The Jewish Community Centers (JCC) Association has decided to present its Jewish Military Leadership Award to Rear Admiral Herman Shelanski, commander of USS Harry S Truman strike group. The group said the reasons include RAdm Shelanski’s
consistent concern for the ability of Jews in the Navy to fully express their Jewish identity while they serve their country.
As commander of the carrier USS Harry S Truman, RAdm Shelanski Read more
Attorney General Eric Holder has informed Congress that the Obama administration will not defend lawsuits against the US military that seek the benefits of marriage for same-sex couples.
Attorney General Eric Holder [wrote that] the 1996 federal law that defines “spouse” as “person of the opposite sex” is a violation of the Fifth Amendment right to equal protection under the law.
This is consistent with the administration’s previous decision not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act, which is now being defended by lawyers from Congress.
The Stars and Stripes notes some deployed American troops filmed a short video under the auspices of OutServe, a homosexual advocacy group, for the “It Gets Better” project,
an initiative created to show young gay and transgender individuals the happiness and potential that awaits them if they can make it through their tumultuous teen years.
The Stripes article was written at the end of January, shortly after the video was posted to YouTube. There has been little public reaction to the publication. (As a point of clarification, “transgender” individuals are still banned from military service.)
The video begs an interesting question: What would the reaction be if uniformed, deployed (and armed) servicemembers posted a YouTube video on behalf of their non-Federal entity extolling the religious Read more
The 2012 National Character and Leadership Symposium at the US Air Force Academy will be held from 22 to 24 February. Ross Perot will be the keynote speaker.
Other speakers will come from a variety of backgrounds and careers, including a Medal of Honor recipient and
Tracey Cooper-Harris, a US Army veteran, has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Though the precise cause of MS is unknown, the VA determined her disease was service connected, qualifying her for disability benefits. However, her request for spousal benefits was denied because she is in a homosexual relationship not recognized by federal law. She has now filed a lawsuit as a result.
The couple’s lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, argues that a federal law and military policy that resulted in the denial of benefits are discriminatory and unconstitutional.
If the couple were straight they would receive Read more
In an article that actually says very little, the US Army notes nothing has really changed since DADT repeal was implemented. Part of the reason is “many” homosexual servicemembers have continued to keep their sexual preference to themselves. The only “change” was the absence of their fear they would be discharged if discovered.
Many “out” gay and lesbian Soldiers say they haven’t noticed much change in Army culture since the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” Sept. 20, and many still remain in the closet to those they serve with.
For most, it has been a relief that they can no longer be prosecuted or their Army careers jeopardized for being gay.
One “out” Army NCO said the repeal resulted in a changing perception: Read more
By now most of the world is probably aware of the accusation that four US Marines urinated on corpses in what is apparently Afghanistan. One of the group videotaped the event for posterity.
The event brought out a slew of condemnations from all sides:
In what is likely an unsurprising result, the review authority has recommended PFC Bradley Manning, accused of disseminating hundreds of thousands of classified documents, face a general court-martial.
Lt. Col. Paul Almanza’s recommendation to try Pfc. Bradley Manning on all 22 counts, including aiding the enemy, now goes Read more