Don’t Ask Don’t Tell But Do Serve Your Country

Jeff didn’t join the Marines at 20 and then realize he was a homosexual. Key had been out of the “closet” for 20 years, but had an urge so profound to serve his country and, at age 34, he called a recruiter to see what the cut off age was, and was told 28.  His answer was not “bummer,” it was “shit.” The recruiter asked Key’s age and said to come down and he would see what he could do. After a self-written letter asking permission to serve his country, Jeff was accepted. Key went through boot camp as the squads “guide” the whole time, most everyone loses the guide title at some point during boot camp, but not Key. In a squad of young men, young enough to be his sons, he remained their leader…their guide. Much like my “hero” (my grandfather) who finished the police academy training 1st in his class at the age of 55. Marines see second place as unacceptable, just like Key did.

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