Gays in Military

Re “Few Are Happy With ‘Don’t Ask’ Policy,” Dec. 28: As an Army officer on duty for 20 years, I became increasingly empathetic with the plight of homosexuals in the military. I offered them counseling and support in every way possible while maintaining their confidentiality, because they were among the most capable and dedicated troops we had, and they earnestly desired to serve their country.

Unfortunately, the level of homophobia remains high in the military, with all sorts of feeble excuses as to why homosexuals cannot be accepted fully into military structures. Let us hope that day of enlightenment and justice will come soon.

J.A. DeSAEGHER

Colonel, U.S. Army Retired

La Palma