The Charlotte Observer features a photo of a soldier writing a letter to his fiancee, (click photo at right to enlarge) including a small story of how he proposed to her. He’s sitting in an Army barrack in his fatigues. His punishment for openly identifying his heterosexual sexual orientation? Nothing.

If, perhaps, a similar photo had been made and the fiancee’s name changed to a male name, this hard working soldier would be receiving a discharge.

All we ask for is simple equality. We ask that LGBT servicemembers be given the freedom for which they’ve sacrificed a safe life at home, their families and friends, and for which they continually place their lives in harm’s way. What better way is their to honor these LGBT American patriots than treating them with dignity and respect, just as their heterosexual colleagues are?