Sgt Miriam Ben-Shalom, one of six founders of GLBVA/AVER arrested - again! The Forward Observer The National Newsletter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, Inc. Volume 5 Issue 1 January 2011

AVER President Danny Ingram congratulates President Obama after signing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

Thirteen DADT-Protesters arrested at White House on 14 November 2010 - left-to-right: Dan Fotou, Miriam Ben-Shalom, Michael Bedwell, Rob Smith, Autumn Sandeen, Father Geoff Farrow, Lt. , Evelyn Thomas, Justin Elzie, Mara Boyd, Scott Wooledge, Ian Finkenbinder, and Robin McGehee (obscured)

Protesting the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy in 1993, Sgt. Miriam Ben-Shalom was arrested in Washington, DC, and thrown in jail with 33 other protesters. At that time, the fine was $50.00. Don MacIver, NY, Jim Darby, Chicago, and Ben-Shalom, Milwaukee were the only three veterans who sat down in front of the White House, and were carried away by the police.

On 14 November 2010, Mirian joined twelve other protesters in front of the White House, demanding an end to the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. All thirteen, including Miriam - again, were carted off to the Washington, DC jail.

We have always called Miriam “the grande dame” of the veterans movement because of her many years of activism for Rev Phillip Gaines, US Rep John Lewis (GA), & Danny Ingram AVER Chicago holds 17th annual Allen Schindler Memorial Service the cause. Space does not allow us to list her many accomplishments.

AVER Bataan (NM) members march in the 2010 Veterans Day Parade AVER-NY members march in the 2010 Veterans Day Parade 1993. l-r : Jim Darby, Don MacIver, Miriam Ben-Shalom 2010. l-r : Miriam Ben-Shalom, Rob Smith, Ian Finken- Save the date - 6-9 October 2011 - AVER National Convention - Albuquerque, NM binder, Evelyn Thomas, Autumn Sandeen, Lt. Dan Choi The Volume 5 . Issue 1 . January 2011 The Forward Observer is the Forward Observer Contents official quarterly newsletter of American Veterans for Equal 1 From the President’s Corner 8 Creating Change Conference Rights, Inc. 501(c)(3) P.O. Box 94376 2 From the Managing Editor 8 Albuquerque Convention P. O. Box 94376 Atlanta, GA 30377-0376 3 Senior Lifetime Memberships 9 Electronic Forward Observer Atlanta, GA 30377-0376 3 National Officer Reports 10 Washington DC DADT Protest  January 28, 2011 5 Sergeant Denny’s Boots Dear AVER Members, Forward Observer Committee: General Contact When you first elected me to serve you as your National President of American Veterans for Equal Rights one of my first Chapter Directory [email protected] priorities was to establish regular communications with our members. Communication is the backbone of any relation- Indiana Managing Editor ship, and without regular communication no organization can be successful. We established a Yahoo email group and be- AVER Palm Springs AVER Indianapolis James Darby gan to once again produce regular issues of the Forward Observer, AVER’s quarterly member newsletter. Observer editor President - Mel Tips Contact - Scott Spychala [email protected] James Darby has been doing an excellent job of putting together the newsletter and getting it out to our members. I am P.O. Box 5012 317.890.8834 Layout very grateful to Jim, Bill Beaman, and all the members involved in producing the newsletter. Like everything else AVER Palm Springs, CA 92263-5012 [email protected] James Apedaile 760.329.6560 does, the production of the Observer is an all-volunteer effort. No one gets paid to write the articles, produce the layout, New Mexico [email protected] or mail the newsletter. It is a huge undertaking, and I’m sure that each of you joins me in thanking Jim and his crew for a Sacramento Valley Veterans Bataan Chapter President - Ty Redhouse Assistant Editors job well done. President - Steve Loomis Julz Carey 916.436.7676 6027 Black Ridge Dr, NE [email protected] With that said, I need to tell you that the printing and postage for the Forward Observer is by far AVER’s single largest www.saclgbtveterans.org Albuquerque, NM 87120-2181 AVER San Diego Denny Meyer budget expense. A single issue of the Observer can cost as much as $800 to print and mail out to our members. There 505.301.1737 [email protected] President - Ben M. Gomez www.orgsites.com/nm/bataan-glbva are many things that AVER could do with that money, including allowing our local chapters to keep a greater percentage 4076 Oregon Street, Unit #2  of the annual dues collected from our members. While the production of the Forward Observer must remain an essen- New York San Diego, CA 92104 tial priority for AVER, computer technology can now be used to send out the newsletter electronically to our members AVERNY (New York) AVER Executive Board 619.459.1019 who use email. Many