Bravery isn't just for the battlefield; homosexuals in the military have come a long way. How do you feel about it?

Maj Mike Sciales — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 22:58:13 -0400

This might be the bravest man who ever served. When he came out in 1975 I was one of this E-4s in the audience who said "Fuc**ng Faggot! Glad they threw him out." I was 21. I was dead wrong. I also didn't have the intelligence, courage or integrity to understand or appreciate how courageous he was. Well, I do now. He was a great Airman - most highly decorated enlisted guy from Vietnam and committed to getting others the opportunity to serve faithfully, without fear. I am very sorry for those words. I salute you.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 11:01 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:01:43 -0400

Thankfully times have changed

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jun 26 at 2015 11:05 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:05:05 -0400

Sir, I've always been of firm belief that a person's sexual orientation was a non-factor in battle. As long as they did their job and had my back (as well as his fellow Airmen), who he/she chose to be with was their God-given right. I knew quite a few people during my service who were gay, but because of the politics then could not openly express it. All of them were good people and I still talk to one whom I served with at my last duty station. I'm glad you had a change of heart and recognized this Airman for his accomplishments in service and not how he lived his personal life.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 27 at 2015 5:30 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 05:30:06 -0400

It takes a mature person to realize they've made a mistake and an even bigger person to admit it! Thumbs up Maj Mike Sciales!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 9:01 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 09:01:01 -0400

Better late then never sir! Unfortunately some people never change or recognize that their thought process was once on the wrong track (regardless of the issue).

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Jun 27 at 2015 9:21 AM

SSG Sean Garcia — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 09:21:24 -0400

When the Government allowed homosexuals to serve openly my first instance went like this. "Sergeant, I'm gay", my response was "cool, as long as you continue to give me the same effort in work, and congratulations". I know this was a tremendous step for gays and lesbians, and personally it never bothered me which side of the fence they are on. I am secure in my sexuality, and think that the people that are insecure are the ones getting offended. Just my 2 cents.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 27 at 2015 3:04 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:04:51 -0400

Bronze Star and MSM as a TSgt is almost unheard of.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Jun 29 at 2015 1:47 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 13:47:59 -0400

Me<--- I am a gay woman in the closet 24yrs AD/Res. Retired before repeal of DADT. Married to the greatest woman in the world!!!!! 2 beautiful kids.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 5 at 2022 2:09 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 14:09:15 -0400

I know and had seen people that got extremely upset with anyone the found was gay but I just can't be that concerned with it, I'm more interesting in people doing their job. I won't lie and say I never had any attitude about it Myself but not as bad as some people had and never persecuted or called anybody names based on that sort of thing. I did work with people that certainly were gay but it didn't affect Me in any way and I just didn't find it worth worrying about and had nothing to do with their character and dedication to the job We all had to accomplish and did. Unless be it Homosexual or even straight as long as there are no unwilling victims or children involved or public conduct display unacceptable for either group I can't find it actually worth worrying about.