Open letter to SMA Kenneth O. Preston

As a proud American veteran, I'd like to send my thanks to all of my colleagues who have served in uniform. In times of war and times of peace, men and women such as myself donned the uniform before daylight to maintain a fighting force that history has known only during the time of the Spartans.

The following is an open letter to Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, the U.S. Army's top enlisted soldier. A lot of people write letters to the commander-in-chief, to the Secretary of Defense, and other top military brass. I was a simple enlisted soldier who, in spite of suggestions to West Point as a young private, enjoyed and appreciated the guidance and leadership provided by the NCO's to whom I was assigned.

On September 26, 1994, I was honorably discharged from active duty at Fort Bragg as an E-4 Airborne Artillery crew member. Jump wings, an Army Commendation Medal, and not a single Article 15 on my record prevented the Army from jettisoning a good soldier, and good citizen, and a loyal American. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy prevented a good soldier from continuing to serve.

I earned my degree from the University of Alabama and enjoyed various levels of professional success but still felt that I had the skills and spirit of an American soldier—skills and spirit I would be willing to lend to an Army that I love, even in a war with which I deeply disagree. The bottom line is this: I'd make a jump from a C-141 into Baghdad in a minute given the opportunity. But the Department of Defense's policy against gays in the military keeps that from happening.

So the following is a letter to SMA Preston, encouraging the military to stop rhetoric on this issue and take positive action. Put your chips on the table and deal the cards. If we aren't wanted then get rid of us. If we are wanted and needed—now more than ever—then end the policy and let's move on to other issues.

                                


Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston
200 Army Penatgon
Washington, D.C.  20310

November 11, 2007

SMA Preston:

Thank you for your continued service to our nation as the Army's 13th Sergeant Major of the Army. When a young man boared a bus to Fort Knox in the summer of 1975, he likely had little idea that he would be leading the finest enlisted fighting force on the globe. Your records jacket speaks volumes for your dedication to America, her Army, and the lives of the soldiers and dependents serving under you.

Proudy I served in the 18th Airborne Corps as a Cannoneer in a 198 howitzer unit. I graduated from college in 1998 after four years of study, but I don't think that that day in Alabama made me nearly as proud as the August day at Fort Sill that I became a soldier, or the June day at Fort Benning on which I received the silver wings of an Army parachutist. On September 26, 1994, I was honorably discharged for violation of the Department of Defense's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. I moved on and continued with my life, but still have regrets that I can't serve the Army that I respect—even in a war that I don't.

My proposal is simple: conduct an across-the-board discharge of all gay and lesbian soldiers or work to change DoD policy regarding service by faithful Americans. I am not asking for witch hunts or a return to the days of fear and ignorance. I am simply asking senior leadership to stop political rhetoric on this issue, put their chips on the table, and play cards like men.

Discharge the E-3 pay clerk in Baghdad; then explain to a soldier's wife back at Fort Campbell why their direct deposit didn't go through on time. Discharge the young tech at Walter Reed; then explain to the paralyzed soldier returning from Afghanastan that he or she won't be receiving physical therapy in a timely fashion because of under staffing. And tell the bleeding Staff Sergeant, the latest car bombing casualty in Fallujah, that medical help is being delayed because the company medic was discharged because of who he is.

This letter is being addressed to you specifically, Sergeant Major. I have no interest in communicating to top civilians and soldiers wearing stars on their collars. The NCO's under whom I served made a big difference in my life and instilled values in me that have carried me through college, my professional life, and in my church and community. I was a soldier's soldier and I am asking a soldier's soldier to do the right thing: be a man and allow all good soldiers to be who they are. And, by the way, if they aren't good soldiers, get rid of them anyhow, gay or straight.

Cordially,

Jeffery N. Culler
Specialist, United States Airborne Artillery
jeff@jeffculler.com