Good news from Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) & the law firm of Morrison & Foerster today. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels, discharged in April 2005 & again in March 2007 under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) law has been reinstated in the U.S. Navy & will return to active duty as a linguist. He was sworn in on Monday, December 12, 2011. “Today, I took an oath, & affirmed to defend the Constitution of the United States of America. I am humbled as I am reinstated to the job I love & by the enormous support I have received on this momentous day. I look forward to returning to the Defense Language Institute & ultimately, my career in the military,” Daniels stated. Daniels, now 29, entered the military 5 months before the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center & the Pentagon & served his first tour of duty with the Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C., where he represented the U.S. at official White House ceremonies & during state & military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. From his post at Arlington, he watched the Pentagon burn that day, an experience he says reinforced his desire to serve. He completed Hebrew linguist training & was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he came to terms with his sexual orientation & outed himself to his commander. Updates to Come…:)
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The reinstatement of Petty Officer Daniels into the United States Navy underscores that all qualified and needed service members are now officially welcomed back into the ranks. The new policy and regulations in this post-repeal era make this historic occasion possible. We continue to work with our clients and the services to facilitate more reinstatements and help process applications for those discharged under DADT, who wish to serve their country again, whether it be on active duty, in the reserves, or in the guard.
ReplyDeleteAubrey Sarvis Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director
This is a great day for Petty Officer Daniels. This also is a great day for the United States military. All qualified American men and women who want serve their country in the armed forces are now welcome to do so without regard to their sexual orientation. When Jase decided to sue the Navy in 2010 seeking a court order reinstating him on active duty, repeal of ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell’ was uncertain. At the end of the day, a court order was not necessary in his case. I hope this is true for many others and that Jase is just one of many brave gay and lesbian former service members who will be quickly welcomed back into the services.
ReplyDeleteM. Andrew Woodmansee, Daniels’ Attorney at Morrison & Foerster.