(Community Matters) lifted directly from Huff Post
A Gay Soldier’s Letter Before Leaving For Afghanistan
Ed. note: this letter was first posted on Jezebel.com and is reprinted with their permission.
I’m writing letters to my loved ones in case I don’t return from Afghanistan. I hope my partner never has to open his. If he does, it will ask him to tell who I was, because I couldn’t.
I was a teenager when my brother came home with an American flag draped over his coffin, so I understand the fragility of life and the dangers of serving. And the additional burden of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is one I choose to carry. I volunteered for deployment, and I continue to serve. It’s my deepest core value, whatever the cost.
Community Matters 