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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I wonder if those making condemnations would say the same if a gay doctor discovered the cure for cancer. Of what difference does it make if they do the job in a superior manner> Judge Stewart
Brestep, so a person who hid runaway slaves until after the war exibited questionable values for not observing the current law?
Yup!
Big Mistake!
I think the no gays in military only applies to men. Carpet munchers are ok.
I assume carpet munching does not interfere with getting the job done. Probably has a male secretary.
You are pitifully disgusting.
I am very proud of her.... more military personel need to follow her example!
Based on all the ceremonies I have been used as a prop in during my military career something was not right because promotions to General are rarely private ceremonies.
LOL...I am the very model of a modern major general. I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral...
That's great! However, what are we gonna do with the err... separation laws? I mean, men and women are separated for a reason in the army. Correct me if I'm wrong, I admit my ignorance on the topic.
Glad to see it's not a Marine. Army accepts anything
Brigadier is only one star not (stars) here is a helpful reminder Be My Little General. B for Brigadier(one star) M for Major General (two stars) L for Lieutenant General (three stars) and General (four stars) CIVILIANS
On star on each shoulder. So whoever is pinning on her rank insignia would be pinning on TWO stars. One star per shoulder.
It is a math thing, just go with it.
As though none of her subordinates knew she was a lesbian.
Imagine if you could stroll through the National Cemetery late some evening and if by some magic the tombstones of all of the gay people who gave their lives in service to our country could somehow be illuminated. All across the hundreds of acres you'd see the lights from many, many graves of the fallen who gave their lives in defense of a Nation that treated them as second class citizens. Those of you who've posted hateful comments aren't deserving of the sacrifices made by any veterans.
Thank you!
You wish
You wish.
congratulations tammy smith – thanks for your commitment to our country and honesty in who you are.
The first of many. This is a good year for the human rights movement.
Good. Equality.
Well at least we know that she will be a better leader then half the narrow minded idiots who posted comments. You guys know that America is more than just the bible belt right?