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ARLINGTON, Va. — Former Army Colonel Tammy Smith has become the first openly gay flag officer to come out while currently serving in the U.S. military.
Smith was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in a private ceremony on Friday at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Smith received her stars from her wife, Tracey Hepner.
Tammy Smith (right), with her spouse Tracey Hepner.
“For years, gay and lesbian generals and admirals were forced to hide their families in order to protect their careers. It is a great day for our military and for our nation when this courageous leader is finally able to recognize her wife for her support and sacrifice in the same way that all military families should be recognized for their service to our country,” said Sue Fulton, a West Point graduate and member of the OutServe Board of Directors.
Aubrey Sarvis, an Army Veteran and Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, praised Smith’s leadership and encouraged others would follow her lead.
“It is indeed a new era in America’s military when our most accomplished leaders are able to recognize who they are and serve the country they love at the same time. Brigadier General Smith made history today – not only as an exemplary service member who renders outstanding service to our nation with integrity and honor – but as a proud lesbian acknowledging the tremendous sacrifice her family makes in order for her to serve and advance,” said Savis.
“This day was long overdue, but I have no doubt more senior enlisted and officers will follow BG Smith in stepping forward smartly with their spouses and loved ones,” he said.
Smith is assigned as deputy chief in the Army Reserve Office of the Chief in Washington, D.C.
Filed under: Newsmakers
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As a Veteran, I think this is WONDERFUL!! Think of how much more intense concentration these Members will be able to bring on their responsibilities to the Troops, knowing that their dependent will be properly taken care of!! We simply MUST utilize the talents of the very best people we can possibly find, and extraneous BS has no business placing limits on the excellence of the United States Military!!
Fuck this shit.
this is wonderful anyone whos against this can go right to hell or “SUCK IT”
love it
OH WOW…..thank you President Obama!!!!!!! Equality!!!!!!!
Yes!! Congratzzzzz
Congrats!! That’s terrific!
This is great!! As a former soldier, I salute her!
Closets are for clothes! Congratulations… I’m so proud for you!
Congratulations!
this isn’t equality. it’s assimilation. and it’s disgusting. fuck the military.
Danica most of the time when people are so hard core against gays, it because they have gay tendencies themselves. So when Is your first lesbian date?????? As a veteran myself, if you haven’t served in the military then you don’t deserve a say in anything military. This Brigadier General deserves all of our salutes. Thank you General Smith.
@Danica Moreno..You don’t have respect for the Military?..Then GTFO of the USA,twat.
And congrats to General Smith and her partner.
Congrats to you General Smith you have earned it.
Happy for you! Glad to hear the homophobic environment is shrinking to the point that you can serve with ease. You earned every bit of your success.
We are getting there.