Garcia presses Pentagon for action on veterans discharged under ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’

In a letter earlier this week, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) pressed the Pentagon to take action against veterans discharged under “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.”

“Our military members made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. “'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' was a policy that never should have existed in the first place, and unfortunately, its effects are still being felt to this day. ,” Garcia said in a press release of the letter.

“The Department of Defense now has a responsibility to uplift LGBTQ+ veterans who were previously degraded because of their sexuality,” Garcia continued.

Garcia's letter was joined by Congressional Equality Caucus members Congressman Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Chris Pappas (D.H.). In a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the lawmakers said that for more than a decade, from 1980 until the repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” (DADT), a significant number of military veterans were subject to the “gay behavior” policy. It is pointed out that it was dispersed based on . A few years ago, he was not given an honorable discharge.

“Advocates and historians estimate that approximately 114,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines were discharged because of a loved one from the end of World War II until decommissioning. .Many received less than honorable discharges, jeopardizing future job prospects, homeownership loans, educational opportunities, health and disability veterans benefits,'' the letter reads. is written.

Lawmakers also cited “legal limitations that affect the Department's ability to complete an active review of records or upgrade a discharge to honorable status” and “correct the records of individuals charged with a crime.” It also requested information such as the total number of applications received. DADT or similar prior policy,” the letter states.

“However, since the repeal of DADT, many veterans who have sought to have their less-than-honorable discharges increased have faced lengthy and tedious procedures that often require the use of an attorney to seek the respect and benefits they rightfully earned. “We have reported that the procedure has been carried out,” the letter said. “And far too many veterans discharged under DADT had no idea whether they could seek promotion or where to begin the process.”