SE5-EP219 Tango Alpha Lima: Retired Army Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith - Living under the confines of DADT

HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE
74th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War
THE INTERVIEW
Retired Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith served for 25 of her 35 years in the Army while hiding her true self. On this week's episode, she shares her military journey before, during and after the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, and how she became an advocate for LGBTQ+ and military veterans. She also addresses the struggles faced by servicemembers who were kicked out of the military during DADT, and how they can formally request an upgraded discharge.
SCUTTLEBUTT
The deadly, unintended consequence of a documentary about Afghanistan
British teen's charity shop purchase connects Wisconsin family the brother killed in Vietnam
The Marines are taking down PowerPoint
SHOW NOTES
tangoalphalima.fireside.fm/219

[@VDash-Slesinski]

When I was 11, my across the street neighbor died in Vietnam. Donald Bennett was a 19 year old Marine. Years later I wrote a memory of him on the Virtual Wall. Then some time later I received a call from a member of a group called Canamission that worked to return dog tags found in Vietnam to the family. They were having difficulty finding Donald’s family. So my Mom started talking to the neighbors. I also contacted the Commanders of the American Legion and VFW in my home town. The Commander of the VFW was a Marine and he was able to locate his mother and brother. A State Police trooper from Virginia was also involved. They raised the money to fly his mother in for their Veterans Day luncheon and they asked me to present Donald’s dog tag to his mother. The room was packed with folks from the neighborhood and there wasn’t a dry eye. They recorded the presentation and there was newspaper coverage which I would be glad to share. I’m an Army veteran and 29 year member of the American Legion PA Post 491 in Kennett Square, PA.

[@VDash-Slesinski]

Thank you all for your service. It’s important to be an active member of the American Legion. Post 491 in Pennsylvania has been increasing the number of women members and we have been spending time together, having lunch, etc. and having great conversation.

[@TheRainbowVeteran]

Wonder why the one host didn't stay for the interview.

[@americanlegionHQ]

Nothing nefarious - just a schedule conflict on the day we recorded the interview.

[@TheRainbowVeteran]

@americanlegionHQ Thats good. I was worried he had something bad happened to him.

[@cynthiaboehnlein4911]

Great show❤

[@cynthiaboehnlein4911]

I have been discussing the plight of our Afghan friends with my senators and congressman for the past 2 congressional sessions. The number one thing I state right off the bat is that they will be murdered if sent back. The stupidity of putting out a documentary on these individuals is beyond comprehension. I am so sad over this. I wonder if the people that gave it a go can actually sleep at night .