organizations are now asking their members to employ this option, because sending out newslet- www.orgsites.com/ca/aver_sandiego President - Denny Meyer President Danny Ingram P.O. Box 150160 [email protected] ters electronically is a huge savings, and cutting costs if vital, particularly for non-profits in difficult economic times. The Florida Kew Gardens, NY 11415 purpose of this letter is to ask each of you as members to please consider the option of receiving the Forward Observer AVER - Florida Gold Coast Vice President Julz Carey 718.849.5665 [email protected] electronically. This option will also save the effort of printing address labels, affixing postage, and going to the Post Of- President - Marshall Belmaine www.averny.tripod.com fice. It is also an option that benefits the environment because less paper is needed and less waste is produced. Secretary James Apedaile P.O. Box 11247 North Carolina [email protected] Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339 AVER of North Carolina Many of our members are not able to receive the Forward Observer electronically because they do not use email. I DO President - Cecilio Orta Treasurer Mark LaFontaine NOT want to discourage our members who cannot receive the newsletter electronically from opting out of the Observer www.aver-fgc.us [email protected] Georgia 3812 Dry Brook Road, Unit J altogether. The Forward Observer is a benefit of membership in AVER. Your dues pay the cost of the newsletter and you Charlotte, NC 28269 Past-President James Dovovan have every right to receive it. As I said before, communication is essential and I want each of our members to receive the AVER Georgia (Atlanta) 704.900.2905 [email protected] President - Alejandro (Alex) Lopez newsletter. Of course each member always has the option of printing out the Observer to read in your leisure, if you have www.avernc.org access to a printer. P.O. Box 2115 Volume 5, Issue 1, Forward Observer. Decatur, GA 30031 Ohio Published quarterly by American Veter- 404.429.1316 NEOAVER (Clev/Ak/Can) ans for Equal Rights, Inc., a 501(c)(3) I ask that each of you who wishes to CONTINUE to receive a paper copy of the Forward Observer in the mail PLEASE www.avergeorgia.org Contact - Marie Ann Bohusch non-profit org. ©2011.AVER. All rights FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM and mail it to me at the address provided. If I DO NOT receive this form Hawaii www.neoaver.org reserved, except where otherwise credited. from you I will assume that you have decided to receive the Observer electronically. This is very important: If you have AVER Hawaii Tennessee AVER national web site is www.aver.us. not been receiving regular electronic communications from me then I do not have your email address. My email address President - Sean Smith AVER West Tennessee The Forward Observer is available for is [email protected], or [email protected]. Please send me a message to make sure I have your correct email address. 2092 Kuhio Avenue #1705 President - Tim Smith download via the AVER national web Honolulu, HI 96815 [email protected] site. AVER is not responsible for the 808.497.0650 Texas claims of any sponsor advertisements www.averhawaii.com which may appear herein. Houston AVER ------Change of Address Illinois President - Barbara Howard : When notifying a Dear Danny, I wish to continue to receive the Forward Observer in the mail. Gay Veterans Chicago 713.973.1986 change of address, send former as well President - James C. Darby AVER-SA as new address, including zip code, to: AVER P.O. Box 94376, Atlanta, GA Name: ______P.O. Box 29317 President - Robert Weeks Address: ______Chicago, IL 60629 9915 Powhatan Dr, #6H 30377-0376. To update either postal or eMail addresses via eMail, send ______773.752.0058 San Antonio, Texas 78212 City: ______State: ______Zip: ______www.averchicago.org 210.722.0873 both former and new addresses, to: [email protected]. www.aversanantonio.com Mail to: AVER - P.O. Box 94376 - Atlanta, GA 30377-0376 The Forward Observer . January 2011 . www.aver.us www.aver.us . January 2011 . The Forward Observer | 9 Creating Change Conference - Minneapolis From The In early February, President Danny Ingram braved the cold northern climate to attend the Creating Change Conference President’s Corner in Minneapolis, MN. Some excerpts from his report are in- cluded here. Due to the unprecedented events of the last few months, we are only including several of President Danny Ingram's Press Releases. “I presented a workshop which I titled Life After DADT: Military Service in the Post Ban Era. There were two oth-  er workshops about the military, one by SLDN, an one by and OutServe. With 3 workshops centered DADT REPEALED! - Saturday, 18 December 2010 around Repeal this was the most number of military-related The United States Senate this afternoon at 3 PM