Well...once I received my Discharge paperwork, I had then to wait to receive my Separation orders and my Permament Change of Station (PCS) orders. That was a few weeks to process on top of everything else. But, I got my orders last week! I have been spending the last week and this week turning in all my gear, clearing all my military accounts, and shipping all my household goods back to the United States. Lots of work.
I will be officially out of the Air Force July 13, 2008.
I still go... (continue reading)
I was notified my discharge paperwork is complete. However, I will not receive them until Monday, June 9th because my commander has been out of town this last week.
Once I get my papers, then I will be out-processing the military and soon separate the Air Force within the next couple of weeks. I could fight it...but even if I win, I would be faced with fighting it again once I get a new commander in a couple of months...the don't ask, don't tell policy will not ensure my continued service... (continue reading)
It has been a couple of weeks now since my commander informed me I will be getting discharged for coming out as a gay man under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. My commander has been working with the legal office to write and complete my discharge paperwork. I am being told that it is going to be HONORABLE discharge, but until I see the paperwork, I don't know what to think. I am not being allowed to fly any missions, and therefore, I have no job while I get processed for discharge. I have... (continue reading)
personal message
I subscribed to this site in support of Service Legal Defense Network (SLDN) to help raise money for their cause. I am now at a point of exhaustion with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy...after 7 1/2 years of service in the US Air Force; I am ready to move on with my life openly, and it just kills me that I can not do so freely while serving my country. The military life has been challenging, interesting and filled with wonderful experiences. I have met all kinds of people from all walks of life. I have lived in Germany for 3 years, traveled over 15 countries and spent numerous weeks and months in 1/2 dozen states. I love the travel aspect of military operations...and don't get me wrong, I am not "war hungry," some people seem to suggest that military members "want" wars...I find that absurd. I have been involved in humanitarian aid missions, along with international diplomatic missions. The military is very diverse in its position to international affairs...this is what I enjoy. However, I have spent 7 years making connections to my co-workers along with our coalition partners...some I hold dear to my heart, as part of my family. But it breaks my heart that I have to always be careful not to confess my homosexuality in fear of loosing my job. This creates relationships based on half-truths, and I just can not accept this standard of living any longer. UPDATE: I am now a contractor at Bagram Air Field.
I was recently (July 13, 2008) discharged from the United States Air Force under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. I now serve in the military as a Defense Contractor, but hope to rejoin the military once the discriminating policy is repealed. For more information on repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell...please visit SLDN website; just google SLDN (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network).
I also have a goal to join the Royal Australian Air Force under an international agreement program offered to United States prior service military members. The RAAF offers same sex benefits, and of course does not have a Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.
I only stay in place from one to two years; I move around often. The chance I will be in your area is possible.
Sorry if I can not reply back to every message. My internet connection in Afghanistan is not the best.
Take care.
