In the wake of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Lee Reinhart, a Chicago veteran of both the Navy and the Coast Guard, who was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," is scheduled to take the oath of enlistment on Monday, Oct. 24, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. at the Center on Halsted.
After serving honorably in the Navy 1995-1999, he chose to return to duty in the Coast Guard after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He was only allowed to serve four months before a commander used the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy to end his service.
The oath of enlistment will be administered by Congressman Mike Quigley. Other elected officials, gay veterans, family and least one active duty Navy officer with whom he served aboard ship will attend.
"It has been over nine years since my country showed me the door because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell," he wrote to friends. "I never gave up hope or the love for my country and the desire to once again return to duty."
Read a recent interview, "Lee Reinhart reflects on impact of Don't Ask, Don't Tell," at the link www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php or hear a recent Windy City Queercast chat at new.windycityqueercast.com/shows_details.html
