Guide Note

Margaret Witt is an Air Force major and flight nurse who was dismissed from the military for being a lesbian. In 2006, with the help of the ACLU, she began a lawsuit against the military. The case was dismissed by a federal judge, but the court of appeals reopened the case on Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

The 9th circuit court of appeals in California ruled that Witt could challenge the military's Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

Fast Facts

1. Age 42
2. Joined the U.S. Air Force in 1987
3. Was a flight nurse and operating room nurse at McChord Air Force Base in Washington State
4. Was in a relationship with a civilian woman from 1997 - 2003
5. Given an honorable discharge in July 2007
6. 2004 was investigated after "allegations that she was a homosexual"
7. 2004 suspended two years short of full retirement benefits
8. 2003: Awarded with Air Medal by President Bush for her deployment in the Middle East
9. Received Air Force Commendation Medal for saving a Department of Defense worker

• "I am thrilled by the court's recognition that I can't be discharged without proving that I was harmful to morale." -Margaret Witt
• "Wounded people never asked me about my sexual orientation, They were just glad to see me there." -Margaret Witt
• "The military has provided no evidence that her sexual orientation or conduct has caused a problem in the performance of her duties" -ACLU