On that same day as her severance, attorneys filed suit on Grethe's behalf in U.S. District Court in Seattle challenging the ban and requesting reinstatement. There would be many visits to the Court during the ensuing 25 months leading up to a judge's ruling that the ban was unconstitutional and based on prejudice. And, in 1994, Col. Cammermeyer was reinstated in the National Guard as Chief Nurse. Almost three years later, she retired after 31 years of service to our country.

Grethe is not only a friend, but one of the most talented professionals I have had the privilege to work beside. She joined my company, GAYBC Radio, in 1999. Many people were aware of her courageous battle as a freedom fighter for servicemembers everywhere, especially after her autobiography, Serving In Silence, was made into a film starring Glenn Close as Grethe.

In 1998, Grethe ran for Congress in Washington State's 2nd Congressional District. And, while the people of her district lost the opportunity to have an intelligent and compassionate voice on Capitol Hill, the LGBT Community was even better served by Grethe's voice on the nation's first 24/7 LGBT (internet) radio station, GAYBC. Her wisdom and steady diet of common sense resonated with hundreds of thousands of listeners who heard her weekday program.

Grethe was as gracious with her adversaries as with her best friends. Above, she is speaking to thousands of people in the street at an anti-hate rally in 2001 outside the GAYBC Studios in Seattle. Across the street, Pastor Fred Phelps was picketing. To the right, Grethe is in the GAYBC studios several months earlier with Fred Phelps, Jr., son of the Topeka-based anti-Gay preacher.

I visited with Grethe and her partner Diane Divelbess while we were attending a Seattle Storm WNBA game on the eve of President Obama certifying the order to end the ban 22 years after she began waging the war. She told me that while she'd always looked forward to the day, it was hard to believe it was finally upon us.

To Grethe and all of my other beloved friends who are among the tens of thousands of amazing Gays and Lesbians who have served with honor, bravery and a commitment to defend our nation and our way of life, thank you for your dedication to keeping America safe. Your sacrifice in spite of injustice for so many years says even more about your character.

Another Wrong Has Been Righted. This is an important day in American History. Congratulations!!

<- Grethe Cammermeyer with her partner Diane and son, Tom Hawken at our table at the 2000 HRC Seattle dinner.