The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) will hold a reception/fund-raiser on Sept. 23 at Pritzker Military Library, 610 N. Fairbanks, at 6 p.m. The event will benefit the organization’s efforts to repeal ‘sDon’st Ask, Don’st Tell’ the military’s ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel.
The reception will feature keynote speaker Jeff Howe. Howe, a former artillery specialist who served two tours of duty in Iraq, was recently discharged under the policy when an online profile revealing his sexual orientation was discovered. Howe has since become the subject of media coverage across the nation. Howe’s perspective and situation were featured in the Aug. 17 issue of Windy City Times.
Additionally, SLDN will honor 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney for his work in introducing the Chicago City Council resolution that urges for the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’.
Tickets are available at www.sldn.org/templates/events/index.html.
Local sponsors are Michael Leppen and Bernie Santarsiero. Individual hosts for the event are SLDN board member Jean Albright, Michael Bauer, mayor’s GLBT liaison Bill Greaves, Mona Noriega, Evette Cardona, Jim Darby, Patrick Bova, Ed Wosylus, Norman Sandfield, Sandy Dyer, Cleo F. Wilson, Jose Zuniga, Phil Hannema, and Tracy Baim.