2007 calendar supports sacked gay military recruits

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • November 22, 2006 - 0:00

A 2007 calendar released this week by Servicemembers Legal Defence Network (SLDN) showcases twelve veterans from various branches of the US armed forces.

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A 2007 calendar released this week by Servicemembers Legal Defence Network (SLDN) showcases twelve veterans from various branches of the US armed forces.

The "Lift the Ban" calendar includes images from the organisation's national ad campaign, captured on film by photographer Judy Rolfe.

"Every day, the Pentagon fires at least two people for being lesbian, gay or bisexual," said SLDN executive director C. Dixon Osburn.

"Our national ad campaign puts a face to the statistics we hear so much about, and tells an important story about the talent our military loses out on because of the gay ban. SLDN's 2007 calendar features just twelve of the more than one million gay Americans who have served in our armed forces, but stands as a testament to the contributions our community makes to our national defence."

Among the veterans featured on the calendar are, former Marine Sergeant Brian Fricke. Fricke served openly during his tour of duty in Iraq, where his fellow service members declared it was "no big deal" that Fricke is gay.

Former Air Force Sergeant David Hall, who served for five years as an enlisted member of the US Air Force before joining the Air Force ROTC programme at the University of Alaska, was ranked first in his ROTC class. After serving in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Hall was fired when a fellow cadet and friend outed him to his command.

Former Navy Lieutenant Paula Neira, a graduate of the US Naval Academy, served at sea and ashore on active duty and as a reservist, including serving in mine warfare combat during Operation Desert Storm.

The calendar costs $15.99 and can be purchased www.cafepress.com/sldn

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