Today CNN reports on Corporal Andrew Wilfahrt, a person believed to be the first gay U.S. soldier to die in battle since President Obama signed the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” He died from a bomb detonation in Afghanistan in February 27, 2011. Now his parents fight on his behalf for marriage equality in Minnesota.
It reminds us of Minnesota state Republican Representative John Kriesel, an Iraq veteran who lost both of his legs in war and came back to the mainland to vote for equal rights on behalf of all Americans—now that’s what we call a real freedom fighter!
Via Towleroad
Kat
Equal rights works this way. If I can serve in our nation’s military, then I should be able to marry who I want. There’s no partial rights. We want all of our rights and certainly, it seems it’s moving that way.
Gay Veteran
Cpl. Wilfahrt’s parents are doing a great thing, they spoke out against DADT and now they’re coming out in support of marriage equality.
Jeff Wilfahrt
Until my last breath I will fight this bias.
Jeff Wilfahrt, Andrew’s father
TMikel
I laud the courage of Andrew Wilfahrt’s parents. To lose a son in an insane war is hard enough but to know that he was denied equal rights under our current law is doubly heart breaking. I hope they continue their courageous fight.
concernedcitizen
OMG, I just read the article about him yesterday on cnn.com about his life and service. Tremendous guy! We need more just like him!
Joe
Thank you Andrew and I am sorry. You and your parents embody the virtue we call Honor.
Gay Veteran
@Jeff Wilfahrt: Thank you Sir. I think fighting biases like this is a great way to honor your son’s memory.
Cam
Wasn’t it Michelle Bachman who led the fight in Mn against gay rights a few years ago?
Alexa
I think I saw the parents on Rachel Maddow’s show when Minnesota was debating a constitutional ban on marriage equality recently. They were inspirational, especially considering they had recently lost their child.
@Cam: probably, she is virulently anti-gay. I read she actually has a lesbian sister, which must make for some interesting family get togethers.
Andrew
I’m not even a US citizen, but .. Andrew’s story is heartbreaking. It seems unfair that someone so special was taken so soon. It seems like he was a very interesting person and I wish I could have known him, but even just knowing of him, I feel the better for it. I am still in the process of coming out, and I know that this young man’s courage will inspire me for years down the road (maybe my lifetime) as I try to live not just an honest life, but a meaningful one too.
It’s kinda strange that I share the name “Andrew” with him, just another reason why I feel a connection to him.
I’m grateful to all that tell his story, especially his parents, Jeff and Lori.
Pitou
@Jeff Wilfahrt: Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Wilfahrt. Not a single known word can ever bring your son back or ease the pain his loss has caused you, but your fight will make his memory live on forever in the lives of people that have never known him, or you.
You truely are a blessing to this Nation, It’s laws, It’s populace, and everything we fight to protect.
My deepest and most sincere Thanks to you & your wife, Mr. Wilfahrt. Much Love.
the crustybastard
Read that CNN article on Fark yesterday.
Very much worth your time, folks.