Danny Ingram and Eric Alva, two San Antonio veterans, are being recognized for their service and activism in the movement to end the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Local Activism

Ingram, who was discharged under the policy in 1994, and Alva, who was the first U.S. service member wounded in the Iraq War in 2003, have been advocating for the rights of gay veterans for years. Their efforts ultimately contributed to the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2010.

The Obama Presidential Center features an armband worn by Ingram during his advocacy, as well as photographs of Alva during key moments in the effort to repeal the policy.

Personal Stories

Ingram, who joined the Army in 1988, was among the first service members discharged under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’. He later became president of American Veterans for Equal Rights and currently serves as treasurer and public affairs director.

Alva, who joined the Marine Corps in 1990, was severely injured by a landmine in Iraq in 2003. He later came out publicly and became a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, advocating for the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.