I just want to tell you how proud I am of your service to our nation and the manner in which you have conducted your life after that horrible incident. I hope you will always remember that there are hundreds of thousands of young men and women who admire the integrity with which you have shard your life story. You served your nation with honor and distinction. For that, we are grateful. Continue to share your story. Continue to life your life as God meant you to live it. Continue to encourage others who feel that they must be ashamed of who they are. Most importantly, continue to use your intellect, your heart and your articulate manner to remind those who make our laws that every man and woman deserves the right to serve this great nation in our armed forces.
— G.
You have my support as someone who served with you, and remembers you as an excellent Marine and SNCO. I am sure this has been a very difficult thing for you to do, and I admire your courage.
— Dan
I just wanted to extend my support to you for taking a stand against the current military “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. For the past four years I have been with my partner as she served as a Navy pilot. We had to keep separate bank accounts, separate everything so there would be no trail or evidence against her should someone accuse her of being a lesbian. Each time she went out to fly (she was a search and rescue helicopter pilot) I worried I would not be notified if something happened to her. She attended all military events without me so as not to raise any suspicion. She retired last year with 20 years’ service to her country. I want to thank you for having the courage to stand up and speak on behalf of all of us — those serving in the military and those who support them as their life partners. It takes a special person and I want to let you know how grateful I am to you. Thank you!
— Sue
I am very proud of hearing your message having watched intensely last night on television. I am now retired but lived in constant fear and exclusion while serving over 28 years. I wanted so much to include my partner (of 20 years) during all those years I served and deployed but couldn’t. Other enlisted and officers’ wives were always recognized. I couldn’t ask for the recognition my partner Ray deserved all of those years in making it possible for me to deploy. Not only did my partner support me emotionally but shared in the parenting of our five children, and was always present when I couldn’t and taking on the responsibility during my absence while serving outside the U.S. on deployments. I am now retired and feel a void without any recognition of my service and only wanted to my partner to share in something he gave so freely in supporting on my departure from the U.S. Army. Again, thank you, and hope that I can extend my story in becoming a member of HRC.
— Giles
My hat’s off to you! Thank you for coming forward and speaking out against this clearly flawed policy. I am a retired Air Force Officer who is also gay. I have a son who is currently serving in the USMC, and I am a strong supporter of all our service members. I find “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ridiculous, and insulting. You stand as a supreme example of how one’s sexual orientation has no bearing on one’s ability to serve. Your courage to come forward is inspiring. If there is anything I can do to help in this battle, please let me know. Again, thanks, you are an inspiration.
— Dan