(WASHINGTON) December 29th, 2016 — OutServe-SLDN issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s action today reappointing Brenda “Sue” Fulton to another term to the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy and appointing Bridget D. Altenburg to her first term. The statement may be attributed to OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Matt Thorn.
“OutServe-SLDN applauds and thanks President Obama for nominating two exceptional individuals in Brenda “Sue” Fulton and Bridget D. Altenburg to the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy.
“Sue Fulton has been part of the LGBT military community for many years and has served on the board of Outserve-SLDN among other organizations. As the current Chair of the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy, she has worked to ensure that the academy is performing at its most optimal level by ensuring that it is inclusive and equal. Sue was part of the inaugural class of women to graduate from the Military Academy and has been committed to equality in the military throughout her life, including most recently working collaboratively on lifting the ban on transgender service members. We applaud Sue for her commitment, tenacity and spirit in vigorously representing, defending and honoring LGBT service members and we offer our congratulations to Sue on her re-nomination.
“Bridget Altenburg is an outstanding nominee to join Sue on the Board of Visitors. From her work at the National Able Network specializing in workforce development to her previous role as Executive Director of Chicago Cares, Bridget’s commitment to empowering individuals is commendable. As a graduate of the USMA and a member of the LGBT community, Bridget’s credentials for this new role are impeccable. We are confident she will continue to serve our community and the nation with pride. We applaud Bridget for her dedication and willingness to continue serving her nation in this new capacity and we offer her our congratulations on her historic appointment.
These two strong, dedicated, passionate women represent the best of the United States Military Academy and the leadership that it produces. They should not only be honored for their service but lauded for the work that they do and will continue to do as members of the Board of Visitors. OutServe-SLDN congratulates them both on their nominations and we look forward to working with them closely as members of the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy.”
OutServe-SLDN (OS-SLDN) is the largest non-profit, legal services, advocacy and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America’s military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. With more than fifty chapters and 60,000 subscribers around the world, OS-SLDN supports a professional network of LGBT military personnel and strives to create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.