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As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC-07) will have the ability to majorly influence the Military Readiness Enhancement Act when it comes up for a vote.

On his Congressional website, McIntyre says he is a “strong advocate for our nation’s military retirees and veterans,” and that he is “continually working to ensure that our military is prepared to meet the challenges and demands of the 21st century.” Further, he says it is “increasingly important that we provide our military with the resources and training to protect our nation during periods of conflict” and that “in order to preserve our national security for the future, we must strengthen our commitment to the armed forces by ensuring that their needs and sacrifices are recognized today.”

Despite McIntyre’s strong record on military support and readiness, he has yet to speak out on behalf of the thousands of gay and lesbian service members and veterans victimized by the anti-gay “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, the law banning the open military service of LGBT citizens. The U.S. military has discharged more than 13,500 gay and lesbian service members since DADT’s implementation in 1994. Among the thousands booted from their honorable and courageous service were more than 800 mission-critical troops. In the past five years, the military has discharged at least 59 Arabic and Farsi linguists. Further, our government has wasted more than $360 million enforcing the law, critical funds that could have been used to support rather than undermine our military readiness. The facts point to only one conclusion: DADT is a threat to our military.

Throughout March and the beginning of April, activists in and around Wilmington will engage community members and collect 13,500 plastic toy soldiers to be delivered to McIntyre, each representing the true American patriots who heard the call to duty but were discharged simply because they are gay. Repealing DADT is just one step our elected leaders can take in their commitment to keep our nation strong and safe. We call on Mike McIntyre to co-sponsor the Military Readiness Enhancement Act today and support the repeal of this wasteful and damaging policy.

This is a statewide campaign now, we have Charlotte marching on Sue Myrick
Charlotte (Myrick): http://rainbowaction.org/marchonmyrick/

We have Raleigh Marching on Kay Hagan and Richard Burr Raleigh/Triangle (Burr/Hagan): http://rainbowaction.org/standwithhonor/

March on McIntyre Campaign contact:

Ryan Burris 910-262-7787
ryanburris@noh8nc.com
www.facebook.com/jerrygarciafan

Note: Donations/contributions to CRANE or other organizing groups represented on this website are not tax-deductible. Any funds donated will be used to support the March on Myrick/Stand With Honor/March on McIntyre Campaigns, purchase toy soldiers and deliver them to Washington, D.C. Any funds left over will be donated to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and Servicemembers United.