[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO TWO PROUD VETERANS

                                 ______


                          HON. GERRY E. STUDDS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 27, 1996

  Mr. STUDDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to two courageous men 
whose personal triumphs over discrimination in the military helped 
hasten the day when all Americans will have the right to serve their 
country.
  Today marks the retirement from active service of Petty Officer V. 
Keith Meinhold, an openly gay man who successfully challenged the 
military ban in court and has continued to serve with honor in the U.S. 
Navy.
  The case of Meinhold versus Department of Defense began in 1992, when 
Petty Officer Meinhold affirmed on national television that he is gay. 
It ended more than 2 years later, when the Justice Department declined 
to appeal a decision in Meinhold's favor by the U.S. Court of Appeals 
for the Ninth Circuit. The court ruled that Petty Officer Meinhold 
could not be discharged simply for stating that he was gay and ordered 
the Navy to reinstate him.
  Since then, Meinhold has served with distinction as an aviation 
warfare systems operator first class at the Naval Air Station on 
Whidbey Island, WA. By all accounts, his performance as a sonar analyst 
and instructor has been exemplary. His latest evaluation describes him 
as ``a top notch professional * * * with uncompromising standards. * * 
* highly respected and trusted by superiors and subordinates alike.''
  His commander notes that ``his inspirational leadership has 
significantly contributed to the efficiency, training, and readiness of 
my squadron.'' That squadron has been called the most combat ready unit 
in the Pacific fleet. So much, Mr. Speaker, for ``good order, 
discipline, and morale.''
  At 13:30 hours Pacific time today, Petty Officer Meinhold will say 
goodbye to his comrades in Patrol Squadron 46 and give his final 
salute--a proud gay veteran who has honored us all by his courage and 
dignity.
  Sadly, Mr. Speaker, this past week also brought news of the death 
from AIDS of another pioneer in the fight against discrimination in the 
military. Sergeant First Class Perry J. Watkins was a true hero who 
challenged the ban years before it became a major national issue.
  Sergeant Watkins was an outstanding soldier who served on active duty 
for 14 years, including tours in Korea and Vietnam. His commanding 
officer called him ``one of our most respected and trusted soldiers,'' 
awarding him 85 out of a possible 85 points for performance and 
professionalism.
  Watkins had been completely candid about this sexual orientation from 
the start of his Army career in 1968. He was permitted to re-enlist 
three times before the Army adopted a more stringent policy on 
homosexuality and sought his discharge in 1981.
  In 1989, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ordered the 
Army to allow Watkins to reenlist, citing the fact that it had done so 
repeatedly ``with only positive results.'' In 1990, the Supreme Court 
refused to hear the Government's appeal.
  Sergeant Watkins never returned to the Army. A year after the appeal 
was rejected, the Army settled the case, agreeing to let Watkins retire 
with full benefits, back pay, an honorable discharge, and a retroactive 
promotion to sergeant first class.
  I wish that Perry Watkins, who did so much to end this cruel and 
senseless policy, could have lived to see his goal finally achieved. It 
is in large part because of what he did that it will be achieved, and 
for this he will always be remembered.

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