2Lt. Elli Work, a member of the Oregon National Guard, publicly
disclosed her sexual orientation during last April while testifying to the
Senate Judiciary Committee in support of SB34. Testifying in uniform, Elli
asked the legislators to help make it possible for all people to live in
their communities free from the oppression and fear of discrimination. 
She also asked them to support lifting the ban on gays in the military so
that gays and lesbians can serve with dignity. 
	On August 16, an official investigation was initiated against
Elli. Capt. Murgo, the investigating officer, called four members of
Elli's unit to ask their opinion of her professional conduct. Although
officers do not tend to fair well in popularity contests, all four had
favorable and supportive comments to make concerning Elli's conduct,
performance and contributions. Capt. Murgo's investigative report is due
at higher headquarters by the end of the month. 
	Elli is represented by local ACLU counsel. Elli and her attorney
have decided to work with a JAG officer (military attorney), see the case
through its routine progression, and then file in federal court. The
normal progression starts with an investigation, followed by a psychiatric
evaluation and then a military board convenes and ends with discharge
proceedings. 
	Veterans for Human Rights will issue action alerts in the future
enlisting support for Elli. VfHR is the liaison to her attorney; please
direct any inquiries to VfHR at (503) 223-1373. 


Anders Winther
veteran@agora.rain.com