News :: GLBT
First Service Member Wounded in Iraq Comes OutWednesday Feb 28, 2007 The first U.S. service member wounded in the Iraq war, retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, came out as a gay man Feb. 28. The Human Rights Campaign said Alva will serve as a national spokesperson in an effort to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the military.
On March 21, 2003, Alva was in charge of 11 Marines in a supply unit in Iraq when he stepped on a landmine, losing his right leg. Alva spent months of rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Hospital where he was visited by President George Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service and received a medical discharge from the military.
Alva publicly announced that he is gay during a Capitol Hill news conference to reintroduce the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, legislation to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
"When Eric Alva lost his leg in Iraq, it didn’t matter whether he was gay or straight, only that he was a courageous American serving his country," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Eric’s voice represents the sacrifice of thousands of gay and lesbian service members fighting for the safety and freedom of all Americans. We believe his story should help move this issue forward and educate Congress as to why it’s so important to lift the discriminatory ban that compromises our nation’s security."
"Any Americans willing to serve their country shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not the government will give them fair and equal treatment when they return home," said Alva. "My proudest moment in the military came when I would confide in one of my friends about my sexual orientation, and they still treated me with the same respect as before. And although I’m no longer wearing the uniform of the U.S. Marine Corps, my mission continues to be protecting the rights and freedoms of all Americans."
Alva has widely discussed his recovery and the war through appearances on numerous TV news programs and The Oprah Winfrey Show. He has also been profiled in several major newspapers and in People magazine.
"We salute Eric for his bravery on and off the battlefield," Solmonese also said. "The courage and sacrifice of gay and lesbian service members, like Eric Alva, should be heralded, not silenced."
As HRC spokesperson, Alva will raise awareness of the harmful effects of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy through public appearances, media interviews and blog postings. Alva also will meet with key congressional leaders during HRC’s lobby day March 1 to urge repeal.
|
|
|
Email
Print
Share