Mr. Nick Jackman - Washington - Gay
USCG - Jun 1974-Nov 1993 - E7
self-identified in service: Yes
Out since: Nov 1993 - Coming Out: 8
honors & citations: Nat.Def Medal w/bronze star,CG Good Conduct Medal x5, Arctic Serice Medal w/bronze star,Antarctic Service Medal, Humane Service Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Expert Rifle Shot Medal, Permanant Cutterman's Pin, Ribbons include Sea Service, Overseas Service, Commandant's Letter of Commendation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Other Citations:U.S.Navy Leaque, Sailor of the Year, Greater Antilles Section 1981. Commanding Officer's Letter of Appreciation (Boiler Fire USCGC Hamiliton (WHEC -715)

Bio: During my tour of duty which included 3 ships 2 of which were Icebreakers
on extended deployment I was was of those to choose to ''Suffer in Silence''. I never came out and just kept quiet and did my job. I also used my religion to cover for the reasons I did not noramlly partcipate in the Shore leave frolics choosing instead to go on tours, sightseeing etc. In these I always sought out ''family'' freindly venues etc. I was able to enjoy my career and meet great people. I was never questioned and as a NCO I never questioned those whom I might have suspected to be in the same situation. It was my belief that I was there to serve my country, do my job and keep my personal life, personal. Ask me if I had to do it all over again and I would say yes! This time it would be great to serve as an openly gay sailor! Semper Partus!

Mr. Anthony Johnson - Kentucky - Gay
USAF - Jan 27 1971-Jun 30 1994 - E6
Military nick: Tony
self-identified in service: Yes
Coming Out: 10
honors & citations: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal,Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/Bronze oak leaf, Air Force Organizational Award w/bronze V, Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/silver oak leaf, Berlin Army of Occupation Medal, National Defence Service Medal w/bronze oak leaf, Viet Nam Service Medal w/bronze star, Air Force Overseas Short Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Ribbon w/bronze oak leaf, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon w/4 bronze oak leaf's, Air Force Training Ribbon

Mr. Pepe N. Johnson - Texas - Gay
USN - Jan 12 2000-Feb 13 2003 - E5
Military nick: Pepe
self-identified in service: Yes
Out since: Apr 2001 - Coming Out: 6
honors & citations: Fort Sill Soldier of the Year (2001), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (5OLC)

Bio: I came out in response to the harassment I faced on a daily basis. While my first chain-of-command did their best to "follow the rules" and I did not face harassment from them, their replacements failed miserably. There was a sea change between the attitude and professionalism of my first command team and the second. I was willing to tolerate Don't Ask, Don't Tell until it trapped me with nowhere to turn. I could not find a practical way to deal with the harassment other than coming out. After coming out, my commander and other leaders had to deal with their behavior and lack of leadership. Unfortunately, instead of trying to learn and change the organization for the better, I was made out to be the problem. I was discharged honorably without a blemish on my record, other than my commitment to the truth and my integrity.

Today with AVER, I still apply the principles of integrity and leadership that served me well in the Army. I am still working to make the military a better fighting force by ending discrimination against GLBT people serving in uniform. After DADT is gone, I will still expect the highest standards of performance and behavior from all soldiers, but the sexuality will no longer be a factor.