Just curious. At the time of DADT was active, the video indicates he was "outed" in other words someone told. Did the Lt. Col tell someone knowing DADT was an active policy? If so, why ?
Nevertheless, DADT is now repealed, the Lt. Col may take the appropriate measures to get back into the mility (if he wants).
Hey Victor, My name is Mandy Fehrenbach... I believe that you should of not been turned in for being gay. Your sexual preference should not determine who you are as a soldier. It should be based on your accomplishments only. You have done so well serviing your country. I am sorry that you had to face that. My husband is an ARMY OFFICER, and I believe that both of you at the end of the day are no different. You both are sacrificing your lives for our country. I still honor what you have done.
It's your fault for being patriotic to a country that hates you. I feel sorry for you, because America is the worst place in the developed world for a gay man to be.
This is so wrong. 18-19 years? A lot of people put in their four and get out. Pilots have to stay in for ten, but then can decide to go work for the airlines for just as much if not more money without the fear of being shot at. We need the people who want to stay in for the long hauls and someone who is willing to stay in for two decades is obviously dedicated. Getting rid of him one year before retirement eligibility is just tasteless.
there's NOTHING more pathetic than a straight person (or someone pretending to be straight) telling gay people we should be like them. get a grip. seriously.
This man is a victim of political cynicism and expediency
The Republicans know this policy is stupid...but votes can be gained by pandering to homophobia...so this take priority.
The Democrats know this policy is stupid...but they are petrified of offending certain target voters, like white males in the Midwest, South and West....
Bro, I was in the audience for Stephen Colbert's first show at Al-Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. [The guy with the Fish!]
Everyone deployed understands that DADT is so much b.s. Nobody has any time to do anything other than eat, sleep, [maybe] exercise and, of course, work: 12-14+ hours/day, 7 days. And it's awesome and fabulous with all the commitment and common purpose.
I was in Baghdad 13+ months and want to do that again.
This is madness. This ridiculous policy needs to be repealed NOW. And those young men and women that were discharged because of it need to have the option to rejoin with full credit and benefits for the time they were in the military including the time they were away from it.
Victor Fehrenbach, I support you 100% man, you served our country with great pride and its ridiculous how they can just end your career in the harshest way. Hopefully Obama will do something about this, hell, he better fix this.
As I've said before, thank you for everything you've done and continue to still do for us. If anyone tells me you deserve what happened to you, I'll stand up and counter it. Please keep doing what you're doing and keep the faith, ok?
The clock's ticking, Obama. You're definitely not getting another vote from me in four years because of this.
The part about his whole retirement package really sucks, which added on to the fact that he has to suddenly change his lifestyle sucks even more... My condolences
Uh, I've attended many GLBT rallies, and I'm not gay, I'm a straight married mom who believes that we ARE all equal, and that our Constitution provides for no second class citizenships, so am wondering why we allow this second class status to stand? It is shameful.
DADT needs to be done away with, and the law needs to read that our service is open to anyone who wants to serve our country and is of legal age.
i support you victor fehrenbach. through some research i found out that my california representatives support the repeal of DADT, good news! hopefully, california senators feinstein and boxer will support you. i have emailed and maybe give a call to their office in the future. but i have confidence they will support you. i have you on my side =]
Repeal of DADT will return it to complete ban of non-heterosexuals. One will find that the senators who are looking for the repeal of DADT want it back the old way, so there is less drama (media coverage). What is in fact needed is reform.
In my service, I served beside many LBGT members, all who fully understood that the openness of their sexuality was in violation of code that had been in effect since at least 1775. For him to claim the $46k he will lose annually in retirement, or the moneys spent on his training and pay is preposterous. Discharge under DADT is typically categorized as "medical," unless there are other circumstances, for members serving over 6 yrs there is a severance for all ratings =< 20% service connection.
Thank you Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach for all you have done to protect the life, liberty, and happiness of the American people. Your sacrifices will not go unheralded. I Salute you!