voted by a vote of 65 to 31 to end discrimination against gay, , and bisexual workshops ever presented at a Creating Change Conference. military service members by repealing the 1993 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, setting up the end of the US military policy of discrimi- nation against LGB American soldiers, sailors, Marines, and Air Force and Coast Guard personnel. American Veterans for Equal SLDN presentations included what must still happen before Rights applauds President for his dedicated leadership and his principled stand against discrimination. Repeal is fully implemented, repeal should be completed by the summer, and that GLB servicemembers should not come AVER further congratulates the courageous and patriotic members of both parties in Congress who voted to end discrimination by out at this time. It was noted that repeal does nothing for the United States military. Never again will any member of the US military die on the battlefield because the medic or corpsmen service members. who could have saved their lives was kicked out of the military for loving the wrong person. Americans have shown once again that they are not willing to abandon the dream of one great, united society composed of many diverse populations. Former West Point Cadet Katie Miller presented for Knights Out and OutServe. Katie plans to return to military life after On behalf of all veterans and service members, AVER sincerely thanks all the many individuals and organizations, most of which the ban is repealed. Her presentation centered around how may never be known, who have worked tirelessly and sacrificed greatly through nearly a century to make the guardians of our nation’s veterans issues can be used to bring about additional changes freedom the representatives of the liberty entrusted to them. The forward march of liberty’s promise has not this day been halted. such as the end of DOMA. DOMA will affect how service-  members because it prevents them from getting insurance and other benefits. Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Wednesday, 29 December 2010 American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), the nation’s only all-volunteer LGBT Veterans Service Organization, applauds the pas- Dannys presentation included how AVER was able to work sage of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. AVER acknowledges the courage, commitment, and determined leadership of with the military as “soldier to soldier,” and how we used our President Barack H. Obama in fulfilling his promise to repeal the DADT law that harmed the United States military, endangered its grass roots abilities to address concerns voiced by the military mission, and jeopardized the lives of American service members by removing critical battlefield skills from the global war on terror. and rebut statements made by military commanders. Save the date - AVER 2011 National Convention AVER further acknowledges the leadership of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and the mem- 6-9 October - Albuquerque, New Mexico Some brief conclusions reached by everyone were: bers of both parties in recognizing the ban against gay and lesbian personnel as a civil rights issue that undermined the mission of the 1. Until repeal is finalized we will all be watching carefully United States military and dishonored the service of all armed forces personnel by requiring dishonesty as a prerequisite for service by America’s fighting men and women. AVER especially wishes to acknowledge the thoughtful leadership of Chairman of the Joint and be prepared to act if anything goes wrong. We will con- Albuquerque, New Mexico has been selected as the site for Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, whose courageous and honest statements from the heart were crucial in restoring the integrity tinue close communication with each other. the American Veterans for Equal Rights 2011 National con- and honor of our nation’s military forces by exposing a law which so clearly stood as an affront to the Constitution of the United vention. which will be held October 6 - 9 to coincide with States of America, to which he and every member of the armed forces have sworn an oath to defend. 2. Following repeal all organizations plan to act as “watch- Albuquerque’s International Balloon Festival. dogs” to monitor the military to make sure that LGB service  members are treated equally. The AVER National Board reached the decision after care- - Friday, 31 December 2010 fully reviewing detailed proposals submitted by the Albu- On the Eve of the New Year and a New Era On the eve of 2011, all AVER members should keep in mind that repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell does not insure equality for LGBT 3. The mission will not be complete until transgender service querque and Chicago chapters. Both proposals were excel- service members. In fact, we’re far from it, and the work of American Veterans for Equal Rights will continue. AVER will not members are allowed to serve in the military. lent and the decision was not an easy one. abandon our transgender veterans and service members. Until there is full equality for all service members, the work of AVER will continue. We will leave no one behind. We’ve come this far together, and we will continue forward together. 