What are your thoughts on MAJ Jamie Lee Henry? Is this a first for transgenders?

PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 09:10:18 -0400

http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/the-first-out-transgender-active-duty-us-army-officer-my-sto#.jhEgeb5Y3

The First Out Transgender Active Duty U.S. Army Officer: "My Story Is Not Unique"

Last month, the Army granted the request of Jamie Lee Henry, a military doctor, to officially change her name and gender. "People say, 'Is this a choice?' The choice is being healthy or sick. ...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 9 at 2015 10:58 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 10:58:45 -0400

She's a soldier, power to her and all that serve! Glad her career is going well. She is correct, her story is not unique as there are millions of SMs currently on active duty.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 9 at 2015 2:45 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:45:24 -0400

It means the Army is grudgingly but all the same adapting to circumstances. If you have the pool of talent that you need and they are able to positively impact the mission. Their lifestyle as long is it is legal should not be a factor in whether or not they get to serve.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jun 9 at 2015 2:51 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:51:11 -0400

[~368840:PO1 Autumn Sandeen

First, contrary to what he says or thinks, he is a male, not a female. While he can call himself what ever he wants, he will always be a male. Referring to him as "she" throughout the article is simply perpetuating a fraud/fantasy.

Second, the commander who helped him conceal the truth about him should be investigated and administered the appropriate punishment for violation of regulations. Whether the regulations eventually change or not, he was duty bound to follow the regulations in place at the time, regardless whether he agreed with them or not.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 9 at 2015 6:51 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:51:53 -0400

Does everyone at RP care? I'm telling Veterans about RP. And should I also tell them all we talk about is Transgenders. Look you can change the Spicket but you can not change the plumbing. If being in the military is all about being Gay and who will be the next soldier to want to change his gender. And get a medal of courage from ESPN. I'm glad I retired.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 8:43 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 08:43:50 -0400

While I am sure that I will be judged for this, I for one, don't think that he deserves any extra attention than anyone else of his rank. It was his choice and that is fine. But that doesn't mean he should gain any extra attention for it.

Bravery? I don't believe so. I've seen heroes, and I just can't see how this would make him comparable in that regard. If anything, he should be respected only for the fact that he did what he felt what he needed to do, like what any decent human being should do, male or female.