Statement by Aubrey Sarvis on the passing of Army Staff Sergeant Darren Manzella
Background: Decorated Army Staff Sergeant Manzella was one of the first active duty service members to tell his story as an openly gay solider to the world sitting down with 60 Minutes' Lesley Stahl that later led to Manzella's discharge under "don't ask, don't tell." Aubrey Sarvis, served as executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, the group that legally represented Manzella and later brought him onto staff.
"As a member of the world's bravest group of men and women, Army Staff Sergeant Darren Manzella stood out as a shining beacon of selfless courage. He was one of the most unassuming and remarkable soldiers I have ever known. It was my honor to serve with and help represent this extraordinary young man.
"Sgt. Manzella put a proud and brave face on the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal fight, telling America and the Pentagon on 60 Minutes that he was a gay soldier about to complete another tour of duty in the middle east. Darren understood he would most likely be discharged under that terrible law, but still, he wanted to make the fight to hasten the day 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' would end. For this decorated medic and solider, it was about proudly serving without having to lie.
"Sgt. Manzella helped shape hearts and minds bringing America and the military together on a difficult issue. Quite frankly, he chose the more difficult path over the easy one.
"After he left the Army, Darren worked for SLDN for several months and continued to tell his story to policy makers on Capitol Hill and at the White House, and clearly his story made a huge difference and moved lawmakers to act. The SLDN family mourns for one of our own, and we grieve with and for his wonderful family his mother Nancy, father Michael, and Javier, Darren's husband of two months."
See coverage of Manzella's visit to Chicago in support of SLDN at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Gay-veterans-speak-about-Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell/19789.html .