4. Eventually active duty service members must take the lead More detailed information will be made available very soon. and set their own priorities. We will all assist until active In the meantime: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual military personnel are currently in limbo, albeit a welcome limbo, until the President issues new directives duty LGBT organizations can be formed. October 6 - 9, 2011 on how the military will treat our people. We will need a full non-discrimination policy and many new policies. The military has Sandia Convention Hotel - Double : $78.00 been working on these policies, but we must remain vigilant through the approaching storm of political change to insure each of those 5. There must be better cooperation between all organiza- 1.800.877.4852 - Ask for AVER rooms new policies are implemented fully, without compromise. Our service members need their marriages and relationships to be federally tions that are interested in helping LGBT servicemembers. Steve Loomis, 505.301.1737 recognized. They need fair housing protection. Their spouses and partners need employment protection, and so much more. Our [email protected] veterans need VA medical care free from discrimination, and the ability to apply for joint VA-backed mortgages. The list goes on and Thanks, Danny, for representing all of us at this important www.orgsites.com/nm/bataan-glbva event. on, and AVER will continue to be there reminding our lawmakers and military leaders that equality means “equal”, and nothing less.

8 | The Forward Observer . January 2011 . www.aver.us www.aver.us . January 2011 . The Forward Observer | 1 On the eve of a new era for the LGBT defenders of our nation’s liberty, please commit to standing with them. Our message to vary, but they alternate between Board erans. They also posted a sign which them is simple: “We will have your back”. Please consider making a year-end gift to AVER as we guard those who guard our meetings and General meetings. Most read “Welcome Home Gay Veterans.” freedom. We won’t put our people out there on the front lines without adequate cover. We will be there for them. meetings are held on weekends at Steve They received extensive TV coverage Loomis’ home. More info is available of the event. As an all-volunteer organization we depend on the generosity of our members to keep our ship afloat. She has sailed with grace Taps from Steve at: and courage into the heat of battle, and she has emerged with victory pennants proudly flying. But we need your help to keep her sailing strong into the new era, a new era already facing a coming storm. You have remained faithfully at your battle stations Mel Tips Gary Russell Smith throughout her long voyage. Please hang in there with us as we complete our mission. Please consider making a year end dona- Steve Loomis, President [email protected] tion today. [email protected] AVER Bataan member Gary R. Smith passed away at home All hands on deck! Batten down the hatches! Full speed ahead! :: One Time Pledge link: http://aver.us/sponsor/gift2008.php on May 24, 2010 after a short strug- Region V gle with cancer. He is survived by his Danny Ingram, National President and Chief Fund Raiser Thanks to Ty Redhouse and Ray Allen, life partner of 32 years, Ron Freeny. American Veterans for Equal Rights AVER Palm Springs the Sacramento Valley Veterans Chapter Born in Geneva, Illinois on July 26, is up and flourishing. 1956, he relocated to Albuquerque The Palm Springs chapter continues from Monterey, CA with his partner rolling along under the great leadership The newly elected Board of SVV is in 1981. He became a charter member From The of Mel Tips who founded the Chapter of Metropolitan Community Church 18 years ago. President Ty Redhouse, USAF of Albuquerque (MCCA) in 1982. He Editor’s Desk Vice-President Tina Stidman, USA was an artistic and creative individual Monthly meetings are held at the new Secretary Gene Silvestri, USA who enjoyed sharing his many talents with individuals, groups, and orga- Greetings, Golden Rainbow Center, 611 S. Palm Treasurer Charlie Peer, USN Canyon Drive, Suite 201 on the sec- Member-at-large - Larry Vasquez nizations in the GLBT community. He was an active member of Prime It’s been over a month, and I am still numb. After eighteen years I still can’t believe that it actually