News Reel

7/21/2009 5:48:09 PM

Navy Airman H.K.

My name is H.K., and I am a veteran of the United States Navy. For as long as I could remember, it was always my dream to be a part of the elite Navy. After all, it was a strong family tradition.

My name is H.K., and I am a veteran of the United States Navy. For as long as I could remember, it was always my dream to be a part of the elite Navy. After all, it was a strong family tradition. I enlisted as early as I could-- at 17 years old. I was an honorable and loyal sailor, and rose to every challenge I encountered. I received 2 advanced promotions within the first 3 months of my enlistment and was promoted to Training Petty Officer almost immediately when I arrived to my first command, the U.S.S. John C. Stennis.

I loved everything about the Navy. I instantly aspired to become an officer and to turn my enlistment into a career. Unfortunately, my dreams were shattered when I realized that there was something about me that set me apart from most of my other shipmates- I was gay.

I didn't actually realize I was gay until I was 19. At the time I was still enlisted. I was scared, confused and lonely. I knew the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law would force me to lie to my shipmates and superiors when I was asked what I was doing this weekend or who I was seeing at the time. I felt trapped. I felt disloyal. Worst of all, I felt that I was letting the Navy down.

Soon after I came to terms with my sexual orientation, I decided to leave the service because of the constant questioning and suspicion I felt I was acquiring from my division. I was worried about the fact that someone could retaliate against me if they found out this part of me. I was confused at the lies that the DADT policy forced me to tell and the hypocrisy of the code of honor, courage, commitment. If the Navy found out I was gay, I would have to leave the Navy and tell my family. If I told my family, I would risk not being able to come back home. I was stuck, so I left the Navy with an administrative discharge for sleepwalking, even though the officer discharging me told me that I wouldn't have to leave, and encouraged me as best as he could to get me to stay. As much as I wanted to stay, I knew I the DADT policy's implications were nearly impossible to serve under.

Since my discharge, I have been an advocate for the repeal of DADT. Last summer, I served as the Legislative Affairs Intern at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network in Washington, D.C. where I was able to draft and submit Congressional testimony before the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. Currently, I am attending Northern Illinois University and anticipate receiving my bachelors in Political Science in December. My dream is to continue my goal of becoming an officer by attending Navy OCS. If this Congress takes action and this law is repealed, I have promised President Obama that I will devote 20 years to a career to the Navy. I fully intend to keep this promise.

H.K.