I've been watching Victor fight this since it started, and if anyone doesn't get it after watching this gentleman put it in perspective, they should be asked to get the hell out of the country and don't let the doorknob hit 'em in the ass. I hate to admit, however, that there will undoubtedly be a line waiting to exit. Hey, good riddance!
And BTW, this guy is the closest thing to what I would personally call a hero!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
To stand up against policy only after he personally is affected by it is cowardice. People look to repeal DADT, do not understand the definition of repeal. DADT allows LGBT to serve, as long as they follow certain rules. Repeal of DADT would return the law to a BAN of LGBT in the military. What is in fact needed is reform. But it remains that LtCol Feherenbach violated current policy, and therefore should face the concequences. If he had been outed after policy changed, none of it would matter.
If he stood up against it before he was ousted he would have been discharged earlier so that argument is idiotic. I served with him for 5 yrs and he never attended LGBT rallies before being ousted. He was very private and whomever turned him was a coward (mailed letter to his CC) and obviously not connected to the AF. (You cannot expect someone to serve for 18 yrs and never have sex. Ridiculous.)
He was professional, a warrior, and was not "open" (quite the opposite, actually - most of us were shocked when we found out). He is a great American so before you go spouting UCMJ, get your facts straight. I am proud to have served with him and proud to call him my friend. SDBudde is exactly right.
Which came first, the "asking" or the "telling"? Apparently, it's OK to ask even though "Don't Ask" comes before "Don't Tell"! Hm, then if asked and he doesn't "Tell" is he discharged for lying under oath? Gee, real justice if there ever was.
Give 'em hell, Fehrenbach! They deserve a whole lot more!
The act came first, as he stated he was outed by a third party. He violated policy, continued with the mentality that it was to be open, until he get caught. Now that he got caught, he wants to change the rules to suit him. He was offered a discharge under DADT, but he could instead have been court-martialed under at least articles 83, 92, 107,133, and 134 of the UCMJ
DADT defines homosexual conduct as " a homosexual act, a statement that the member is homosexual or bisexual, or a marriage or attempted marriage to someone of the same gender." This includes LGBT rallies, which he attended. This leads me to the fact he is an officer, as such he is in a leadership position and is looked upon to be the example, even moreso at the rank of LtCol.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Wrong from the get go. and I don't mean the discharge. Whether I agree or disagree with DADT is quite irrelevant. He did something he KNEW violated policy, and now does not want to take responsibility for his actions.
While he may not have chosen to be gay, he did chose to be in the military and follow the rules and direction of those appointed over him
First: Yes, in fact, he did CHOOSE to serve his country in the military.
Second: Yes, in fact, he CHOSE to do so before DADT was implemented.
Third: His only REAL infraction of military code, it would appear, was telling the truth in response to a question that should never have been asked in the first place.
And we all thought Catch-22 was fiction. Think again, y'all.
Wrong, DADT was enacted in 93 put in to practice in 94, at "twenty-two years including ROTC" (86-87) he intended to enter the military during a time when homosexuality was BANNED in it's entirety in the military. Under that precedent alone, he entered service with intent to defraud. Under DADT ("Sexual orientation will not be a bar to service unless manifested by homosexual conduct." , he was allowed continued service until he brought attention upon himself relating to his sexual orientation.
He never entered the military with the intent to defraud. He has only ever wanted to serve his country (he is the youngest of 8, graduated from Notre Dame, and military flying was his dream). We need more Americans like him and less like you.
It's not like any of us have a choice. Do you have a choice in being hetero? Don't think so. Doesn't work that way. So, get over your bigotry and ignorance.
Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, you are a hero. Thank you for your service to this country. Your BBC Story is spreading through Facebook like wildfire. This story should be shown at the upcoming HRC dinner. Perhaps right before the President speaks.
Oooo, badass guy, doing situps and pushups and shit
ppw00 2 months ago
Just curious. At the time of DADT was active, the video indicates he was "outed" in other words someone told. Did the Lt. Col tell someone knowing DADT was an active policy? If so, why ?
