Ms. Amanda Farrell - New Jersey - Lesbian
USRA - Jul 29 1997-Apr 30 1999 - E4
self-identified in service: Yes
Out since: Apr 1994 - Coming Out: 10
honors & citations: Combat lifesaver, Air Assault

Bio: I was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. I loved being a solider there was nothing I couldn't do, I wanted to be involved in everything, Until I started being harassed, called Dyke, lesbo you name it. I was an 88 M ( transportation) I was with the 494th transportation Corps, one of the top trans units in the 101st Airborne division. I was one of few female soldiers who got through Air Assault school, also got the president's award for physical fitness during boot camp. So what does my sexual orientation have to do with my work performance. There was no way to tell one of your platoon SGT that you where being harassed based on your sexual orientation, there was nothing they could do to help you. Basically you either sit quiet and take it or you get discharged. I needed to get far away from the discrimination that was occurring. Ft. Campbell was an ugly place to be. There was so much discrimination everywhere and not just against Gays in general. I finally got out in 1999, two months after I was discharged is when Barry Winchell was murdered, it turns out where I was living when on base was just across the field from Barry's Barracks. I was fortunate enough to get out of Ft Campbell when I did, and from then on, was able to live my life without having to be silent or in fear.