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7.22.2010

lt. dan choi officially discharged from army

Lt. Dan Choi, who has emerged as one of the most outspoken activists against the U.S. military's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy, has been official discharged from the Army: Outspoken gay soldier discharged from Army. Choi released a statement saying he had been honorably discharged:
"This is both an infuriating and painful announcement," Choi said. "But my service continues. ... Remaining silent when our family and community members are fired or punished for who they truly are would be an unequivocal moral dereliction that tarnishes the honor of the uniform and insults the meaning of America."

Choi told CNN he received the news through a phone call from his Army National Guard battalion commander. His discharge, however, actually became effective on June 29, according to Eric Durr, a National Guard spokesman.

"You prepare yourself," Choi said. "I built an armor up."
Choi, a 2003 West Point graduate, is fluent in Arabic, was an infantry platoon leader, and served with his unit in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. He's obviously an intelligent, capable and valuable serviceman... but none of that seems to matter because he happens to be gay.

Still, don't expect a discharge to silence or stop Lt. Dan Choi. This is the guy who chained himself to the White House fence in protest -- twice. You can bet Choi will not rest until DADT is dead and done. More here: DADT Protester Lieutenant Choi Is Officially Discharged From Army.