Nevertheless, DADT is now repealed, the Lt. Col may take the appropriate measures to get back into the mility (if he wants).
hazelkb 5 months ago
he's fit! i'd so do him!
istaovde 5 months ago
Thank you for your military service. You are a hero. From one gay American to another, for the freedoms you fight for, you are finally FREE!
Kissrockguy 5 months ago
I want to work for the geospatial intelligence of the Air Force, I'm gay. Is DADT still in place?
GuardBoy91 5 months ago
@GuardBoy91 No, it was taken away on September 20th, 2011.
Zealousy00 1 month ago
Hey Victor, My name is Mandy Fehrenbach... I believe that you should of not been turned in for being gay. Your sexual preference should not determine who you are as a soldier. It should be based on your accomplishments only. You have done so well serviing your country. I am sorry that you had to face that. My husband is an ARMY OFFICER, and I believe that both of you at the end of the day are no different. You both are sacrificing your lives for our country. I still honor what you have done.
ARFehrenbach87 6 months ago
This made me a lil teary.. Not to mention that man is hot as hell!!!
TheMidwestbear 9 months ago
lt. Col. is so hot the military is like a hot man factory .
azimizdude 1 year ago
lt. Col. is so hot the military is like a hot man factory .
azimizdude 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
It's done. It's over. Justice.
thehoaxbuster 1 year ago
It's your fault for being patriotic to a country that hates you. I feel sorry for you, because America is the worst place in the developed world for a gay man to be.
ryandward 1 year ago
He knew the policy when he signed up. if anything retire him as a major and get it over with instead of discharging him without benefits
LATUYA21 1 year ago
This is so wrong. 18-19 years? A lot of people put in their four and get out. Pilots have to stay in for ten, but then can decide to go work for the airlines for just as much if not more money without the fear of being shot at. We need the people who want to stay in for the long hauls and someone who is willing to stay in for two decades is obviously dedicated. Getting rid of him one year before retirement eligibility is just tasteless.
Raptor302 1 year ago
Mr. Fehrenbach, you are a true patriot . I supported DADT when it passed in the 90s, but have done a 180 on it. Thank you for your service.
jleffingwell 1 year ago
there's NOTHING more pathetic than a straight person (or someone pretending to be straight) telling gay people we should be like them. get a grip. seriously.
dannlynch 1 year ago 3
I adore Victor. I love the military, but I hate this policy.
Dorfeld12 1 year ago
Comment removed
Dorfeld12 1 year ago
What a tremendous spokesperson for getting this ridiculous law overthrown. Thanks Col. Fehrenbach for your courage.
StewNWT 1 year ago
This man is a victim of political cynicism and expediency
The Republicans know this policy is stupid...but votes can be gained by pandering to homophobia...so this take priority.
The Democrats know this policy is stupid...but they are petrified of offending certain target voters, like white males in the Midwest, South and West....
Political power trumps reason in our "democracy."
SpamburgerHelper 1 year ago 4
Who ever outed him shall be meet with great KARMA !!!!!
brothergillis 2 years ago 6
Total hottie. Sexy voice.
Keep serving.
humps678 2 years ago 4
Mr. Fehrenbach is a true American patriot, who's served our country and all of it's people with his distiguished service.
Allow him the decency and the honor he obviously deserves for his service, devotion and love for the Constitution and our country.
He fought for us, should we not fight for him?
was91355 2 years ago 6
This is absolutely wrong, and makes a mockery of the U.S. constitution. "We, the people..." my ass.
Good luck, Col. Fehrenbach. Don't give up!
Sheridan2006 2 years ago 3
His last line in this video is everything
anavarro09 2 years ago
@anavarro09
I think the same.
these things are dumb... let the man serve&be happy
guillermoelmas 2 years ago
Keep up the fight...where does it stand as of now?
copman109a 2 years ago
Bro, I was in the audience for Stephen Colbert's first show at Al-Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. [The guy with the Fish!]
Everyone deployed understands that DADT is so much b.s. Nobody has any time to do anything other than eat, sleep, [maybe] exercise and, of course, work: 12-14+ hours/day, 7 days. And it's awesome and fabulous with all the commitment and common purpose.
