CALIFORNIA – After being discharged by the U.S. Army under the now-repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy in July, Dan Choi has now been asked by the Department of Defense to pay up for “the unearned portion” of his enlistment bonus.
According to an account statement posted on Twitter, Choi had until Jan. 20 to pay $2,519.18. In a letter to President Barack Obama, the discharged Army lieutenant said he had no intention of paying.
“Six months after my discharge under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy I have tried to move forward with my life, and I was inspired by your clarion calls for our progress as one nation towards a more just society. I have served my country in combat and I have tried to live my life by the values I learned at West Point in continued service to our nation,” Choi wrote. “But I still find myself on a domestic battlefield for basic dignity as an American citizen. I know I am not alone in this fight because of the desperate cries for help I get from discharged, unemployed, discriminated, and suicidal veterans.”
Choi concluded his letter with, “My obligations to take a stand, knowing all the continued consequences of my violations, are clear. I refuse to pay your claim.”
He then signed it, Dan Choi, Former Army First Lieutenant.
The full text of Dan Choi’s letter can be found at ltdanchoi.com
