Page 11 - Davis-Monthan AFB Desert Lightning News 7-2-15

Desert Lightning News July 2, 2015 11

From LGBT, Page 3 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb her wife’s name in public, openly
Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews care for her when she is ill and
receive benefits like all military
cline of the military if LGBT men for her and her work center. ernment changed its position, the married couples.

and women were allowed to join. “I really enjoy what I do,” said states followed suit.” “It’s nice to know I won’t lose my
job for being me,” said McIntyre.
“We’ve been working with every- Dodson. “People have told me I was Although the repeal didn’t
As we celebrate LGBT Pride
one this entire time, but now be- helpful in getting them to where have a major impact on Dodson Month, we remember the men
and women who inspired a ripple
cause there’s awareness, things have they are in their career.” professionally, it allowed her to of change in the mindset of soci-
ety simply by staying true to who
changed,” said McIntyre. “It should There is more for Dodson to do in marry her partner of seven years. they are. LGBT Pride Month is not
about celebrating sexual orienta-
be a matter of your work ethic, not her current job, but she holds aspi- In April, Dodson and her wife tion, it is about raising awareness
for LGBT equality.
who you go home to. If you’re doing rations of becoming the base train- welcomed their second son into
“I’m glad the military is spread-
your job, what’s the difference?” ing manager to help educate others their family. ing awareness that people should
be more tolerant of others, even if
McIntyre’s dedication to her in their training responsibilities. “I could go on for hours about they don’t agree with the situation,”
said McIntyre.
country and service are evident. LGBT service members have how much I love having my two
Diversity is one of our greatest
“I find a sense of pride in my faithfully served their country with boys,” she said. strengths, and the pursuit of equal-
ity is fundamental to the American
job,” said McIntyre. “It’s stressful, professionalism and courage just The love she has for her family story, said Panetta. During Pride
month, and every month, let’s cel-
but rewarding.” like their fellow service members, is clear, and so is her apprecia- ebrate our rich diversity and re-
new our enduring commitment to
Master Sgt. Zearlina Dodson, putting their country before them- tion of having additional options equality for all.

NCO in charge of training for the selves, said Leon Panetta, former to support them following the

Maintenance Squadron, is also a director of the CIA. The repeal of lift on gay rights limitations for

dedicated wing member who faces Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell enabled these federal employees.

challenges about her personal life. service members to be proud of “My focus in life is taking care

“My work ethic and ability to do their service while being proud of of my two kids, and that has noth-

my job well have nothing to do with who they are, in and out of uniform. ing to do with being gay or not,”

who I’m married to,” said Dodson. Both McIntyre and Dodson are said Dodson.

“There is nothing about my person- married because Don’t Ask/Don’t McIntyre is thankful to no lon-

al life that impacts my ability to do Tell was repealed, and gay marriage ger experience scrutiny about her

my job to the best of my ability.” was legalized in many states. relationships or her phone calls,

Dodson finds joy in watching “The repeal was a stepping stone and to not hear judgmental whis-

wing members’ growth throughout to states legalizing gay marriage,” pers over who brings her lunch.

their career, and has lofty goals both said Dodson. “Once the federal gov- She now has the freedom to say

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