A Silent Force
Men and Women Serving Under Don't Ask, Don't Tell
by
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About the Book
While the White House and the Pentagon continue to study gay men and women serving in the US military, the gay service members continue to fight in silence. Their stories need to be told. Unfortunately the country in which they have chosen to serve and protect silences these men and women. They continue to serve with honor even though the law of Don't Ask, Don't Tell strips them from simple dignities and devalues their service everyday it is enforced. In face of this discrimination, we have silent heroes coming out to tell their stories. This photo project is one way for these men and women to have a voice in the national debate, which their freedoms are at stake. They do not wish to loose their careers and they do not wish to bring discredit upon the military. They only wish to be given the same treatment as their straight comrades. They hope to finally abide by a new law that would finally allow them the dignity to uphold the fundamental values of honesty and integrity as they continue to serve. This project is meant to associate the humanity of this debate and to create a visual for those to understand what it means to serve in the closet.
About the Author
Former SSgt Anthony Loverde entered the Air Force in February 2001. He held two specialty careers in both the maintenance and operation fields. As a Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) technician he ensured reliable and accurate weapon systems in Europe, South West Asia and in the USA. He was awarded early promotion to Senior Airman, garnered Distinguish Graduate from the USAF Airman Leadership School and obtained his 7-level proficiency within his first four years of service. After completion of his initial enlistment, he was accepted to cross train into a critical manned career field as a C-130 Loadmaster. SSgt Loverde deployed twice to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His last deployment earned him and his fellow crew members two Air Medals for 61 combat missions flown into Iraq in face of small arms fire, surface to air missiles and inclement weather. SSgt Loverde was honorably discharged in July 2008 under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy for making a statement. Within three weeks of separation, he accepted employment in Iraq to support the US Army mission as a defense contractor. He held several posts in Iraq and Afghanistan and received great respect by his military unit as an openly gay contractor before returning to California in May 2009. He now seeks a master degree at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. In 2010, SSgt Loverde testified in the Log Cabin Republicans vs. USA, which declared the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law unconstitutional. He now seeks re-instatement into the USAF and is represented by Morrison Foerster LLP and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). Loverde is a named plaintiff in the case Almy et al vs. United States Department of Defense, filed December 2010. The case remains active. (Updated May 4, 2011)