Your Stories
Joe Barrows
I served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. The last year I spent in Vietnam, south of Da Nang. While there, I served in electronic warfare as an unattended ground sensor operator. My job involved placing electronic sensors along jungle trails, then monitoring the sensors to detect movement.
John Frybarger
I am a 57-year-old veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and I served from 1965 until 1969. During my training, I was constantly aware of the importance of staying in the closet, especially after repeated attempts by fellow servicemen to get me to admit to being gay.
Kevin Cullens
In my more than nine years active duty in the U.S. Navy, I served approximately five years on sea duty, 1.5 years on land-based training commands and nearly three years on instructor duty at a shore command.
Lara Ballard
My name is Lara Ballard, and I am a lesbian former Army officer. I used to find it hard to introduce myself to people that way, marrying these two very central aspects of my identity. These days I do it frequently, and it makes me feel better every time I say it.
Leonard W. Peacock
My name is Leonard W. Peacock. In 1995, I decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. Going through the reception station, I was asked if I was a homosexual. I never really thought anything of it, and I said no. I wanted to serve my country, just like my father had.
Nick Marulli
I enlisted in the Navy right out of high school. As a son in a military family, it was the natural thing to do. I loved my country, and my parents taught me that freedom is something we do not take for granted.