“I am a soldier. I am a gay man. I believe there is no greater honor than to serve in uniform. I cannot tell my name. And I’m exhausted. As the country slowly—very slowly—approaches a turning point in the debate over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” I want to offer some perspective on what it is like to be a soldier under this policy. On how I, the commander of a unit in the United States military, balance the tasks of soldiering, leading soldiers, and watching over my shoulder, constantly, lest I reveal my true self and risk my career. And, finally, on why DADT not only serves to drain some of the military’s best talent but also erodes several of the most valuable lessons service has taught me.” #LGBT - × × ×