Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Bittersweet For Discharged Serviceman

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - With a stroke of the pen, President Barack Obama erased 17 years of Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the military. The President did not erase, however, the day when Michael Moore of Dallas was forced to leave the military.

"I cried," he said. "I honestly did, because I went in when I was only 17. I was planning on that being my life. Then being told I couldn't do that no more was heartbreaking."

Airman First Class Moore was honorably discharged in 2006. But on his paperwork, his sexual orientation is listed as the reason why. As such, the former Air Force Surveillance Technician said today's repeal of the long-standing Don't Ask, Don't Tell rule in the military is bittersweet.

"I wish it was in place, because I wouldn't have put a big dent in my life," Moore said. "I would have continued with it."

Moore said his fellow airmen were very supportive when he came out. Nevertheless, he was still discharged.

The 24-year-old said allowing gay men and women to serve openly in the military is the patriotic thing to do. He strongly disagrees with critics who say gays will cause strife in the military.

"Will the next buy protect me because he knows I'm Gay? I honestly believe they will," Moore said. "Whether or not they dislike gay people, they're still going to protect me because I'm still an American."

With the ban on gays in the military becoming a thing of the past, Moore is reconsidering a future in the armed services. He can now serve openly in a profession with a common bond.

"As long as you wear those stars and stripes, you're one of us," he said.