TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Racial discrimination was abolished in the U.S. Armed Force
in 1948 leading to the end of segregation in the services. The U.S. military
continued its endeavor to be an inclusive, equal opportunity organization as
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, allowing lesbian, gay and bisexual
members to serve openly.
With our nation’s recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender community, the Air Force continues the spirit of
acknowledgement and continues “Breaking Barriers,” we take a deeper dive into
the military LGBT journey of one of our own, Col. Dawn “DJ” Junk, Continental
United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, First Air Force
and Air Forces Northern, director of strategy, policy, plans, requirements and international
affairs.
“Diversity leads to innovation, which continues to modernize
our military allowing for a stronger edge over our adversaries,” said Junk at a
recent speaking engagement in honor of LGBT Pride Month. “In addition, our
society has recognized the value of diversity and we are a mirror reflection of
our society.”
Witch Hunts
In 1986, at the age of 17, Junk enlisted in the Air Force.
As a brand new Airman Basic, she knew she was different. Even so, she did not
have a realistic understanding of the difficulties she would face both within
her personal life and her military career.
During this time, it was common for the Air Force to conduct
“witch hunts” to root out LGBT Airmen.
“I knew who I was, but I didn’t know who I was based on
society’s labels and definitions. My naiveness saved me, I was 18 years old and
there are these random people hunting down gays and lesbians to charge them
with a dishonorable discharge for being who they were and I didn’t really grasp
what was happening and how this impacted so many lives.”
This is something she would face through 1994.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
In February 1994, the Department of Defense enacted their
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) directive, which prohibited discrimination of any
LGBT military personnel that has chosen not to come out as such.
“Now, I know who I am. I’m proud of it. But, I can’t say
anything about it at work,” Junk said.
This was to prevent a dishonorable discharge from her life’s
passion, being in the Air Force.
During this time, Junk concluded a 14-year enlisted Air
Force career to begin an Air Force officer career as a pilot in 2000. She would
also struggle through the end of a long-term relationship with the love of her life,
something she could not share with leadership, supervisors or even her
coworkers with the exception of one.
This was a very dark time for her.
“It was devastating, but at least I had a coworker that
understood me,” Junk said. “There would be times I would go to the gym, she
would come with me and I would cry my eyes out. That small, little dark room
was the only area I could find relief.”
Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell
In 2011, DADT was repealed. For the first time, LGBT Airmen
were allowed to openly serve. Junk began to notice coworkers taking an interest
in her personal life.
“All of a sudden after working with the same individuals for
over three years, they started to ask questions about my personal life and my
relationship,” she said. “It was very difficult to take in. It took a bit for
me to accept that because there was always that period of time where I thought [DADT]
could be retracted.”
It wasn’t until she worked on the Joint Staff at the
Pentagon in 2014, that she believed the window for retraction had closed.
“When the transgender bathroom facilities solutions were
being considered, my concern of retraction quickly dissolved,” Junk said.
It was then she finally began to feel comfortable, sharing a
bit more of her personal life with those around her.
Offering Advice
Colonel Junk has faced a multitude of challenges during her
31-year affiliation with the Air Force. She lives by the Air Force Core Values
and used them throughout her career, maintaining resiliency and achieving
personal and professional goals.
Junk’s message to all Airmen is to stay true to themselves,
go the extra mile, be the best Wingman, complete your Professional Military
Education, do the right thing even when nobody is looking, be within your
physical training standards and to always live the core values: “Integrity
first, service before self and excellence in all we do.”
Junk shared this message to all in attendance and encourages
Airmen to stay true to themselves and follow what they believe.
“I enjoyed what she had to say. It made me feel good about
myself,” said Staff Sgt. Ashley Gerlads, 325th Logistics Readiness fleet
management and analysis member. “Sometimes when I’m at work I’m afraid to be
myself because of what people may think, but I’m glad I got to hear what she
said. Be yourself, and if you are doing what is right, you don’t have to worry
about anything else.”