On May 20, 2010, United States Mar ine Corps

veteren and advocate for repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – Walker Burttschell from Miami – sets off on a 250 mile journey to Washington, DC on foot, beginning at U.S. Congressman Jim Webb’s office steps in Virginia. Congressman Webb represents a key subcommittee vote needed for the repeal

of DADT.

His journey, self-described as a march for those who serve in silence, to Washington D.C., will educate communities along the way about the discriminatory policy that limits the abilities of many Americans to serve their country honestly and honorably. Once in D.C., Burttschell will meet with key decision makers to make his plea for the repeal.

Passed in 1993, the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law allows gay, lesbian, and bisexual service personnel to serve in the armed forces as long as their sexual orientation is not publicly disclosed or discovered.

As of 2008, more than 13,000 men and women have been discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation, including more than 60 Arabic linguists and nearly 800 other service members in critical occupational fields.

Walker Burttschell is sponsored by Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida, AMBIENTE Magazine, MYami Marketing, and local elected officials.

Burttschell graduated as Battalion Commander from his Bonifay, Florida’s high school’s Junior ROTC. After that, Walker enrolled in ROTC at the University of West Florida with the intention of graduating with a business degree and receiving his commission as an officer. After September 11th, however, due to overwhelming sense of patriotism, Walker dropped out of college to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2001 as an MP.

At his duty station, Walker witnessed a friend and fellow Marine endure discharge proceedings, and at the same time was himself ‘outed.’ As a discharge under DADT would result in his conservative family discovering his orientation, Walker became paranoid and depressed. Unfortunately, however, Walker’s ‘outing’ would eventually lead to his discharge. Walker now works for an international real estate developer where he has been a leader in sustainability and “green” initiatives for that industry, and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

For more information about the march to D.C. visit www.unitycoalition.com.—DR news Sexologist Volker to speak at day conference USMC Vet Walker Burttschell Marches from Virginia Beach to Washington D.C.

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