Reflections of a Marine veteran
One of the proudest moments of my life was on Sept. 11 2004. When I signed up for the delayed entry program for the United States Marine Corps, and swearing for the first time the Enlistment Oath. Prouder was I still the next year when my senior drill instructor handed me an Eagle Globe and Anchor, after The Crucible, a challenge all Marines must face before earning the lifelong title of Marine. From that day on, I was what I had always wanted to be, A United States Marine.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ended my career in the Marine Corps, but it only began my fight for the rights of the LGBT community. Three years after my Honorable Discharge and separation from my beloved Corps, now a San Diego Pride Board Member and I have another day that ranks right up there with those two. The day I joined my active duty and veteran brother’s and sister’s in arms as we marched down University Avenue in the San Diego LGBT Pride parade.
For the first time in this country’s history, active duty and veterans marched proudly in an LGBT Pride parade. We were well received by a crowd of over 150,000 and finally those of our community who have put on the uniform at the risk of their own lives to serve, even amidst the oppression of the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy were honored as they always should have been.
The contingent’s message was simple, it wasn’t about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, it wasn’t about any one individual alive or fallen. It was about honoring the sacrifice our service members. Our airmen, our sailors, our soldiers, our Marines, our Coast Guard, and it was about honoring these Americans, regardless of the differences in race, religion, creed or sexual orientation. Marching with that contingent was a proud moment for all of us who have served, and for our community.
In the aftermath, the day now over I can be a bit political, as I believe that the advancement of our community, of our movement will be off the backs of people like those who marched in that parade. When our detractor’s learn of the heroism of our community, of our accomplishments, of our contributions, of our sacrifices, I believe then it will be that much harder for them to cast that vote or support that cause against us. That day we took a great step forward, and while Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is still active, and marriage equality for most is still out of reach, it certainly is around the corner. We are so close, and I realized that yesterday, as I marched with my Marine brother’s and sister’s in Pride.
WILL RODRIGUEZ-KENNEDY
Director At-Large, San Diego Pride Board of Directors
Council Member, San Diego County Veteran’s Advisory Council
Veteran, United States Marine Corps
Stay safe once the temperature rises
Although the summertime invokes images of baseball games, grilling and beach-time activities, many in our community are looking for ways and places to stay safe and cool.
As temperatures rise, it is important to make sure that the most vulnerable in our population are safe and healthy. Many older adults have difficulty with heat and can get into physical trouble before they even realize it. They can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke, exhaustion, hyperthermia and even death. In fact, after the age of 65, the chances of dying from the heat are ten times greater than that of a younger person.
Here are a few tips from the health and wellness staff of Senior Community Centers to keep you and your loved ones safe and cool this summer:
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Keep hydrated and drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol, soda or coffee as it can cause dehydration.
• Air out hot cars before getting into them.
• Avoid the sun during the hottest time of the day.
The Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center is operated by Senior Community Centers and is located at 1525 Fourth Ave. in downtown San Diego. The center is open seven days a week. For hours and more information, call 619-235-6572 or visit servingseniors.org.
For a list of locations of Cool Zone sites throughout San Diego County, visit CoolZones.org or call the County of San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services Call Center at 800-510-2020 and press 6.
PAUL DOWNEY
CEO and President, Senior Community Centers
San Diego LGBT Weekly welcomes letters from our readers. All submissions for publication must be accompanied by full name and daytime phone number (phone number is used to verify the letter’s authenticity and will not be published). Please limit letters to no more than 500 words. Send letters to editor@lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com.
