Jason Grodensky
Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps (2000-2002)
I joined the military shortly after I dropped out of college to obtain some direction in my life. I enjoyed the military and was very content with my job. Unfortunately, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would change that.
Before my three year mark in the Marine Corps, another Marine saw me with my boyfriend one weekend, away from base. That Marine took it upon himself to take pictures and submitted the photos to my company gunnery sergeant. I was later called into my gunnery sergeant’s office and explained the ban on gays from serving in the military. He told me that because others knew, they would have to discharge me.
My entire company was notified, but to my surprise, I did not have any problems with any one. Of course there are the few who throw slurs here and there, but I had established myself to be a loyal person a hard worker, and good friend, and most people respected that. It seems that everyone but the Marine Corps understood that, despite my sexual orientation, I was a good, hard-working individual.
I was discharged against my will in 2002. My DD-214 shows that I was discharged for homosexual conduct, something that will follow me with every job application.
The policy is absurd and demeaning and should be removed. No one should have to experience what I experienced.