CMSgt Dave Gainer, USAF (Ret.) passed away on Thursday. The loss has impacted the LGBT and Veteran Communities.
He served for 23 years in the Air Force and continued his service to our county to end the policy of banning gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. He was on the national board of Service Member's Legal Defense Network and worked with Equality Texas because of his committed belief in equality for ALL.
In December 2010, CMSgt Gainer was in attendance when President Barack Obama signed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) Repeal Act of 2010. Commenting on that event CMSgt Gainer had this to say: “Chiefs don’t cry, but the allergens were very high in that room. You couldn’t help but shed a tear in there. It was just such an overwhelming feeling of weight being lifted and equality finally happening.”
When DADT repeal was fully implemented in September 2011, there was a celebration at the Dallas Resource Center commemorating this event. I was proud to be standing with my fellow Veterans and as a fierce advocate for the LGBT Community celebrating this history making occasion.
At that event he told us that a new fight was on: to end the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure that an all inclusive Employee Non-Discrimination Act for the Transgender Community is passed.
On Saturday evening, there was a Candle Light Memorial at the Monument of Love in Dallas where we reflected on the life of an outstanding human being.
Our condolences and support are with his husband David Guy, his family, and countless friends as they try to get through this difficult event. Mr. Guy has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation is made to the following:
Forum on the Military Chaplaincy
c/o Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs Road
Dallas, TX 75235
He was addressed as “Chief” and lived up to that title. We are without our Chief and saddened by his departure.
He will be missed but his legacy will live on in those that he influenced.
Michael Watts
Chair, Texas Young Democrats Veterans-Military Affairs Caucus
US Navy Veteran 2002-08
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