As a gay veteran, I had never thought I'd see the day come.

At 12:01 a.m. exactly one year ago today, gay servicemen and women became free to serve openly, thanks to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" DADT .

My mom raised me to be an honest man with a deep love for my country. When I joined the Navy in 1998, my patriotism came first and my personal life second.

When I chose to leave the armed services, it was because I didn't want to lie anymore. I wasn't ashamed of who I am, and I didn't like feeling as if my country was ashamed of me, either.

There are thousands of gay veterans like me who never got a chance to serve openly, more than 13,000 troops who have been discharged, and countless men and women who might have chosen to serve their country had the policy not been in place.

With the repeal of DADT, I felt a renewed sense of pride in my service, and I know I'm not alone.

Our military is more united than ever. Valor and sacrifice aren't limited by sexual orientation. First-class heroes aren't treated like second-class citizens based on who they love -- gay and lesbian troops don't have to serve our country under false pretenses.

This is what change looks like.

I'm proud to work to re-elect this president. And I'm even prouder to cast my vote for President Obama again this fall.

If you're proud, too, commit to vote today:

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Jason

Jason Rico Obama for America

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