Updated 10/23/2009 06:04 AM
Gay soldier fighting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- An openly gay member of the New York National Guard says he isn't holding his breath on a repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Lieutenant Daniel Choi spoke at Syracuse University about life as a gay man in the military and his fight to stay in uniform. Choi served in Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division. After returning from his tour, he announced he's gay.
According to the military, Choi violated the 16-year-old "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prevents service members from telling anyone about their sexuality.
President Obama recently announced he will overturn the policy. Choi says lawmakers need to know the time is now.
"It's not just about my career. It's about so many other people that are getting kicked out right now. I mean, there are hundreds that have been kicked out under the Obama administration, thousands that have been kicked out since the beginning of this policy," Choi said.
This summer, a military review board recommended Choi be discharged from the military. He is now waiting for a final disposition on that discharge.