Your Stories
William Smith
I have been and will always be an American soldier. Despite the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, I have served my country well, with honor, pride, and integrity. When I enlisted for military service near the end of my junior year of high school, I did so because of my sense of pride and duty to my country. Back then I was not concerned about whether I was gay or straight, I just knew I wanted to be a part of the military.
Rebecca A. Kanis
West Point is well-known for its honor code: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.” When I was a cadet, I lied about my sexual orientation to avoid expulsion from the Military Academy. I was under investigation for being a lesbian in 1989, before implementation of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. At the time, lying felt like the only option.
Paul F. Tschudi
I was drafted in 1967. Since I was raised in Ohio in a family environment which taught me not to question authority, I cooperated and went to fulfill my duty to my country even though I had doubts about the validity of that war.
Vicki J. Hall
In 1983, I joined the Air Force to serve my country – knowing I was homosexual and the associated risk. I knew I would have to hide my sexuality, but at the time I was willing to sacrifice my personal freedom. It wasn’t long after I enlisted that I realized not joining would have been a greater risk, as I had begun a journey toward self-respect and pride.
Dan Altimus
I served in the U.S. Navy from Oct. 10, 1950, until my honorable discharge Sept. 9, 1955. Originally, my enlistment was for four years, but I extended it so that I could be transferred from the United States to Guam.
Hillary O’Connor
I knew that I was gay when I joined the Coast Guard in 1983. I had no interest in attending college, and I knew that in the service I would be able to meet other lesbians (and did I ever).