Gay Norfolk

Logan says the decision was “a no brainer.” “I come from a military oriented family,” he told OutMilitary.com.

“One of my grandfathers served in WWII, my dad and uncle both served and my mother is a veteran of the Gulf War.” “My parents actually met in the Army reserve,” he pointed out.

“Growing up I was exposed to a lot of army principles from my father who liked to act like a drill sergeant from time to time,” joked Logan, adding, “he wasn't as overbearing about it as some military parents that I’ve heard of; just really interested sharing his knowledge.” Logan recalls that when high school graduation drew near, his parents urged him to consider the Air Guard.

They advised him that joining would allow him to pay for and pursue a degree in graphic design at a state school and get some real world experience at the same time.

“Plus the Massachusetts Air National Guard seemed to have a ton of technical careers for a geek like me,” said Logan.

Logan, now 28 with the rank of TSgt, is a member of the 212th Engineering and Installation Squadron in Milford, Massachusetts.

“My unit specializes in the design and install of communications,” he said, proudly.

“I’m an engineering assistant and handle survey and computer aided drafting.

I get to do some of what I have loved to do all of my life: drawing!” Being enlisted in the Air Guard gives service members like Logan a unique perspective because he exists in two worlds: military and civilian.

Within the Air Guard Logan says he’s not received direct discrimination but admits that, perhaps service-wide, “there is quite a bit of ignorance about LGBT people’s lives.” “In Massachusetts we have good amount of LGBT exposure and tolerance thanks to marriage equality in our state,” he said.

“But you sometimes still hear some homophobic remarks.” “DADT made me feel nervous about speaking up to defend myself and the LGBT community against the lies and misguided notions people would sometimes say,” he continued.

“This caused me to create a serious, shielded demeanor during training that I believe reduced a lot of trust I could have had with my fellow Airmen.” “On the civilian side, in college and among friends I was open, honest and unafraid to reach out to lots of different people without a second thought,” said Logan.

“I was yearning to feel like that same person in the Air Guard.” Logan says all of his fear and frustration seemed to vanish when DADT was repealed in September of last year.

“I feel as though sexual orientation should be no more of an issue as race, gender, religion or even political views are when we have all taken an oath to serve our country,” he said.

“However, I can still see the flaw of inequality that is present and won't deny what is important to me as gay man.

Being gay in the military only becomes a problem if someone lets their irrational fear get in the way of the mission.” Over the years, Logan said his reasons for remaining a member of the Air Guard have shifted and changed.

“At first it was to pay for college, and then it became a way to travel somewhat while learning new skills,” he said.

“Now, I think about how proud and pleased my family is of me.

It has also given me a group of people that I consider almost as close as family and for that I am grateful.” Logan admits that, “While the air guard has given so much to me in the way of friendships and experience, I'm still pursuing a civilian career and a future that may or may not include enlistment.” “I'm interested in travel and maybe even living in a different country,” he said.

“It would be great to find someone who also had military experience; like my mom and dad found one another but deep friendship and the ability to laugh with one another is what is most important.” Logan told OutMilitary.com that although DADT was an important step to full equality he believes that marriage equality is “the most important step in insuring that LGBT people are not considered second-class citizens.” TSgt.

Logan Tower is a proud member of OutMIlitary.com.

“When I found OutMilitary.com I was glad to see so many gay and lesbian troops just being open and proud to be themselves in this new atmosphere,” he told officials.

“OutMilitary.com is a site that presents us as normal people serving our country and is a really good addition to the spectrum the makes up the gay community.” At the end of the day, Logan says he’s “glad to be serving at a time when lying isn't a necessary part of your military career as a gay person.” “I feel quite a bit of sorrow for all the gay men and lesbians who served and died with no recognition for them or the ones they loved,” he concluded.

“I'm grateful for their sacrifices on behalf of everyone.” Continue reading →