Since 1994, more than 13,000 servicemen and women have been discharged from the military based not on their performance but on their sexual orientation. In 2009 alone, hundreds more of our brave men and women left the military under Don't Ask Don't Tell. This is unacceptable. We need to let my colleagues in Congress know that Don't Ask Don't Tell is not some nameless faceless policy, it has harmed the lives of thousands of our bravest fellow Americans. You can read the stories of just a few of those whose lives have been impacted by Don't Ask Don't Tell here. And if you have a story of your own, please share it with us below. We must repeal this destructive policy and make sure that gays and lesbians are allowed to serve openly and honestly in the military.
Tell Us Your Story
-
Jen Hogg, former Sergeant, NY Army National Guard
"When I was called up on September 11th, I did not know what we were headed for or when I would be back. This is when the policy hit me hard the first time: everybody in the Buffalo Armory had family, husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, wishing them luck, expressing emotion and love. I couldn't. I could only sneak a quick hug with my partner. It was not allowed by policy, even though I was heading into active service and could and would make significant sacrifices...There is a sign in every armory and recruiting station and barrack, it says, ‘Remember why you serve: to defend freedom,' but I can't kiss my loved one goodbye, even though it is not inconceivable I might not come back. How can I defend freedom if I can't have my own?"
