TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A staff sergeant in the Air Force Reserve says a lesbian flight nurse discharged under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy would be welcomed back if she wins reinstatement.
Staff Sgt. Stacey Julian is the latest in a parade of former colleagues of Maj. Margaret Witt testifying in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. Witt is seeking reinstatement by arguing that her firing failed to further military goals.
Julian told the judge Tuesday that Witt was an excellent nurse who held a respected job — she was in charge of making sure the unit followed proper protocols. Others witnesses include retired Sr. Master Sgt. James Schaffer, who said Monday that Witt’s dismissal was so unfair, it was part of the reason he retired in 2007.
Lawyers for the Air Force suggested in cross examination the witnesses don’t really know how all 150 people in the unit feel about gays serving openly.
