I came out in 1967, yet strangely was allowed to continue serving in the Air Force.
This was in the deep days of immediate, without question, discharge for being considered mentally ill.
I was expecting such a discharge, so was totally shocked as were my immediate supervisor(s) and Commander that I was allowed to stay in.
The only thing that happened to me was being reassigned from a special duty assignment in Armed Forces Police; assigned out of the Security Police law enforcement field; and re-assigned as Assistant Wing/Base Training Administrator. This was coupled with being placed into the Education and Training Career Field for 5 1/2 years.
In 1972, I was reassigned back into Law Enforcement due to the Bader-Meinhoff Gang terrorist activities against American personnel in Germany, coupled with a critical need for "Cops".
From 1972 to 1980, I went back and forth between Law Enforcement and Education and Training assignments.
In 1980, I was appointed as a First Sergeant and I stayed in that duty for my last seven years in the AF.
The one single regret I have to this day, is I was never able to wear the uniform I wanted so much to be in.
Namely an AF Blue skirt with a light blue over blouse, and my Senior Master Sergeant/1st Sgt Diamond insignia on my sleeves.
So "the times they are a' changing" as the old song goes.
I wish all our Sisters and Brothers who will benefit with this new policy change well in their military careers.