Gina Foringer
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army (1990-1994)
My driver and I were on a mail run in Somalia in 1993, between the seaport of Mogadishu and the U.N. compound. I was a convoy commander and my vehicle was second in the convoy. We ran over a command-detonated landmine that caused our truck to fly into the air. While escaping the vehicle, we were subjected to sniper fire. I sent the M-60 team to apprehend the sniper and gathered the rest of the convoy members to a safe spot. We reconvened and traveled on to the U.N. compound where we were treated.
My driver, who is also a lesbian, and I were awarded the Purple Heart. I am proud of our military, and I would hope that the military is proud of my service.