Airman Discharged Under DADT to be Honored at Inauguration

David Hall, an Airman and ROTC cadet who was discharged when his commanding officers confirmed his sexual orientation, is one of eight "citizen co-chairs" for President Barack Obama's Inauguration committee.

Hall joined the Air Force in 1996 where he was promoted to staff sergeant and graduated from Airman Leadership School, according to the White House. He became a student at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, after re-enlisting in the Air Force. At the University, Hall became a top cadet in his Air Force ROTC class. A fellow cadet told their commanders that Hall is gay, which launched an investigation in 2002. Hall was dishonorably discharged, but then joined a lawsuit two years later challenging the policy. Hall now works for OutServe-SLDN.

Each of the eight people on the inauguration citizen committee represent a major accomplishment during the president's first term in office, including those who have benefitted from Pell Grants, the Affordable Care Act, and the General Motors bailout.