This year, marks the 16th anniversary of Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell, the controversial Pentagon policy allowing gays to serve in the US Military provided they do not disclose their sexual orientation. The compromise became policy under the Clinton administration, and persisted through George W. Bush’s tenure in the White House. President Obama has pledged to end Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell. Portland's own, Marc Abrams of KXL radio joins Michael Kieling's interview with Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, who while in command of a Marine supply unit, became the first US Military service member injured in the Iraq Occupation. (retired) Sergeant Alva is currently working with Democratic representative Martin Meehan of Massachusetts and a bipartisan group of representatives on Capitol Hill to reintroduce the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, legislation that would repeal the Pentagon's Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell policy regarding homosexual conduct.
Also on the program is Nathaniel Frank, author of the recently published book, 'Unfriendly Fire'. Actually a week after the interview was recorded, Frank was featured on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart.