HUTTO, Texas — When Guy Peña first joined the military, it was in 2005 and the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was the official policy of the U.S. military.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" allowed gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans to serve in the military, as long as they did not reveal their sexual orientation.
"It was a struggle. It was hiding a big part of who you are," Peña said. "I was never truly happy. There's a lot of drinking involved and a lot of depression involved, and I couldn't really be who I wanted to be."
That inner struggle stayed with him throughout the time he served. And while "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed in 2011, Peña – who is the president and founder of the organization Veterans for Equality – said its ripple effects still lingered.
"I have a couple of friends and acquaintances actually that, through my organization, that has been that were discharged during 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" Peña said. "It's been what they had to go through, even the older generation of veterans I've talked to then being investigated without them even knowing."
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Almost two decades after Peña first started serving, the current White House administration is now taking action to make sure "every member of our military feels safe and respected" by pardoning the thousands of members who were forced out because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
"The fact that now all my brothers and sisters in arms can actually go out and get the benefits that they deserve – the day that they raise their hands for, they risk their lives for it –it's amazing," Peña said. "Life is just a lot happier when you're able to be your true self."