Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hello to all of our present and past Military members.

You might be surprised at how many of our members have a Military background.
Please take a moment to post and share about your experiences.

Branch of service, and your MOS (military occupational specialty)

I will start out with my service history below....

Warmest Regards and WELCOME
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

I served in the US Air Force, too, left as a Captain.  I worked in "Defense Acquisition", essentially research and development.  I enjoyed it so much, I went back to grad school when I separated.  I wanted to do the kind of work my then team-lead was doing.  All of that was long before I even had any thoughts of transitioning, probably a big part of why my military experience was mostly enjoyable and rewarding.  I didn't stand out for "wrong" reasons.

I served in the US Army from 1983 to 1987 as a Chaparral missile crewmember, MOS 16P.

I had no idea at the time that I was transgender, so I didn't have any issues while I served either.

Hugs, Devlyn

@MFaraday  
Thank you for coming to "Roll Call" and sharing of your military
experiences.
    Your service and time spent in military service in the AirForce is very
much appreciated.  

                THANK YOU for your service.

Warmest Regards,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: MFaraday on February 29, 2024, 10:49:40 PMI served in the US Air Force, too, left as a Captain.  I worked in "Defense Acquisition", essentially research and development.  I enjoyed it so much, I went back to grad school when I separated.  I wanted to do the kind of work my then team-lead was doing.  All of that was long before I even had any thoughts of transitioning, probably a big part of why my military experience was mostly enjoyable and rewarding.  I didn't stand out for "wrong" reasons.

@Devlyn
I appreciate that you came to "Roll Call" to share your military story and your history of
your service in the Army.

Your willingness to serve in the Military is a much appreciated trait....

You were serving in the Army when I was still a kid and just started my school years!

              THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !

Warmest Regards
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

I served in the Army from 1975 - 1990. MOS was 11E Tank Crewman. They changed designations and we became 19E. On separation, I was 19E3D8 (Staff Sergeant, Tank Master Gunner M60A3 tank). The M1 Abrams was just being introduced. I worked at a remote testing center where we tested new weapons systems before Congress bought them for the military. We tested all kinds of systems from the LAV-25 to Blackhawk and Apache helicopter HUD systems, and a few that failed our tests like The SGT. York. What a joke that was. Generals resigned and people got court-martialed after that fiasco.

I had no idea I was trans at the time. All of my healthcare is through the VA and they have been very helpful in my transition. I have a great healthcare team. Two psychologists (one is the LGBTQ++ Care Coordinator), Primary Care, Endocrinology, now Gynecology, and even the nurses and schedulers have all been fantastic. I am blessed to have such good people looking after me.

I served in the Canadian Air Force from 1973 to 1982.  It was "Royal" from 1924 to 1968, and is "Royal" again now since 2011, but it wasn't when I served.  I was a pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor.  I spent my entire career in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, except when they sent me on various training courses.

It was a ton of fun, both the flying and the instructing, and I have fond memories of those times.  I am still in contact, mostly via Facebook, with many of the people I flew with.  It means coming out to them whenever I establish contact, but I have had no negative reactions.

Last year, at my wife's urging, I had my hearing tested.  The audiologist measured a profound high-frequency hearing loss.  He suggested applying to Veterans' Affairs for assistance.  I did, and they agreed that my hearing loss was service-related, due to hanging around jet engines for five years.  They gave me a small pension and a full ride on any hearing treatments, including new top-of-the-line hearing aids every four years.  Not pleasant losing my hearing, but nice to get the support that I earned.

@LoriDee 
Dear Lori:
Thank you for sharing your story of your military service... and how Veterans Administration
is handling your transition healthcare.

Your service in the Army is very much appreciated.

          My sincere THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

HUGS, Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
                             
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: LoriDee on March 01, 2024, 02:02:37 PMI served in the Army from 1975 - 1990. MOS was 11E Tank Crewman. They changed designations and we became 19E. On separation, I was 19E3D8 (Staff Sergeant, Tank Master Gunner M60A3 tank). The M1 Abrams was just being introduced. I worked at a remote testing center where we tested new weapons systems before Congress bought them for the military. We tested all kinds of systems from the LAV-25 to Blackhawk and Apache helicopter HUD systems, and a few that failed our tests like The SGT. York. What a joke that was. Generals resigned and people got court-martialed after that fiasco.