ond Friday of every month at 1:00 in happened “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is not completely over, but there is no turning back now. It’s just the afternoon. Mr. Tips always pro- Former President Ray Allen has taken a Timers New Mexico (PTNM) and a matter of time. We are not having our celebration yet, but we are making our plains vides a tasty luncheon for the troops. break to resume his education. American Veterans for Equal Rights At the last meeting Mel read an excerpt (AVER) at the time of his passing. A There are so many people and so many organizations that banded together over the years to make from one of his famous works Romance In September SVV held an All Hands memorial service will be held at 2 PM this happen that everyone deserves praise and congratulations of a Veteran. meeting at Sacramento State University. on July 24th at MCCA, 1103 Texas In October the Sacramento Valley Vet- NE (87110). In lieu of flowers, dona- But because gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans bore the brunt of this battle I feel that they were the fiercecest warriors In November PSGV marched in two erans hosted a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” tions can be made to MCCA. in this battle. They were the ones whose lives were most personally affected by this discriminatory policy. Nearly 14,000 patriotic parades. On November 7 they par- Town Hall meeting at the Sacramento About Taps: Americans lost their jobs, suffered humiliating experiences by their own government, and were sent home in disgrace. Let us not ticipated in the parade, fol- Gay and Lesbian Center. In November forget them during these exhilarating times. This section is reserved for obitu- lowed by the Veterans Day Parade on SVV held another DADT Town Hall aries and articles for AVER mem- November 11. Some members rode in meeting at the Center. I am remembering the many members of GLBVA/AVER who helped in this struggle and who are no longer with us to savor this bers who have died since the last Mel=s camper, and some walked. They special moment: Frank Moon, CA, Cale Lehman, NY, Karl Clark, FL, George Buse, IL, Rusty Pounds, CA, James Merrill, IL, issue date, and as well as any always have a great turnout, and re- SVV meets on the 3rd Monday of every Mark Repass, VA, Bud Robbins, CA, Ruth Marr, IL, John Siebert, CA,, Bill Schneider, IL, James Smith, OH, Cliff Anchor, CA, prior deaths we have learned of ceived wild applause from the 30,000 month at 6:30 p.m. at the: Herb King, CA, Johnnie Phelps, CA, Copy Berg, NY, Alan Rogue, OH, Bill Lake, CA, Todd Shinkle, OH, Joe Nolan, IL, and so too late for inclusion in previous spectators. when they march down Lavender Library - 1414 21st St issues.. We will do our best to in- many others. I am sure that many of you can add more names. Palm Canyon Drive. Sacramento, CA 95811 clude any deaths of which we are notified, but will always respect All of their names are on our cloth Wall of Fame which has traveled the country from New York to California and everywhere in Contact info: the privacy of any veteran who between. It is now 70 feet long and growing. On November 30 Mel participated Ty Redhouse with Richard Noble and corporal Ev- www.saclgbtveterans.org was not entirely “out” to family. Our struggles are not over, but let us savor this sweet moment. I want to personally thank all of you for your perseverance, dedica- elyn Thomas in the 56 mile march Please mail obituaries / articles to: tion and support over the years.We all celebrate this victory together. from Palm Springs to the 29 Palms AVER, P.O. Box 94376, Atlanta, Marine Base. At the gates of the Ma- GA 30377-0376. Jim Darby rine base they released some red, white email: [email protected] Editor, The Forward Observer and blue balloons in honor of gay vet- 2 | The Forward Observer . January 2011 . www.aver.us www.aver.us . January 2011 . The Forward Observer | 7 repeal of DADT. We were not optimis- (Karen Kerin has graciously filed the GLBVA/ tic about his vote, but were overjoyed news from AVER’s Resident Agent AVER Articles of Incorporation in the State when he did vote for repeal. Our other of Vermont every year since our inception in National Officers Greetings from the Green Mountains of Senator, Dick Durbin had come aboard 1990. Thank you for your years of service to Vermont and your resident agent: a long time ago. us and to your country. Jim Darby) Membership Chair CONGRATULATIONS ON FINALLY OBTAINING EQUAL JUSTICE UN- The Chicago Chapter meets the first DER THE LAW WITH THE END OF Public Affairs Officer Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Lifetime AVER DADT at the Center on Halsted. During December, as DADT repeal was Membership for I salute all of you for the hard work of voted on in Congress, and following the finally gaining justice