Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Celebration

On September 20, 2011, at Waterside on the Norfolk waterfront, a celebration will be held beginning at 6:00 PM in recognition of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell which becomes effective on that date. Given that Norfolk is home to the largest U.S. Navy base in the world and the fact that Hampton Roads also has numerous other military installation, a local celebration is most appropriate. An honorary host committee is being formed. The current honorary hosts are as follows (over half of my personal friends):

Honorary Host Committee:

Jamie Barnett, Rear Admiral, USNR (Retired)

Sen Ralph Northam, Veteran, US Army

Del David Englin, Veteran, USAF

Gregory Smith, Veteran USN (1977-'87)
Don King, Veteran, USN
Tracy Thorne-Begland, Veteran, USNR
Joan Darrah, CAPT, USN (Retired)
William Harmon, Veteran, USMC
Thomas Field, COL, USAR (Retried)
Christy Berghoff, Veteran, USAF (1999-’03)
Robert Roman, Veteran, USN
James Hermansen-Parker, Veteran, USN
Beth Whyle, Veteran, USN
Roxie Hoven, Veteran, USN
Thomas Formisano, Veteran USN (1985-'93)
Deborah Maurio, Veteran, USN
Dana Miller, Veteran, USN (1999-'10)
Sherrise Powers, CSM, US Army (Retired)
Nicole Carry, Veteran, USN (1991-'97)
Adrian Bond, Veteran, US Army (1986-'99)

The event is free and open to the public and as more details become available, I will write further about the event which I obviously plan to attend. Over time, I believe that the demise of DADT will have a major impact on LGBT life in Hampton Roads.