I had no idea I was trans at the time. All of my healthcare is through the VA and they have been very helpful in my transition. I have a great healthcare team. Two psychologists (one is the LGBTQ++ Care Coordinator), Primary Care, Endocrinology, now Gynecology, and even the nurses and schedulers have all been fantastic. I am blessed to have such good people looking after me.

@KathyLauren
Dear Kathy:
Thank you for finding your way to the Military Veterans Confab and the Roll Call topic.
Long before the site crash I was aware of your previous postings regarding
your Canadian Air Force service.

I do recall a PHOTO that you had posted with your in uniform standing along side
the jet aircraft that you were flying....  it sure would be nice to see that
photo posted here on this topic and thread.[

                  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Warmest Regards.
Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]                         
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: KathyLauren on March 01, 2024, 02:37:33 PM
I served in the Canadian Air Force from 1973 to 1982.  It was "Royal" from 1924 to 1968, and is "Royal" again now since 2011, but it wasn't when I served.  I was a pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor.  I spent my entire career in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, except when they sent me on various training courses.

It was a ton of fun, both the flying and the instructing, and I have fond memories of those times.  I am still in contact, mostly via Facebook, with many of the people I flew with.  It means coming out to them whenever I establish contact, but I have had no negative reactions.

Last year, at my wife's urging, I had my hearing tested.  The audiologist measured a profound high-frequency hearing loss.  He suggested applying to Veterans' Affairs for assistance.  I did, and they agreed that my hearing loss was service-related, due to hanging around jet engines for five years.  They gave me a small pension and a full ride on any hearing treatments, including new top-of-the-line hearing aids every four years.  Not pleasant losing my hearing, but nice to get the support that I earned.

I am a veteran of the US Army, 1982 to 1985. Most of my time was served at an outpost on the German/Soviet-Czech border. I was a truck and track mechanic assigned to a nuclear artillery battalion.

Towards the end of my service I was assigned to Fort Hood in Texas, attached to First Cavalry Division. I spoke to an Army psychiatrist at Fort Hood about my gender dysphoria. The psychiatrist subjected me to a barrage of psychological tests, determined that I was telling the truth, then outed me to my battery commander.

My battery commander and his sergeant major turned cruel and hostile. The psychiatrist tried to get me a medical discharge, but the commander and his top sergeant both told me that they were going to kill me. I reached out to the base commander, our battalion chaplain, and mental health services. The commander told them all that he would be happy to see me discharged, but in private he told me he would rather see me dead.

After months of torture and abuse, I was tipped off by the battalion commander's driver that he overheard plans for me to be killed in a training "accident". The morning of the day I was told that I would be killed, I packed my car and ran for my life.

Ten-and-a-half years I evaded capture even as the FBI looked for me. (I was captured once after 5 years but managed to escape after 24 hours in custody.)

Eventually after more than 10 years, I turned myself in, received an (unofficial) apology and an other than honorable discharge. My medical records had mysteriously disappeared, so I had little chance of defending my actions. I was told to take the discharge or go to prison.

My service record was exemplary. I served honorably. I have no doubt whatever that I would have died on January 17, 1985 if I had not run. Because I was outed by a psychiatrist for being trans.

I have never collected on any veteran services, and I guess I never will.

😔
Miharu

@Miharu Barbie

Thank you for sharing and posting about your military service.
What you described about what you went through with all of your trials and
tribulations... it is a miracle that you are still alive and free.

I am glad that you are now doing well.

Even though it was a harrowing experience for you, your willingness to
serve in the military is very much appreciated

          THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Warmest Regards.
Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]                         
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: Miharu Barbie on March 01, 2024, 04:15:32 PMI am a veteran of the US Army, 1982 to 1985. Most of my time was served at an outpost on the German/Soviet-Czech border. I was a truck and track mechanic assigned to a nuclear artillery battalion.

