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I joined the Army in 1999 and headed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for One-Station Unit Training (OSUT = Basic + AIT) in January 2000. I remained at Fort Sill following training where I was assigned to 2d Battalion, 2d Field Artillery.

In 2001 I was selected as the Soldier of the Year for the United States Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill. Later that year I was promoted to Sergeant (E-5) in Alpha Battery. I served as the driver for the battalion commander and command sergeant major, gunner, assistant chief of section, along with a variety of additional duties.

In 2002 I presented a statement to my battery commander acknowledging my sexual orientation. Following my declaration I received an honorable discharge and have dedicated myself to seeing Don’t ask, Don’t tell repealed.

Many people have asked my why I presented a statement to my commander with full knowledge it would lead to my discharge. It is a difficult question to answer simply so that others may understand. Perhaps the simplest, most direct answer revolves around the idea of Integrity. With that in mind, and the help of friends, I have started this website, IntegrityInService.org.

Time-Release Discrimination

Just the other day a friend and I were talking about the comparison between racial discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination. While we were talking an idea popped into my head: discrimination against a gay person doesn’t often happen right away, it occurs over time; whereas, black people and other racial minorities are often discriminated against […]

Help! I’m secretly attracted to women of the opposite sex!

After you read this piece from Cary Tenis, remember if you are truly comfortable with who you are, then you should be able to laugh at yourself. - Pepe
Now, a letter that would be tragic if it weren’t so funny.
Dear Cary,
 
I am a 28-year-old man who is attracted to women, especially to those in my […]

Sarah Palin Email Scandal

Let me start by saying I disagree with breaking into someone’s personal email account and sharing information what was intended for the recipient only. I’m not sure exactly how many laws, or even which laws it violates, but it’s just rude and crude.
Now some of you have heard about someone hacking into Sarah Palin’s email […]

The Psychology of Voting

I highly recommend this article from Salon.com about voter choice and the psychology behind it. To use an old adage, love is blind - even the voter’s love for his or her chosen candidate.
In the current presidential election, a major percentage of voters are already committed to “their candidate”; new arguments and evidence fall on […]

Log Cabin Logic

Catching up on my reading this morning, I found this interview on The Advocate with Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. It provides a little insight into why the Log Cabin Republicans endorsed John McCain. 
The Advocate: Where do gay rights fall in terms of priorities for Log Cabin Republicans as an organization?
Patrick Sammon: We’re a gay rights organization working […]