Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and the law firm of Morrison & Foerster announced in a press release that their client, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels—discharged in April 2005 and again in March 2007 under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) —has been reinstated in the U.S. Navy and will return to active duty as a linguist. He was sworn in Dec. 12.
“Today, I took an oath and affirmed to defend the Constitution of the United States of America,” said Daniels. “I am humbled as I am reinstated to the job I love and by the enormous support I have received on this momentous day. I look forward to returning to the Defense Language Institute and ultimately, my career in the military.”
“The reinstatement of Petty Officer Daniels into the United States Navy underscores that all qualified and needed service members are now officially welcomed back into the ranks,” said Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis. “The new policy and regulations in this post-repeal era make this historic occasion possible. We continue to work with our clients and the services to facilitate more reinstatements and help process applications for those discharged under DADT, who wish to serve their country again, whether it be on active duty, in the reserves, or in the guard.”
Jase Daniels is one of the plaintiffs in a case, Almy v. U.S., filed by SLDN and Morrison & Foerster in December 2010 that challenges the constitutionality of three individuals’ discharges under DADT and seeks their reinstatement to active duty.