The U.S. military has its first openly gay flag officer with the promotion of Tammy Smith to the rank of Army brigadier general on Friday.
Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith
Smith received her stars in a private ceremony at the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, according to a press release from the Service Members Legal Defense Network, an organization promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in the U.S. military.
Friday was also the first day she publicly acknowledged her sexuality, according to a report from Stars and Stripes, and that acknowledgement comes less than a year after the military ended the "don't ask, don't tell" policy under which an active-duty service member faced punishment or discharge if he or she admitted being homosexual.
“I don’t think I need to be focused on that," Stripes quoted Smith as saying. "What is relevant is upholding Army values and the responsibility this carries.”
Smith is serving as deputy chief at the Office of the Chief at the Army Reserve in Washington. She is a 26-year veteran of the Army and has served in Afghanistan, Panama and Costa Rica as well as stateside assignments.
“It is indeed a new era in America’s military when our most accomplished leaders are able to recognize who they are and serve the country they love at the same time," Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network said in a statement.
Smith's spouse is Tracey Hepner, director of operations for the Military Partners and Families Coaliton, an advocacy and support organization for LGBT members of the military.
Hepner presented Smith with her stars at Friday's ceremony.
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There are NO real choices in this election.. I will not be voting, then I can blame those that voted for putting a flip-flop in office or keeping the same person that blames EVERYTHING on the past president in..
I'll vote for whichever out of party person appears on the ballot, as I always do.
Disgraceful. The far left is systematically undermining the world's strongest military.
Explain how this woman undermines the military in any way?
Oh wow, surprise.... someone using a clobber passage out of context. Read on my friend...
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Romans 2, NIV
16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Gal 4:16 (KJV)
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2 Peter 3:3 (KJV)
This guy gives standing at attention a whole new meaning.
now she got her own rainbow party battalion adviser for the top of the W.H.
To Jeff Frank: I'm surprised that in this day and age, someone still sees Communists behind every tree. I can't imagine why you'd post such a comment regarding an article about promotion of a new General. Frankly, Mr. Frank, the implication of a Communist General makes we want to laugh out loud, because it's too absurd to be frightening.
Thank you Tammy for your service.
“I don’t think I need to be focused on that," Stripes quoted Smith as saying. "What is relevant is upholding Army values and the responsibility this carries.”
So, why even mention it?
The magazine asked her that question. That is how she answered. Can you not read?
Probably because she was being interviewed and they asked her the $64,000 question.
they asked. she told. end of story.
This is reminiscent of the Chick-Fil-A story.
They asked, the question was answered, uproar ensues...
As they say in court, "asked and answered".
Move on.
It's good to know that everyone that want s to serve will have the opportunity. We don't have the draft, and very rich and politicians do not encourage their children to join. There are a few gay people that feel extremely patriotic and have a sense of service, and I think it's great they don't have to look over their shoulders while fulfilling a great service to the nation. Best hopes and wishes to all who serve in the military. You should be honored above all others.
Thanks for your sensible comment. Totally agree.
Nothing has been answered. It remains to be seen if corporate dollars (like those promised by the Chik-Fil-A corporation opposed to non-traditional values and ethics) will be enough to restore traditional laws and values in America.
Lobbying Congress to restore laws banning sodomy, abortion, and gay marriage will be very expensive and take years. THEN banasy's "answer" will come.
My statement was part of another conversation.
They asked her a question, she gave her answer.
Reading more into it than what was posted is absurd.
A great group of people to be on the front lines in a battlefield.
A Reservist and a woman. Still pretty far from Active-Duty, gay man.
I thank your Jesus for you being elderly as well. You will soon go to your grave taking your hate with you. Good riddance.
Your comment is uncalled for. As a gay man myself, I say "shame on you." Why is it that my communty feels like we need to wallow in the same mire that those who do not understand or those who do NOT wish to or even try to understand who we are as a people group? It's one thing to protest, it's another to sling mud, call names and act exactlyl like those who oppose us are expecting of us. Grow up.
My comment is to you and those like you, SS.
It's a shame she's the first openly gay general, but there have been many many gay generals before her. We had a gay 4 star general in the 90s.