29 Palms Residents React To Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal

TWENTYNINEPALMS –An active marine stationed at 29 Palms marine base didn’t want to be named, but was willing to accept whatever happens.

“Doesn’t really bother me just as long as it doesn’t cause any constraints out in the field. That’s all I care about.”

Defense Secretary Robert Gates met with the Senate Armed Services Committee to outline a plan to repeal the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

It comes a week after President Obama vowed to repeal the policy.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell bans openly gays, lesbians or bisexuals from serving in the military but also prevents the military from asking about sexual orientation.

A repeal could be as controversial as the policy.

More than 13,000 servicemen and women have been discharged under the policy since 1993.

Last year that number was just over 400 people, the lowest number in decades.

“This is America and you shouldn’t be snubbed because of your sexual orientation,” says Pete Sakaske, who used to work on the base.

“As long as your protecting the freedoms. The freedom to be gay, the freedom to be straight as long as your fighting for something you believe in, doesn’t matter,” says resident Adam Zimmer.

The plan involves creating a high level working group to review how to implement the repeal.

He wants an update in 45 days and hopes to be able to announce a way to make it work by the end of the year.

“I trust the military’s judgement in terms of putting a good game plan and organizing it correctly so that it doesn’t bring as much pressure on individuals who this might effect,” says Joe Diaz who supports repealing the policy.

The next hearing is expected February 11th.