![]() ![]() “I told him you’ve got to trust the Navy will keep its word. ![]() When he refused, Cheryle says the Navy offered “to go easy on him” and grant a “general” discharge, rather than a dishonorable discharge, if he complied. Martin was ordered to write down the names of fellow servicemen that he knew were gay. Armed Forces discriminated against gay Americans, and actively tried to seek out and discharge gay servicemembers. Someone had outed him.”Īt the time, the U.S. “But then he called me one day and he was crying. ![]() He just really loved it-it was perfect for him,” said Cheryle. He was recommended for advancement, and he was told he had a fine career in the Navy. “He had perfect marks on all of his assessments. Traveling, seeing the world, and meeting new people all spoke to Martin’s extroverted nature, and 19 months into his service it seemed like his potential in the Navy was limitless. Because he was bilingual, he served as a translator when the ship docked at South American ports. Martin was based in San Diego and served aboard the famed USS Constellation, the last sail-only warship designed and built by the Navy. He always loved cars, vehicles of all kinds, airplanes, and he transferred that love to Navy ships,” said Cheryle. Cheryle says their family boasted generations of “seafaring men,” and Martin thought the Navy would give him the same sense of direction and discipline. ![]() The mother and son had always been close, and their mutual love for the Navy ran deep. He was still my son and I loved him,” Cheryle Cerezo-Gardiner said. The only thing that had changed was that I had new information. She says this was hard for her to process at first, but she quickly accepted Martin for who he always was. Martin joined the Navy shortly after graduating from high school in 1988, but before he enlisted, Martin came out as gay to his mother Cheryle. That’s why he’s fighting to ensure that every veteran-regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation-is treated with dignity and respect, including late U.S. Jeff strongly believes that everyone who serves and sacrifices for our country deserves the full measure of our appreciation. America’s veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share a common commitment to serve our nation. ![]()
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