The following comes from HRC Field Organizer and military veteran Lee Reinhart:
Shortly after the 9/11 terror attacks I decided to rejoin our military. Ready to serve again, I decided to serve by joining the Coast Guard. This decision was cut short just three months into my enlistment. After a visit to a gay bar (with both gay and straight shipmates), I quickly found myself on the road to discharge.
During the investigation, Navy JAG lawyers told me the investigation was flawed, that my command had insufficient proof and that I could stay in if I denied I was gay. After years of being out to my family and having served openly in the Navy 1995-1999, I was not willing to lie.
Now, instead of serving my country in uniform, I’m proudly working to help America live up to her promise of liberty and justice for ALL. I’m working with the Human Rights Campaign in Illinois to help repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I love our country and hope to return to service one day soon.
I am calling on all Illinois voters to call Senator-elect Mark Kirk’s office and ask for his immediate support in repealing the ban. His office number is 202.225.4835. Call today!
Calling isn’t the only thing that we have planned for the coming weeks in Illinois; if you want to help out, we are always looking for volunteers. Contact me at 773.680.0620 to find out how.
