justplainjon

Thanks for doing this, it is very informative. Your English is absolutely flawless. I was in Stuttgart 88 - 91 with US Army and spent many hours waiting around Rhein-Main, either coming or going. The level of education and commitment you've expressed astounds me. I believe you are spot on in critiquing US Law Enforcement, as there are little or no standards. In fact, I've often heard that higher intelligence is a liability when applying to a police force, as they don't want thinkers, they want soldiers. When I was in Stuttgart, brass always warned us to not mix it up with the Polizei, as they had a shoot-first-ask-questions-later reputation (at least, back in the late 80's anyway). Was there any truth to that in your opinion?

Hi Kristin! I wasn't able to participate in the AMA yesterday, but I was shocked to see you still involved today, good on ya! First, I had never heard of you prior to yesterday's AMA... so despite what masterman467 said below, you're so-called "attention whoring" seems to have been for nought, sorry ;). Dick. Anyway, I was able to catch your CNN special, and let me say that you have nothing but my utmost respect and admiration. Your journey has been nothing short of inspirational. I totally respect your advocacy for LGBT issues both in and out of uniform, and I especially support your pro-veteran stance on jobs. My question is regarding religion. I have always identified as atheist and during my time in, it wasn't a big deal. But frankly, if Congress or DOD if forcing religiosity on sailors / airmen / soldiers, that scares the hell out of me. Given another article hitting the front page about the USAF quietly requiring "so help me God" during reenlistment, and you having outprocessed much more recently than I, can you relate any tales in the Navy or Seals where religion was a factor amongst peers or the chain of command? Also, do you identify as any particular religion? Feel free to disregard if that is too personal. Best of luck on your journey, and if your travels ever bring you to NW PA, drop me a line, it would be an honor to buy you a beer! USA, Airborne 88 - 96 Desert Shield / Storm PS Don't laugh, I was a cook but I was the baddest spoon to ever pop silk ;)