I have just read on the internet about a hero veteran retired Lieutenant Colonel, John O’Brien, who has served 28 years in the Army which included four tours of duty in Iraq and the Persian Gulf. He is also the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
He had said in the article that, “Being gay can be difficult. Being gay and in the military was frightening and painful. I was never allowed to be all I could be.”
I truely applaud O’Brien who has come out of the closet for his story about gays in the military and for the end of the policy of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. I think gays ought to be allowed to serve in the military for the country they so love like most of us do.
I myself have served in the U.S. Navy and had known a few gay men who confided in me because they knew I respected them and their desire to serve our nation. These brave men and women are all too willing to sacrifice their lives for the common good of us all.
Kudos to Congress and President Obama for finally doing the right thing for all Americans who wish to serve without being judged unfairly.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
