The Center's LGBT Veterans' Wall of Honor

The Benjamin F. Dillingham, III & Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor 2016 Induction Ceremony, a presentation of the San Diego LGBT Center on Thursday, November 10, is an event meant to showcase the strides that LGBT members of the military have made over the years.

From the days of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to the present, a time when those who serve our country are able to be themselves; the night will be full of inspirational stories told by the veterans themselves. Showcasing how the LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor in essence, builds bridges as an educational tool by charting how we have marched on, fighting for our rights in all arenas.

The Rage Monthly spoke with The Center's Ben Cartwright, who filled us in on all aspects of this very special ceremony.

How did the idea for the Veterans Wall of Honor initially come about?

It was launched in 2011 on the anniversary of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It was a collaboration of community members and Nicole Murray Ramirez, who wanted to do something to honor all of the local veterans that served in silence once "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" went away.

How are inductees chosen?

There is a council of community members; either veterans, active duty or
military spouses and an annual nomination process, with nominations accepted throughout the year and a cut-off date of July 31.

Nine community members and I worked on a committee this year and we go through a vetting process. There's a couple of qualifications and we make sure all are met: The person has to have served honorably, the obvious exception would be if they were discharged dishonorably under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." They need to have either served in San Diego or lived in San Diego after their service and then made some sort of impact on the LGBT community after service, such as being involved with community activism or being a philanthropist. For example, Harvey Milk is on our wall, even though his contributions were in San Francisco, because he actually served here in the 1950s.

Why do you think that this type of tribute isn't as prevalent in other cities?

I don't know why it's not more prevalent elsewhere... it should be. It makes obvious sense that we do this here, because of our large military and veteran population. We're hopeful that other cities will follow our lead and honor their local LGBT veterans.

Why is the wall named after Benjamin F. Dillingham and Bridget Wilson?

Benjamin and Bridget were instrumental in not only conceiving the idea, but they provided a great deal of financial support for it to be created, as well.

They're both veterans and they're both very committed to the Veterans Wall.

In what ways can the Veterans Wall of Honor serve as a tool for educating members of the community?

The committee that helps select honorees want to make sure that more young people and currently serving people come to the ceremony every year. I think the oldest veteran we have, served during the late '40s and early '50s. It was before "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was even a thing and it was still illegal to be gay. Hearing stories about what it was like then, is just an amazing educational tool.

What can those in attendance expect from the induction on Thursday, November 10?

It is a fascinating ceremony. There's a lot of pomp and circumstance: The Color Guard and the singing of "The National Anthem." Every honoree that's present and chooses to do so, also gets about five minutes to talk about what it was like for them. We hear about how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was this terrible thing, but unless you lived through it, it's hard to wrap your head around.

People tell stories that make you think, "Wow! That was a really shameful period in our country's history." It makes you have more honor and pride for these people who lived through it.

2015 HONOREES

Mitchel Eugene Cantrell, USA
Camille Emily Davidson, USAF
Gordon K. Wahl, USAF
Diane M."Semo"Cimochowicz, USN
Jackie K. Jackson, USN
Donna F. Walker, USN
Alberto Cortes, USN
Lester Lefkowitz, USA
Phyllis A. Daugherty, USAF
Trent Lozano-Osier, USN

2014 HONOREES

Dennis Michael Fiordaliso, USN
John Carlos Keasler, USA
Thomas Joseph Seguine, USN
Robert Hall"Jess"Jessop, USN
Robert A. Lehman, USMC
Frank Stefano, USN

2013 HONOREES
Jacque Atkinson, USMC
Ben Gomez, USN
Joseph Christopher Rocha, USN
John Banvard, USAA
Kathleen A. Hansen, USN
Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, USMC
Kristen Beck, USN
April F. Heinze, USN
Evelyn Lynn Thomas, USMC
Stewart Bornhoft, USA
Morgan M. Hurley, USN
Autumn Violet Sandeen, USN
Carlita"Lee"Durand, USAF
Gerard Nadeau, USAA
Shaun A. Flak, USMC
Stephen Peters, USMC

2012 HONOREES

Stan Berry, USN
Donald P. Kambic, USA
August Provost, USN
Jeri Dilno, USAF
Lisa Kove, USN
Luke Terpstra, USA

For more information, call 619.692.2077 or click the "Events" tab at thecentersd.org