sexual orientation,
can serve in any of our Armed Forces.
It’s a big step in the right direction on our journey to equality. Let’s continue to march together.
God bless America.
-Wil Whalen
-Wil Whalen
gay.net
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