I was in Baghdad 13+ months and want to do that again.
Thank you for fighting back. Keep the faith!
fightback69 2 years ago
This is madness. This ridiculous policy needs to be repealed NOW. And those young men and women that were discharged because of it need to have the option to rejoin with full credit and benefits for the time they were in the military including the time they were away from it.
urwhatthewho 2 years ago
Victor Fehrenbach, I support you 100% man, you served our country with great pride and its ridiculous how they can just end your career in the harshest way. Hopefully Obama will do something about this, hell, he better fix this.
seanarrative 2 years ago
Victor, it's me, Stefanie...
As I've said before, thank you for everything you've done and continue to still do for us. If anyone tells me you deserve what happened to you, I'll stand up and counter it. Please keep doing what you're doing and keep the faith, ok?
The clock's ticking, Obama. You're definitely not getting another vote from me in four years because of this.
librarising 2 years ago 7
*huggles Stef* YOU DIDN'T TELL ME YOU COMMENTED GIRLY! :P TE HEHEHEHE.
Victor you are a wonderful and beautiful man, and i hope and pray everyday, Obama keeps his promise to let you serve and be able to retire in peace.
WE LOVE YOU SWEETY! <3.
RR2023 2 years ago
victor, sorry this happened. really sucks. you're a great guy.
liftingguyfl 2 years ago
The part about his whole retirement package really sucks, which added on to the fact that he has to suddenly change his lifestyle sucks even more... My condolences
AlexP91 2 years ago
I'm sorry he's hot....oy vey...
jmusmc85 2 years ago
Uh, I've attended many GLBT rallies, and I'm not gay, I'm a straight married mom who believes that we ARE all equal, and that our Constitution provides for no second class citizenships, so am wondering why we allow this second class status to stand? It is shameful.
DADT needs to be done away with, and the law needs to read that our service is open to anyone who wants to serve our country and is of legal age.
austinkathi 2 years ago 3
i support you victor fehrenbach. through some research i found out that my california representatives support the repeal of DADT, good news! hopefully, california senators feinstein and boxer will support you. i have emailed and maybe give a call to their office in the future. but i have confidence they will support you. i have you on my side =]
totakikay 2 years ago
Repeal of DADT will return it to complete ban of non-heterosexuals. One will find that the senators who are looking for the repeal of DADT want it back the old way, so there is less drama (media coverage). What is in fact needed is reform.
S1lv3rSh4d0w 2 years ago
In my service, I served beside many LBGT members, all who fully understood that the openness of their sexuality was in violation of code that had been in effect since at least 1775. For him to claim the $46k he will lose annually in retirement, or the moneys spent on his training and pay is preposterous. Discharge under DADT is typically categorized as "medical," unless there are other circumstances, for members serving over 6 yrs there is a severance for all ratings =< 20% service connection.
S1lv3rSh4d0w 2 years ago
Thank you Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach for all you have done to protect the life, liberty, and happiness of the American people. Your sacrifices will not go unheralded. I Salute you!
Stevenwebb1970 2 years ago
I've been watching Victor fight this since it started, and if anyone doesn't get it after watching this gentleman put it in perspective, they should be asked to get the hell out of the country and don't let the doorknob hit 'em in the ass. I hate to admit, however, that there will undoubtedly be a line waiting to exit. Hey, good riddance!
And BTW, this guy is the closest thing to what I would personally call a hero!
SDBudde 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
To stand up against policy only after he personally is affected by it is cowardice. People look to repeal DADT, do not understand the definition of repeal. DADT allows LGBT to serve, as long as they follow certain rules. Repeal of DADT would return the law to a BAN of LGBT in the military. What is in fact needed is reform. But it remains that LtCol Feherenbach violated current policy, and therefore should face the concequences. If he had been outed after policy changed, none of it would matter.
S1lv3rSh4d0w 2 years ago
If he stood up against it before he was ousted he would have been discharged earlier so that argument is idiotic. I served with him for 5 yrs and he never attended LGBT rallies before being ousted. He was very private and whomever turned him was a coward (mailed letter to his CC) and obviously not connected to the AF. (You cannot expect someone to serve for 18 yrs and never have sex. Ridiculous.)