Towards the end of my service I was assigned to Fort Hood in Texas, attached to First Cavalry Division. I spoke to an Army psychiatrist at Fort Hood about my gender dysphoria. The psychiatrist subjected me to a barrage of psychological tests, determined that I was telling the truth, then outed me to my battery commander.

My battery commander and his sergeant major turned cruel and hostile. The psychiatrist tried to get me a medical discharge, but the commander and his top sergeant both told me that they were going to kill me. I reached out to the base commander, our battalion chaplain, and mental health services. The commander told them all that he would be happy to see me discharged, but in private he told me he would rather see me dead.

After months of torture and abuse, I was tipped off by the battalion commander's driver that he overheard plans for me to be killed in a training "accident". The morning of the day I was told that I would be killed, I packed my car and ran for my life.

Ten-and-a-half years I evaded capture even as the FBI looked for me. (I was captured once after 5 years but managed to escape after 24 hours in custody.)

Eventually after more than 10 years, I turned myself in, received an (unofficial) apology and an other than honorable discharge. My medical records had mysteriously disappeared, so I had little chance of defending my actions. I was told to take the discharge or go to prison.

My service record was exemplary. I served honorably. I have no doubt whatever that I would have died on January 17, 1985 if I had not run. Because I was outed by a psychiatrist for being trans.

I have never collected on any veteran services, and I guess I never will.

😔
Miharu

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on March 01, 2024, 03:30:31 PMI do recall a PHOTO that you had posted with your in uniform standing along side
the jet aircraft that you were flying....  it sure would be nice to see that
photo posted here on this topic and thread.[

I think this is probably the one.  I was 22 in this picture.

(https://i.imgur.com/EHsqsKw.jpeg)

@KathyLauren
Dear Kathy:
Thank you for finding, posting and sharing that terrific picture.
Yes, indeed, that is the photo that I remember that you had posted in the past.
Thank you for digging it up an sharing it here on the "Roll Call" topic.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]                         
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: KathyLauren on March 05, 2024, 02:11:09 PM
I think this is probably the one.  I was 22 in this picture.

(https://i.imgur.com/EHsqsKw.jpeg)

Quote from: KathyLauren on March 05, 2024, 02:11:09 PMI think this is probably the one.  I was 22 in this picture.

(https://i.imgur.com/EHsqsKw.jpeg)

Looks like a T-37 Tweet. I think these were also called 'converters', since they converted fuel into noise.

Love always -- Jess

@Jessica_Rose    cc: @KathyLauren
Dear Jessica:
You are quite correct about the model of the jet.

The Cessna T-37 trainer was used primarily by the USAF and found trainer service
in several allied countries.
The last USAF use of the T-37 was at Sheppard AFB.
The T-37B from what I recall was retired from the USAF in 2010 (?)

Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas is about 350 miles north of where I was based
in Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas.
When I was in the USAF I was on the staff at the Air Education and Training Command
and dealt with some of the Air Force trainer logistics for the T-37.
 
Kathy: This should bring back memories for you ---> Instrument-panel in a Cessna T-37 Trainer
      (https://i.imgur.com/3Dl9U5hl.jpg)

            (https://i.imgur.com/Dum45h0l.jpg)


HUGS,
Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]                         
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on March 05, 2024, 03:41:28 PM
Looks like a T-37 Tweet. I think these were also called 'converters', since they converted fuel into noise.

Love always -- Jess

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on March 05, 2024, 03:41:28 PMLooks like a T-37 Tweet. I think these were also called 'converters', since they converted fuel into noise.

Love always -- Jess

Nope.  The Tweet is the closest thing that the USAF flew, but this is a Canadair CT-114 Tutor.  Also a side-by-side trainer, but bigger, and with a single engine that is more powerful than the T-37's two combined.

The Tutor was loud enough, having cost me my high-frequency hearing.  But I heard a Tweet once (trust me, once was enough!), when one visited our base.  It was way, way, WAY louder than the Tutor!  So loud that I actually specifically mentioned that encounter in my application for Veteran's Affairs compensation for my hearing loss.

The Tutor is no longer used for training, but the RCAF Snowbirds demonstration team still flies it.

CT-114 Tutor:

(https://i.imgur.com/ZNtKPEX.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mKiMt4p.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fG3vQm3.jpeg)

@KathyLauren
Dear Kathy:
Thank you for your clarification on the model of jet that you flew
for the Canadian Air Force.

The C-114 Tudor and the T-37 Tweet ... except for the tail configuration
sure look a lot like each other.  I was obviously easily confused for certain.

HUGS, Danielle

                                  ROLL CALL

If you are presently serving or you have served in Military Service,
please check in and briefly share about yourself.

On this thread/topic you will discover our other Susan's Place Forum members
that have a military background and experience.
 
Also to find the latest posts and comments regarding recent Military events and
other information please find your way to the  Military Veterans Confab
                                              Click LINK---> https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,547.0.html

For all Military members.... THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
                      US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Since we are sharing pictures of toys we used to play with, I'll contribute a few:

(https://i.imgur.com/6wwavQR.jpeg)
I had just been assigned to the commander's tank as the gunner. We named the tank "Charlie's Angel". We were in Charlie Company and the commander's tank crew can do no wrong.  ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/eXyKGyE.jpeg)
This was taken during the REFORGER war games in Germany in 1984. That was the coldest winter I ever experienced. I got frostbite on my face and I think it took years for me to shake the chill.

(https://i.imgur.com/U18Nani.jpeg)
This was an annual ARTEP evaluation war game in Hohenfels, Germany. The fog was so thick that hiding tanks was fairly easy. You can see a tank behind the ruins and an Armored Personnel Carrier to the left of it. There are three more tanks in this picture hidden in the fog.

I loved my job!

A BIG salute to each of you veterans.  And to all vets, transgender or not, a BIG salute for your service.  Thank you.

Christine

@LoriDee
Dear LoriDee:
Thank you so much for sharing your pictures from your US ARMY service. 
Looks like you were having lots of "fun"...  Yes, can get mighty cold
in Germany in the winter, perhaps not quite as bone chilling as where
I live in Alaska.

Once again, I will THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
                      US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: LoriDee on April 09, 2024, 09:29:42 PM
Since we are sharing pictures of toys we used to play with, I'll contribute a few:

(https://i.imgur.com/6wwavQR.jpeg)
I had just been assigned to the commander's tank as the gunner. We named the tank "Charlie's Angel". We were in Charlie Company and the commander's tank crew can do no wrong.  ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/eXyKGyE.jpeg)
This was taken during the REFORGER war games in Germany in 1984. That was the coldest winter I ever experienced. I got frostbite on my face and I think it took years for me to shake the chill.

(https://i.imgur.com/U18Nani.jpeg)
This was an annual ARTEP evaluation war game in Hohenfels, Germany. The fog was so thick that hiding tanks was fairly easy. You can see a tank behind the ruins and an Armored Personnel Carrier to the left of it. There are three more tanks in this picture hidden in the fog.

I loved my job!

I notice so many dials and things on the cockpit instrument panels.
So complex!


Chrissy

I'm New here. I served in the Marines from 2005-2014. 1/1 bravo Co. Just trying to discover and explore this side of myself that I've been suppressing my entire life. Of course the timing can't be worse.

@ Robbyv213

Hello Robby,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for your service. We have a lot of veterans here, myself included. You have come to the right place to get information and figure out what path you wish to take. Since this is your first post, allow me to provide some important links to informative posts. Please pay attention to those in red.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and to share your thoughts and comments. We all come from different backgrounds and represent a wide range of experiences. No matter who you may be, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

We would like to get to know you. Once you feel comfortable here, please feel free to stop by the Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,8.0.html) and introduce yourself and tell us something about you.

Please review the links at the end of this message, they include information that will help you navigate the site and use the available features. When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and you will also be able to add an avatar to your profile. Until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at  LoriDee605@outlook.com

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee

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@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

Quote from: Robbyv213 on April 12, 2024, 03:20:14 PMI'm New here. I served in the Marines from 2005-2014. 1/1 bravo Co. Just trying to discover and explore this side of myself that I've been suppressing my entire life. Of course the timing can't be worse.

