Friday, June 26, 2009

I Lieutenant Daniel Choi needs our help

Friends,

As many of you know, on Tuesday June 30th the Army National Guard will make their decision to fire (discharge) me based solely on my honest statement (“I am gay”). I have chosen to stand trial to fight to stay in the service. (Location: Thompson Rd. Armory, Syracuse NY… 8am)

The army has appointed me an attorney, and he is awesome. He says we can win. Our case (and future appeals if I do get fired) requires testimony from people who can attest to my character/abilities. ANYONE who believes I should be retained (for whatever reason) or feels the army is better off keeping me can write a statement.

Will you please consider writing, signing and scanning a letter? (I have an example below. It can be of any length)

It will be included in the official archive for my future cases as well. Will you ask all your friends to do the same? You an send your letters to dan.choi@knightsout.org. Please make sure I receive them by the 29th.


EXAMPLE LETTER:


June ___, 2009


To Members of the Board:

My name is ______ and I urge you not to discharge 1st LT Daniel Choi from the Army National Guard because he is a capable soldier and leader who can continue to play a vital role in a time of war. His dedication to West Point and Army Values brings credit to the military. His fighting spirit is inspiring.

[Add your observations about me here:]

[You can say things like, "He is a West Point Graduate who speaks Arabic, and Korean, and has studied Farsi: skills the military needs;" “I have seen him on TV and he is well spoken;” “He lives up to the army values and represents these values as he refuses to lie about his identity;” “He continues to live by West Point’s honor code;” “He can be a bridge to the Middle-East,” etc.]

[If you've worked with me before, please comment about it.]

[If you want to share your personal credentials please do! “I served in the navy.,” “I am a CEO.,” “I am a city council member.," “I am a mother of three.,” “I teach an ethics class.,” “I am a pastor.,” “I am his cousin.,” “I am gay and KnightsOut gives us hope.,” “I am straight and I support honesty.,” etc.]


I am available for further comment if necessary, my email is _______.


[signed]


Ms. Jane Doe



To send a quick online letter of support for Dan, click here:



http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/SupportDan

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