tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331361569911408612.post1314031725594974015..comments2023-12-21T08:14:53.947-05:00Comments on OUTTAKE BLOG™: Gay Man Faces Navy DischargeCharlotte Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13409719695261294226noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331361569911408612.post-80631768437259834782011-03-31T07:28:56.756-04:002011-03-31T07:28:56.756-04:00This lengthy matter has been tearing me up; it has...This lengthy matter has been tearing me up; it has destroyed relationships and displaced loved ones who were relying on me. But even after the U.S. Government has made it clear they don’t want this law in effect the Navy has said that, because the paperwork has been submitted and the policy is technically still active, they have no choice but to continue.<br /><br />I have been in the U.S. Navy since I graduated high school. It’s all I know and all I want to do. I have dreams of grandeur, hopes of retiring a young, highly-decorated, respected senior enlisted sailor. My resolve is weakened but not broken. I just have to place my fate in the hands of three strangers -- strangers who I hope have strong moral convictions and like-minded sentiments to my own.<br /><br />Derek Morado, Navy Petty Officer 2nd ClassDerek Moradonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331361569911408612.post-84785873591025003402011-03-31T07:27:55.958-04:002011-03-31T07:27:55.958-04:00A short time ago, we were contacted by an active-d...A short time ago, we were contacted by an active-duty servicemember, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek Morado who despite the repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is still going through the process of being discharged. The process started for him on November 8, 2009, when someone anonymously outed him after seeing his MySpace page. Within weeks, his discharge process began but it limped along while the government waffled about what to do about repeal. A year went by before he got any kind of update, each day believing it was his last day to serve his country. After the repeal bill was signed into law, he believed his case to be over. But Derek got bad news earlier this month. Despite DADT repeal, his case is still being pursued and his hearing is scheduled for today. With implementation still not in place, is this the Navy's attempt to slip in another discharge or bully him with a hearing...just because they still can?<br /><br />Robin McGehee, GetEQUAL DirectorRobin McGeheehttp://getequal.orgnoreply@blogger.com