To the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard
Combat
is the ultimate team sport; it takes a collection of skills, talents,
and strengths. But most of all, it takes people—extraordinary people of
courage and character who are dedicated to the Constitution, and
willing to make sacrifices in the service of our Nation. This Pride
Month, we honor the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and
Intersex (LGBTQI+) Soldiers and Airmen who strengthen our National Guard
team.
It’s
been ten years since Congress repealed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
policy, which barred Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual service members from
openly serving in the Armed Forces. Its repeal signified three things
that endure today: First, dishonesty has no place in our military
culture. Second, we honor the diversity of our workforce and the power
that diversity provides. Third—and most important—who someone is and
whom they love has no bearing on their ability to serve our Nation.
It
doesn’t matter if we’re flying sorties in the Middle East, or filling
sandbags in the Midwest—our success depends on our strength as a team
and our ability to work together. Our success depends on our people.
We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQI+ service members, and commit to
an organization built on inclusion and dignity for all. It’s what it
means to serve with pride.
Sincerely,
Daniel R. Hokanson
General, U.S. Army
Chief, National Guard Bureau
Tony L. Whitehead
Senior Enlisted Advisor
National Guard Bureau