@Robbyv213
Dear Robby:
Thank you for joining as a member of Susan's Place and the Forum...  I see that you were warmly welcomed
by our lovely Official Greeter @LoriDee. 
Be certain to look over the information and important Links that she provided for you. 
Lots of answers there to questions that many new members ask...
...and also be certain to click the INTRODUCTIONS LINK that she gave to you so that you
can briefly tell all of our members about your arrival on the Forum.

I really appreciate that for your very first posting here that you found you way to the Military Veterans Confab
and the Roll Call thread. 
Your military service is very much appreciated. 
Here you will find that many Forum members that have been in or are now serving in the military.

  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE and for YOUR willingness to serve.

Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
                      US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Hello Robby

My name is Sarah B   and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

A journey begins with one small step and you have taken that first step.  I see that my fellow greeter Lori has already opened her arms with a warm message.  She has already mentioned that she is a veteran and her story is really worth reading and with a little prodding from me, I suggest you read her story.  I also have a story and they are completely different, but there are similarities.

I'm aware of whats going on in America and UK, I live downunder (Australia) and the issues need to be fought with all our resilience and determination.

When you feel comfortable here on Susan's, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forums.  I see that Lori has provided a link for you to go to.  I would appreciate it very much if you do so as, I'm always interested in learning something new from new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most of us have experienced these as well.

I was never in the 'services' and I would like to take this opportunity to say;  "Thank you for your Service".  If it was not for people like you and others, we would not have the life we have now.

Take care and I hope you find what you are looking for. Once again welcome to Susan's.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Sarah B
Offical Greeter
@LoriDee
@Robbyv213

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 09, 2024, 11:20:53 PMI notice so many dials and things on the cockpit instrument panels.
So complex!


Chrissy

Yes.  Nowadays, they call the look of traditional instruments "steam gauges" (as in steam punk), in comparison to the modern video screens.  The Snowbirds team, who still fly the Tutor jet I posted the pictures of, are getting a new instrument panel that consists of three screens.  I'd be lost.  Give me steam gauges any day!

We had a week to learn them all at the beginning of our training. 

Thank you. I have made a post in the intro section.

 Active duty 1970 - 1972, 13A10, Artillery. 6 month early out as people coming back from Vietnam. Gave me a good conduct medal and kicked me out. reservist 1972 - 1976, supply company.

Went on sick call in 1970, and ended up in the hospital. I was told that my appendix burst while I was on the operating table. My unit was not informed, so I was also AWOL.
 I had read my medical records while on leave prior to going to Germany. It was a bit of a shock to read that the doctor observed a healthy ovary during the operation. That would make me an intersex.
About ten years later, I wanted to get tested to verify. The medical doctor told me not to bother because it never happens. I can't have both male and female.
Michelle

@Michelle_K
Dear Michelle:
Thank you for sharing and posting about your military service.

What you described about what you went through... I think that you are very
fortunate that you are still alive.

Very interesting regarding what you stated about when you had read your medical records while on leave prior to going to Germany and that the doctor observed a healthy ovary during the operation. That can explain a lot about your personal desire to MTF transition.  The VA, over the past several years is becoming more and more supporting of our transgender veterans special needs... make certain that you find the support that you need from the VA.

          I am giving you my BIG THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Warmest Regards.
Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
                      US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

    cc: @LoriDee                                                                    

Quote from: Michelle_K on May 13, 2024, 09:38:48 PMActive duty 1970 - 1972, 13A10, Artillery. 6 month early out as people coming back from Vietnam. Gave me a good conduct medal and kicked me out. reservist 1972 - 1976, supply company.

Went on sick call in 1970, and ended up in the hospital. I was told that my appendix burst while I was on the operating table. My unit was not informed, so I was also AWOL.
 I had read my medical records while on leave prior to going to Germany. It was a bit of a shock to read that the doctor observed a healthy ovary during the operation. That would make me an intersex.
About ten years later, I wanted to get tested to verify. The medical doctor told me not to bother because it never happens. I can't have both male and female.
Michelle