Veteran is Not “It,” “Shim” or “Impersonator”

[Shana A]

Veteran is Not "It," "Shim" or "Impersonator"
Lisa Derrick Monday April 26, 2010 11:25 am

http://lafiga.firedoglake.com/2010/04/26/veteran-is-not-it-shim-or-impersonator/

Autumn Sandeen is an activist and a journalist, a really cool, smart, funny woman who I've had the pleasure of meeting at a couple conferences.  She was also one of the six veterans who handcuffed themselves to the White House fence on April 20th to protest Obama's slacking off on the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Autumn is a retired, disabled Fire Controlman, First Class Petty Officer who served in the Navy for twenty years. She is a Persian Gulf War Veteran who served on board the USS Gary (FFG-51) as a Close-In Weapons System technician during that war, and on board the USS Coronado when they received a Unit Commendation. Autumn was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal and a Gold Star for her service at Naval Station Long Beach's Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity.

Her military ID from the United States Uniformed Services  and the Department of Veteran Affairs state Autumn's name as Autumn Violet Sandeen. Autumn is transgendered.