Mr. Roger Lane - Illinois - Gay
USRA - Feb 01 1990-Jan 31 1994 - E4
self-identified in service: Yes
Out since: Nov 1990- Coming Out: 10
honors & citations: (not listed)

Bio: I grew up in a very small town with no interaction with gays and lesbians. Once I joined the military, it was there that I met my first gay man and I finally realized who I was. If not for the military, I might never have come out in the first place! I had nothing but positive experiences while serving in the military. Everyone I told was extremely supportive and really made me feel like it was okay. It was an open secret within both of my units that I was gay and I never had a problem at all. There is no reason that gays and lesbians shouldn't be able to serve openly. It will only serve to strengthen the bonds already created between soldiers.

anonymous - Nebraska - Lesbian
USRA - May 5 1983-Apr 9 1993 - E5
self-identified in service: Questioning
Out since: Oct 2001 - Coming Out: 7
honors & citations: (not listed)

Bio: I finally came to the realization that I needed be happy with who I was and to be true to myself. I came out in AA to a small group of women who have helped me through the difficult process. I am very spiritual and have a love for God and country. I didn't want to end up on the wrong side of God. I found that God created me just the way I am, and to be able to do his will I must first except myself as he designed me.

I am happy with my choice I am free. But in our country I am not free to be me. Even though I swore an oath to protect the Constitution, in which I am still bound to that oath even if I am not in military service any longer, I find that our representation in Washington and in our States have fail miserably in protecting equality under the law.

anonymous - Hawai'i - Gay
USMC - Nov 29 1971-Nov 11 1982 - E6
self-identified in service: Yes
Out since: Feb 1976 - Coming Out: 9
honors & citations: Many letters of commendation; Viet Nam Campagne Medal; National Defense Medal; Expert Rifle; Sharpshooter Side Arm

Bio: I got married in 1971 just after joining the Marines, and divorced in 1975. I had been refusing to admit that I was gay for years. Came out to myself in 1976 and started actively (but quietly) dating men - mostly other Marines. Met someone special and settled down for 12 years. He died and I immediately met another man and settled down for 12 years again. He decided to move on and I am now single for the first time in 24 years. I am currently a successful executive with a good company.

Mr. Steve Loomis - New Mexico - Gay
USRA - Oct 18 1967-Jul 14 1997 - O5
self-identified in service: Yes
Out since: 1980 - Coming Out: 9
honors & citations: 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, Air Medal, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Army Achievement Medals, Combat Infantry Badge, and others

Bio: I joined the Army as enlisted and obtained my commission from Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA. Within six months I was serving as an infantry platoon leader in the Central Highlands of Vietnam in 1969. I began to realize I might be gay and began to come out selectively and privately to freinds and family. Even though it was a turbulent time to be in the military I experienced no problems in my units. I joined the Army Reserve where some knew I was gay including a commander at one point. I served as commander, operations and personnel staff in several units and in an Army field agency. I became more active in the gay community pride activities and faith communities. My final assignment was as Chief of Engineer War Plans for III Corps, developing plans for the Mideast and the defense of Korea. In 1997 I was discharged for being gay following the arson of my off base home. This was just five days before I was eligible for retirement. We have pursued the reinstatement of my retirement and were the first to file in Federal Court following Lawrence v. Texas where we are pending results. I remain proud of my service to my country and all those service men and women, both gay and straight, I was privileged to serve with. I will always be a soldier and will work to ensure the end to any ban on our service to our country.