in the congress, no ultimate repeal vote, AVER Public Affairs, Jim Darby, President less. For the first time in many years I am www.averchicago.org Senior Veterans along with AVER President Danny In- To commemorate the end of the United proud of the votes of our lone congress- gram, participated in nearly 100 interviews States military’s nearly ninety year policy man and our two senators who did indeed with American and foreign media, includ- of discrimination against gay, lesbian, and support the end of DADT. I say that as a ing a translated panel discussion on a Span- AVER Indianapolis bisexual military service members, and to life long Republican and recent convert to ish language satellite network broadcast honor senior LGBT veterans for their many Libertarian in the last election cycle. live to 5 million viewers throughout South Scott Spychala has been working hard 11 November 2010 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell - Healing the Damage” seminar at the Uni- contributions to our great nation and our It has been a pleasure to serve you America, a press conference, live debates at to establish the first Indianapolis Chap- versity of New Mexico Law School. Facing: MAA3 Joseph Rocha, LTC Victor Fehrenbach, community, American Veterans for Equal since the mid 1990’s, taking the name universities, radio news interviews in Aus- ter of AVER. Several vets have signed LTC Steve Loomis (Ret) Rights (AVER) will institute free Lifetime change to AVERthrough the hoops that tralia, and print media interviews published on, and Scott is working with HRC and Membership to all veterans age 80 and a Democrat Secretaryof State put in the in Basque and Italian, among others. several other local groups. Arizona, Louisiana and Kansas. That’s Region IV over. AVER wishes to grant this privilege way. I won that one for you and hoped [email protected] quite a large region. If you know any to our LGBT seniors, a group which has for this day when you won the big battle. On Thursday, November 11 Scott veterans in those states please have them often been undervalued by our commu- Mine was a mere skirmish. contact Steve. Vice President participated in a Patriots Pride Repeal nity despite their struggles and sacrifices to My health is failing and I am try- Veterans Affairs DADT Rally at the Indiana Statehouse AVER Bataan forge the freedom that gay people experi- ing to locate a replacement for me in East steps. For the second year, the Bataan Chap- Vermont. Alas, I failed to get a chapter The Albuquerque chapter began their ence today. Any certified veteran (DD214 AVER Veterans Affairs continues to re- ter marched in the Annual Veterans started here, despite several efforts at the fall season by staffing a booth with or other proof of service required) who ceive hundreds of inquiries per quarter On Saturday, Scott was part of a pan- Day Parade. Also, on Veterans Day, supports the mission and goals of AVER law school. I will find someone before it SLDN at the New Mexico State Fair. from our veterans and active duty service el of veterans organized by the Notre they participated in a “Repealing Don’t and reaches his or her 80th birthday will is too late and will letAVER know about Ten members of AVER turned out for members. If you would like to join the Dame Gay Alumni Association. Other Ask, Don’t Tell and Healing the Dam- be eligible for AVER Lifetime Member- the person. My next effort will be at the this event. team mentoring active duty LGBT offi- members of the panel included Notre age” seminar at the University of New ship. The AVER National Board celebrates University of Vermont where the com- cers and enlisted personnel, please con- Dame alumni Lt. Col. Victor Fehren- Mexico Law School. The Seminar was those courageous and dedicated men and munity is very strong. In October they continued with the tact Denny Meyer at [email protected] bach, Dr. Martina Sternbrg of W. Lafay- organized by AVER. Invited guests in- women who built against great opposition God Bless all of you and keep you “Traditional Gay Halloween Party.” ette, a great advocate of Indiana efforts cluded US Rep. Martin Heinrich, and the foundation of the freedoms that we safe in whatever your next cause may be. Members were encouraged to bring We are receiving more and more calls to repeal DADT. The event was held speakers LTC Victor Fehrenbach, Major enjoy today, including, most recently, the I am presuming that you will remain ac- their own pumpkins carved with their from active duty LGBT service mem- off campus at Mishawaka. Later that Patricia Baillie, Petty Officer 3d Class right to serve in our nation’s armed forces tive and have another cause that merits favorite gay heroes or villains. Most bers seeking advice and simply conversa- evening there was a dinner honoring the Joseph Roche and LTC Steve