Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Floor Speech

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Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

The repeal of this policy allowed thousands of American servicemembers to live and serve without fear. Finally, brave Americans are able to defend their country--our country--without worrying about both the stigma and the punishment that they could face because of whom they loved.

This decision, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, impacted many of my constituents in Virginia's Seventh District, including Stephanie Merlo, an Army veteran. With her permission, I am honored to share her story tonight on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Stephanie begins by explaining that: ``A year after 9/11 happened, I enlisted as an Active Duty servicemember in the Army. My mom cried; my brother was proud; and I was honestly excited and scared both at the same time.

``Was I scared of deploying? Sure, a little. Was I afraid of failing? Of course.

``But my overall fear, that which consumed me beyond the point of depression, was the fear of being `ousted' and discharged for being a lesbian. In February of 2004, that fear showed its face, and I was backed into a corner with deciding how I wanted to proceed with my military career.''

How many servicemembers had this fear? How many brave soldiers served honorably but with a secret, a secret that they knew could end their career in the military, their career of service to our Nation?

And Stephanie had two secrets: her sexuality, a secret she kept to protect her military career, and a secret regarding the sexual assault she suffered while in the Army. You see, reporting it could also mean revealing the secret of her sexuality.

Stephanie couldn't seek justice as a victim because seeking justice would mean she could potentially bring an end to her career. She could potentially be identified as gay in the military.

Stephanie was faced with this horrible choice, this horrible reality, and all the while, her intention had been to bravely serve our Nation, as so many brave LGBTQ Americans have.

I am proud to share this story because Stephanie reflects on the fact that had Don't Ask, Don't Tell not been in place, perhaps a bit of her story would have gone differently. She says that she never regretted her decision to join the Army, but she still lives with the regret of not allowing herself to live her truth.

Stephanie's story is emblematic of the struggles, the hardships, and, most importantly, the triumphs of so many who have served in our Air Force before the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

During that time, members of our military showed tremendous courage, selflessness. They served our country with the utmost honor and valor, and they put their service to country above even living their own truth. But our military is stronger because of the repeal.

Our military has always been strong because of brave servicemembers, brave soldiers like Stephanie, and our Nation is better because it has been protected by people like Stephanie and so many of the stories we have heard today. Our Nation is better protected because of the protections afforded to those who put on the uniform.

Tonight, we have the opportunity to reflect on the importance of this decision on the 10th anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. For thousands of servicemembers and veterans like Stephanie, this decision was long overdue.

May we always look to defend and support those who are willing to serve our country, sacrifice on behalf of our fellow Americans, and build a stronger Nation. I am grateful to every LGBTQ servicemember who has served, past or present. I thank them for their sacrifice to our country, and I am so grateful that as they serve today, they can do it celebrating their full selves.

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