From: communications@pflag.org
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 1997 09:47:37 -0500
Subject: SLDN Alert

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Tue, 18 Mar 1997

***URGENT*** WITCH HUNT ALERT

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has received reports today that a
witch hunt to ferret out suspected gay military members may be currently
ongoing at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The reports indicate that
investigators from the Criminal Investigative Division [CID] are
questioning military members, asking them to identify other military
members in photos supposedly taken at a gay-friendly civilian bar and at
private social gatherings.

TO PREVENT THE WITCH HUNT FROM SPREADING, PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS
[in order of importance] :

1. If you know someone stationed at Bragg or a nearby military
installation, please let them know of this reported investigation. Be sure
they know their rights: to REMAIN SILENT, to NOT SIGN ANYTHING, and to SEEK
LEGAL HELP.
They can contact SLDN at (202) 328-3244 for free, confidential counseling.

2. Call the offices of the Commanding General of Fort Bragg, Lt. Gen. John
M. Keane at (910) 396-3111. Ask to speak to someone who can pass a message
of concern to General Keane. Let him know that CID is violating current
Army regulations by seeking to learn the sexual orientation of individuals
who patronize a local civilian establishment and that it must stop. Emails
can also be sent to the Bragg Public Affairs Office at
pao-corps@bbs.bragg.army.mil

3. Call or fax the Secretary of the Army, The Honorable Togo West at voice
(703) 695 6311 ; fax (703) 697 8036. [Snail address: 101 Army Pentagon,
Washington, D.C. 20410-0101] Let his office know about the reports from
=46ort Bragg and that it is unacceptable for Army investigators to pursue
servicemembers simply because they might have patronized a bar with gay
clients and it must stop immediately.

As always, keep track of who you talk to and let us know of actions taken
and any responses received. Also please copy SLDN on any faxes/emails.
Because of the nature of witch hunt investigations, it is important that
these calls/faxes be made as soon as possible. Thanks for helping us to
protect servicemembers hurt by the military's anti-gay policies. Kirk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kirk Childress, Esq. ~ Staff Att=01D=AA=83=00=00=00=00=00=00'-=01E=02=00bers=
 Legal D=01D=B4=BFse Network
PO Box 53013 ~ Washington, D.C. 20009
Voice (202) 328-3244 ~ Fax (202) 797-1635 kchildress@sldn.org ~
http://www.sldn.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~