Loomis, with integrity, pride, and honor. Eligible your considerable talents. tion with those who’ve served in silence, choices were politicians. I wonder why. veterans may apply to AVER’s national speakers with the Tom Dooley Award. speaking to a large audience about gays’ along with transgender vets experiencing Steve always does a great job of assign- president or be nominated by their chap- service in our military and repealing the Karen Kerin, BSCE, PE, MSEL, JD, discrimination from the VA, and others ing food items to members to guarantee ter president to receive this honor. LLM, your resident agent. There is still no name for the future DADT policy. Their experiences were a good meal for all. chapter, but Scott can be contacted at: both frightening and inspiring. The seminar received news coverage from AVER is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender active duty, reserve and veteran service In October President Steve Loomis was Scott Spychala the Journal, Alibi, KUNM, Channel 4 members, dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all veterans and service members, and to honoring the sacrifices of selected as the new VP of Region IV [email protected] and 7. all who served past and present. Membership in AVER is open to all who support the goals of the organization and does not which includes the southwest states of suggest or imply sexual orientation of any of its members. All membership information is strictly confidential, as directed by the New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Okla- The New Mexico Bataan Chapter of AVER National Constitution, within the limits of applicable laws. Officer and chapter contact information listed in the Forward homa, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, AVER in Albuquerque meeting dates Observer and on www.aver.us is collected either from chapter-controlled newsletters / web sites or by explicit permission.

6 | The Forward Observer . January 2011 . www.aver.us www.aver.us . January 2011 . The Forward Observer | 3 with just general questions about ben- Ever the optimist, Denny declared that if efits such as military honors and part- Chapter Reports DADT was repealed in 2010, he’d eat his Region II ner benefits. combat boots. Recipes for boot leather Denny Meyer’s [email protected] are requested. Boots 718-849-5665 Region I Join AVERNY at the NYC GLBT Expo Region I VP at Javits Convention Center March 12 Sometime last year, in a mo- 13th. AVER Chapter President Alejandro ment of madness, Denny Meyer Lopes served in the said “The repeal of DADT will We have received a number of inquires In October FGC AVER held their elec- from 1984 to 1989. He was a Personnel never come this year. I’ll eat my from veterans in the Great Lakes region AVER New York, serving LGBT veter- tion of new officers at the Blue Moon Administration Specialist (75B). Alex at- boots if it does.” Well, guess and Northern NY state. If you would ans, service members and reservists in Saloon. tended Airborne School and graduated as what folks. The recipes are like to participate in the formation of the Metropolitan tri state region of NYC, President - Marshall Belmaine a parachutist. All of his military service coming in - “down here in the a chapter in this region, please contact Long Island, Hudson Valley, Northern Vice-President - Charles Egan NJ, and CT: was stateside which included Ft. Jackson, south we boil everything with Denny Meyer at [email protected] Treasurer - Richard Crowner SC, Ft. Benjamin Harris, IN, Fort Ben- With openly Out NYC Councilman www.averny.tripod.com salt and fatback until it reach- Secretary - Angel Acevedo ning, GA and finally assigned to a perma- Danny Dromm leading our contingent, es the consistency of mush” and Region IV VP nent duty station at Ft. Bragg, NC. AVER NY marched proudly in the NYC A brief statement of thanks was offered to “marinated boot leather and Veteran=s Day Parade in November Our shoestring appetizers.” Sounds In October, AVER National President, the outgoing officers and the party started. AVER Georgia once again staffed a booth “Disabled Veterans’ Vehicle” volunteer scrumptious! Perhaps there will Danny Ingram announced the selection On the 11th hour of the 11th day of at the Atlanta Gay Pride Festival on Octo- parade driver this year was a transgender be an hors d’oeuvres table set of Steve Loomis as the new Vice Presi- the 11th month members of the Florida ber 9 and 10. AVER Georgia also served Vietnam veteran with her Mini Cooper up at the Convention. dent of AVER for Region IV, which Gold Chapter of AVER along with the as the Military Honor Guard for the Gay car. We gratefully folded ourselves into includes the southwest states of New Dolphin Democrats and the Log Cabin . They also provided a jeep the tiny cabin and bravely waived to the Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Republicans all gathered in Hagen Park for the parade for their WWII and Ko- In October several Chicago members crowds, while taking turns at the “Gun- Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Ari- in the heart of the gay community to re- rean War veterans. drove to Notre Dame in Indiana to ap- ner’s Position” thru the sunroof (just kid- In December, along with Major General zona, Louisiana and Kansas. LTC Loo- member all those who have served and plaud LTC Victor Fehrenbach as he re- ding). Dennis Laich (USA Ret), veterans Brian those who are serving today. The Mayor, mis succeeds James Apedaile as the re- Tupaz (USMC), Mark Szabo (USN/USA), “I fight for your freedom and I am gay.” ceived the Tom Dooley Award from the gional VP. LTC Loomis is currently the the Commissioners of Staff and many Notre Dame GALA Association. Al- In December, AVERNY Pres. Denny Robert Tackett (OHNG), and Marie Ann President of the Bataan Chapter in New others worked very hard to arrange this President Alex Lopez though LTC Fehrenbach is an alumni of Meyer debated DADT repeal opponents Bohusch (USA) were invited to speak dur- special Day of Remembrance. Mexico of AVER and will continue as www.avergeorgia.org Notre Dame the ceremony had to be held during a panel discussion at Lehman Col- ing a press conference in the Cleveland the chapter President. He is retired off campus because GALA is not recog- lege in Bronx, NY, as an auditorium full City Hall rotunda, organized by HRC and Andy Eddy said he was deeply moved by from the U.S. Army as an Engineer of- nized by Notre Dame. of students whooped when he countered hosted by Cleveland City Councilman Joe the camaraderie that was expressed by Region III ficer and served as a Infantry officer in arguments that “DADT is for our own Cimperman, aimed at Senator George the Vice-mayor and the Oakland Park In November, for the 17th year mem- Vietnam in 1969-70 where he earned good to protect us from discrimination” Voinovich concerning the DADT Repeal American Legion Post. He said that “the bers of AVER held a Remembrance Cer- two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, an Air (similar to 1950s arguments favoring seg- Act of 2010 (S.4023). Each veteran was hospitality of the Post’s Commander emony at the grave of Allen Schindler. In Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. regation, he noted), and “the presence of given several minutes to relate their service demonstrated the appreciation, inclusion November we also participated in a num- He was discharged from the Army for gay soldiers endangers troops in combat story. On 18 December 2010, Senator and the warmth that only a compassion- ber of Veterans Day events - the Mayor’s homosexuality in 1997 just five days zones because the locals don’t like us” Voinovich voted both for cloture and to ate and inclusive community family offers Veterans Day ceremonies, a special AVER before he was eligible for twenty year (Oh right, ok, lets exclude everyone from approve the repeal, one of only six Repub- when they acknowledge that the blood of So much activity surrounding the Don’t presentation at the Harold Washington retirement. He and won his retirement serving in combat zones who is ‘differ- licans to vote Aye on both counts. all those who serve runs red.” Ask, Don’t Tell policy battle that Chicago Library, and our 18th Annual Veterans back in Federal Court in 2005. ent in color, religion, and gender’ from members were overwhelmed by TV and Day Dinner. This year our two stellar the locals; we certainly wouldn’t want to Marie Ann Bohusch FGC meets the second Tuesday of ev- newspaper interviews. Some, but not all speakers were Capt Ann Bidwell, USN demonstrate what freedom and equality www.neoaver.org ery month at 7:00 p.m. at the Commu- of the interviews were recorded for pos- and RD2 Lee Reinhart, USN & USCG. are all about” he said sarcastically). nity Center - Pride Campus, 2040 N. terity in the AVER archives. We know Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. Call this has also been happening with other In December Chicago members visited Advertising in The Forward Observer not only gets the word out to our members about your business or organization, it also 954.537.3582 or: helps to offset printing costs and support AVERs missions. To advertise in the Forward Observer, please email [email protected] chapters around the country, and we our newly elected Senator Mark Kirk’s President - Marshall Belmaine to receive the media kit. The Forward Observer is published four times per year. Back issues are maintained at www.aver.us. hope that they will share them with us. office to encourage him to vote for the www.aver-fgc.us 4 | The Forward Observer . January 2011 . www.aver.us www.aver.us . January 2011 . The Forward Observer | 5