robsmith
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Rob Smith joined the United States Army at the age of 17. He served for nearly 5 years as a Tank Driver and Infantry Rifleman and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq before being honorably discharged, eventually earning the Army Commendation Medal, Expert Marksmanship Award, and the Combat Infantryman Badge among others.
After discovering his sexual orientation while serving, Smith chose not to re-enlist due to the added pressure of living under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy which bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in Communications and Sociology, Rob has recently published well-received articles about his experiences serving in the U.S. Army under DADT and other gay political issues at The Huffington Post, USA Today, Salon.com, and AfterElton.com.
Recently, he has spoken out about his experiences and in support of DADT repeal at various colleges, universities, pride events, and nationally coordinated repeal efforts including Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, Alliant International University in San Diego, CA, The Human Rights Campaign's 2010 Veterans' Lobby Day against DADT in Washington, DC, The New Jersey State Gay Straight Alliance Summit in Maplewood, NJ, the American Veterans for Equal Rights 2010 Pride Awards in New York City, and the New Jersey State 2010 Gay Pride Parade and Rally in Asbury Park, NJ.
Lecture: The War Within: A Gay Iraq War Veteran opens up about homophobia, serving in the U.S. Army under Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and fighting the ultimate battle towards self-acceptance.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell puts lives at risk . For a gay soldier like me, the military's policy undermined the very thing that every combat unit requires: Trust.
"Military Leader Memo: Your Gay soldiers Are No Longer Worthless.
"Low-Down Talk About Gays, HIV, and the DL from Sherri shepherd and D.L. Hughly .