May 26, 2010

A Letter from Corporal Juan C. Perezortiz:¨As an 18-year-old, first generation immigrant from Mexico and a newly sworn in American citizen...

...military service seemed the best way to repay my fellow citizens¨


May 26, 2010

President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

As an 18-year-old, first generation immigrant from Mexico and a newly sworn in American citizen, military service seemed the best way to repay my fellow citizens for giving my family and me a shot at a better life.

I enlisted in the Marine Corps as an Aircraft Ordnance Man. USMC Boot Camp was physically and mentally challenging, but it didn’t compare to the persecution I would encounter later in the Marines.

As a new PFC in an Aircraft Ordnance (AO) Shop in California, I developed a reputation for being a hard worker, always looking for extra duties and opportunities to expand my skills. As a result, my work ethic and excellent evaluations, I was promoted to an E3, a lance corporal. These were my best days in the military. Unfortunately, they were short numbered. With the arrival of a new gunnery sergeant, my career in the Marines soon became a struggle to survive.

The gunnery sergeant enjoyed socializing with the junior Marines in the shop, frequently taking them out drinking and to the strip clubs. I was expected to participate. I tried to be a team player so I would not be singled out. The shop soon became the squadron’s “frat pad.” Most conversation revolved around girls and hookups, often described by my comrades as “bitches and hoes.”

This behavior, beyond being tolerated, was often sponsored and enjoyed by my superiors. “Gunny” usually joined in, bragging about cheating on his wife. This environment was repulsive and contradictory to the core values of the Marine Corps: honor, courage, commitment — values I tried to live by. I was miserable, but felt powerless to do anything about it.

I still went out drinking with the guys, but tried to avoid going to strip bars or swapping stories about sexual experiences. But then Gunny became suspicious. He told me he suspected I was a “faggot” and that we should see what the rest of the guys thought about it.

Everything changed that day. My evaluation scores began to drop dramatically — from the 4.9 out of 5 average I had for three years to a 1.0. After obtaining copies of my evaluations, I learned that my direct supervisors’ scores had been crossed out and lowered by the gunnery sergeant. I had never failed at anything in life before and I was not going to let anyone tell me I was not a good Marine.

My only way out, I believed, was to transfer out of my unit. At first my requests were repeatedly denied. Eventually though, after numerous letters of recommendations from other military officers, I was transferred.

I was promoted and, when I left my new unit, I had numerous letters of recommendation. The detachment’s commanding officer wrote accolades such as, “You are a Marine with exceptional core values… a great asset to the Armed Services” and “You are a Marine of great caliber and will go far in your military career.”

Unfortunately, I was required to return to my former training squadron just months before my six year contract was up. I was back under Gunny’s command. Those last few months were a living nightmare. I constantly dreaded going to work and was afraid for my physical safety.

With the support of friends, I managed to serve eight years. I love the Marines and, under different command circumstances, I would have continued my service. In three weeks, I’ll graduate from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in structural engineering. With the your help and with open service in place at the Pentagon, I’d signup and serve my country again.

Mr. President, thank you for supporting repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I hope that, with your leadership, no other service member will have to go through the persecution I endured in order to serve our country. HERE

Respectfully,
Former Corporal Juan C. Perezortiz
United States Marine Corps

“Stories from the Frontlines: Letters to President Barack Obama” is a new media campaign launched to underscore the urgent need for congressional action and presidential leadership at this critical point in the fight to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). Every weekday morning as we approach the markup of the Defense Authorization bill in the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, SLDN and a coalition of voices supporting repeal, will share an open letter to the President from a person impacted by this discriminatory law. We are urging the President to include repeal in the Administration’s defense budget recommendations, but also to voice his support as we work to muster the 15 critical votes needed on the Senate Armed Services Committee to include repeal. The Defense Authorization bill represents the best legislative vehicle to bring repeal to the president’s desk. It also was the same vehicle used to pass DADT in 1993. By working together, we can help build momentum to get the votes! We ask that you forward and post these personal stories. ATTENTION PLEASE: More Military Stories HERE


QUICKLY READ THE REAL FACTS: The TRUTH about DADT HERE



· Thanks to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
· Thanks to Corporal Juan C. Perezortiz, United States Marine Corps

6 comments:

motheramelia said...

That was a great letter from the former corporal. There are a lot of people like "gunny" in the military and I'm sure they make life hell for gays and lesbians. The only way to make it stop is for DADT to be repealed and then it will take years (if ever) to weed out the bullies and haters.

fs said...

Corporal Perezortiz' letter was painful to read, but I know it's fairly typical of the armed forces. I hope Obama reads it and takes it to heart.

On a different topic, Leonardo, I thought you might enjoy this time-lapse video of clouds and stars over the Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador.

I don't think it's your volcano, but I'll bet you've seen such views at night. (Here in the city, it's easy to forget there are so many stars in the sky.)

Leonard said...

Dear fs,

What a treat to visit Ecuador...thank you. The Cotopaxi Volcano is stunning and yes, we have STARS (shooting ones too) and we have FLAMES shooting out of our nearest peaked friend at various times during the year. When I first moved here I would leap out of bed in the middle of the night and rush outside and watch it erupt...now I don´t even hear it and people tell me the next day when it´s been especially active...I´m lava jaded, a new form of social hardening...yikes, just what I need! Thanks again fs (and I hope you´re feeling especially fit)

Leonard said...

Dear Mother Amelia,

Nice to see you too! Yes, all form of Gunny´s have been around my lifetime...I noticed almost a pure sense of shock from Juan Perezortiz (it seemed nice and refreshing)...anyway, the Gunny´s are just a step away from most everyones life...men know him and most likely women too.

It´s nice to think Nobeler thoughts than Gunny has to offer...something along the line of what Corporal Juan has in mind.

fs said...

Well it's nice to know that you can sleep soundly at the foot of an active volcano, Leonardo. Says good things about your nerves and your frame of mind. ;-)

Looks like you have some interesting posts up on your blog. I'll have to check it out in more detail.

I'm doing well, thanks for asking. Hope all has been good with you and Juan Carlos, too. Que Dios te bendiga, amigo.

Göran Koch-Swahne said...

All blessings to former Corporal Perezortiz! His courage is the way ahead for all Human beings!