BattlelandNational Security
Wow, this past month of blogging has gone fast! Plenty of words come to mind to describe the experience: humbling, exhilarating, rewarding… Yup, I’ll say that’s a good start. I’ve had a brilliant response which has far surpassed my expectations. I’ve heard from from other troops wanting to get involved, asking for advice, or giving me …
BattlelandNational Security
Within minutes of my blog going live yesterday, Secretary Gates made a public statement that he was not going to certify the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) before he leaves his post on June 30. To be honest, I was crushed. I don’t understand what benefit there is in delaying the process any further.
BattlelandNational Security
We are entering the final days of command under Sec Gates. The certification of DADT’s repeal is practically sitting at his desk, and I know more than a few of my brothers in arms who are anxiously waiting for him to sign it. If it doesn’t come before he leaves office on 30 June, I know all of us would appreciate the incoming …
BattlelandNavy
In buildings on military installations, it is common to see a rack of news papers and magazines as you walk in. On a few of those racks now lays a magazine put out by an independent network of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered servicemembers known as OutServe.
This is the organization’s second issue of the magazine and so …
BattlelandNational Security
Recently there has been a lot of buzz in BattleLand about Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), like this first-hand account by Ron Capps, or any of Mark Thompson’s posts. Currently a huge campaign is going on in the United States urging those affected to seek assistance, complete with billboards, TV ads, and self-help …
BattlelandTroops
I often get asked if gay jokes bother me in the work place. I can honestly say it’s rare for me to go more than a couple of days without hearing some sort of homophobic comment.
It’s no secret that you have to have thick skin to do this job. When it comes down to it, you can’t turn to your enemy and say “Stop shooting – …
BattlelandTroops
This Memorial Day weekend, I took time to reflect on my service. It’s an understatement to say times are difficult for America’s troops. Still, I can’t help but consider myself truly lucky to have the honor to serve in the United States military. I wouldn’t trade it for a thing.
I remember standing at the waters …
BattlelandNational Security
Yesterday I sat in on a promotion ceremony and something struck me. The officer being promoted restated the Oath of Office in which he swore to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States”. The United States military is unique in the way we swear to protect the document that, in a very real way, defines freedom as …
BattlelandNational Security
Wait, the chaplains are in the news… again? Military chaplains never make the headlines. Weird!
According to a letter written on Monday by retired chaplains and religious agencies to the services chiefs of chaplains, gays getting married in base chapels “creates an environment that is increasingly hostile to many chaplains – …
BattlelandVeterans
What a fascinating time to be a gay man in the U.S. military. This time last year, I was sure the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy was here to stay for the next 2 to 3 years. I never thought by now I’d be in a unit where almost everyone has received post-repeal training. While not entirely satisfied with the training …