Edom3fr 2 years ago 2
He was professional, a warrior, and was not "open" (quite the opposite, actually - most of us were shocked when we found out). He is a great American so before you go spouting UCMJ, get your facts straight. I am proud to have served with him and proud to call him my friend. SDBudde is exactly right.
Edom3fr 2 years ago 5
Thank you for standing up for him, Edom =) I'm sure he's proud to serve with you too.
librarising 2 years ago 4
As I understand it he was "asked" so he "told."
I guess his mistake will telling even though he was asked.
LocustIvy 2 years ago
Which came first, the "asking" or the "telling"? Apparently, it's OK to ask even though "Don't Ask" comes before "Don't Tell"! Hm, then if asked and he doesn't "Tell" is he discharged for lying under oath? Gee, real justice if there ever was.
Give 'em hell, Fehrenbach! They deserve a whole lot more!
SDBudde 2 years ago
The act came first, as he stated he was outed by a third party. He violated policy, continued with the mentality that it was to be open, until he get caught. Now that he got caught, he wants to change the rules to suit him. He was offered a discharge under DADT, but he could instead have been court-martialed under at least articles 83, 92, 107,133, and 134 of the UCMJ
S1lv3rSh4d0w 2 years ago
DADT defines homosexual conduct as " a homosexual act, a statement that the member is homosexual or bisexual, or a marriage or attempted marriage to someone of the same gender." This includes LGBT rallies, which he attended. This leads me to the fact he is an officer, as such he is in a leadership position and is looked upon to be the example, even moreso at the rank of LtCol.
S1lv3rSh4d0w 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Wrong from the get go. and I don't mean the discharge. Whether I agree or disagree with DADT is quite irrelevant. He did something he KNEW violated policy, and now does not want to take responsibility for his actions.
While he may not have chosen to be gay, he did chose to be in the military and follow the rules and direction of those appointed over him
S1lv3rSh4d0w 2 years ago
First: Yes, in fact, he did CHOOSE to serve his country in the military.
Second: Yes, in fact, he CHOSE to do so before DADT was implemented.
Third: His only REAL infraction of military code, it would appear, was telling the truth in response to a question that should never have been asked in the first place.
And we all thought Catch-22 was fiction. Think again, y'all.
SDBudde 2 years ago
Wrong, DADT was enacted in 93 put in to practice in 94, at "twenty-two years including ROTC" (86-87) he intended to enter the military during a time when homosexuality was BANNED in it's entirety in the military. Under that precedent alone, he entered service with intent to defraud. Under DADT ("Sexual orientation will not be a bar to service unless manifested by homosexual conduct." , he was allowed continued service until he brought attention upon himself relating to his sexual orientation.
S1lv3rSh4d0w 2 years ago
He never entered the military with the intent to defraud. He has only ever wanted to serve his country (he is the youngest of 8, graduated from Notre Dame, and military flying was his dream). We need more Americans like him and less like you.
Edom3fr 2 years ago 18
To LindyLibertarian...
It's not like any of us have a choice. Do you have a choice in being hetero? Don't think so. Doesn't work that way. So, get over your bigotry and ignorance.
jimhiscott 2 years ago 5
Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, you are a hero. Thank you for your service to this country. Your BBC Story is spreading through Facebook like wildfire. This story should be shown at the upcoming HRC dinner. Perhaps right before the President speaks.
allchromedup 2 years ago 4
Lindy, This brave individual has protected your right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness....you shouldn't be such a bigot.
Thank you for your service Lut. Col. Victor Fehrenbach...Please know that my family and I appreciate your sacrifices. Battle on!
TheSurfguy62 2 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You shouldn't be gay then.
LindyLibertarian 2 years ago
When did you "choose" to be straight?
superc 2 years ago 5
this is an AMAZING video,
my partner is in the same situation as you were on sept 11 2008, a lt colonel in the air force in for 18 years.
FIGHT HARD BROTHER
nikutn 2 years ago 3