''My sexual orientation certainly didn’t make a difference when I treated injuries and saved lives in the streets of Baghdad. It shouldn’t be a factor in allowing me to continue to serve.''

Army Sgt. Darren Manzella as quoted in an SLDN press release. Manzella spoke to the TV program ''60 Minutes'' in December 2007 about being gay and serving a 2nd tour of Iraq eventhough his command knew he was gay. Manzella also spoke with Metro Weekly in March of 2008. (SLDN)

''The discharge of battle-tested, talented service members like Sergeant Manzella weakens our military in a time of war. National security requires that Congress lift the ban on gays in the military and allow commanders to judge troops on their qualifications, not their sexuality.''

Adam Ebbin, the newly appointed Communications Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, regarding the discharge of Sgt Darren Manzella. (SLDN)