A Tribute to Dixon Osburn (Baldwin 2007)

A Tribute to Dixon Osburn

HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

OF WISCONSIN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to C. Dixon Osburn, who, as co-founder and Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), led the national movement to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for the past fourteen years. Under his leadership, SLDN has moved our nation many miles closer to its goal of freedom to serve in our Nation's Armed Forces without regard to sexual orientation. It has been my honor to work with Dixon for many years to improve the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. Our work is not done, but one day "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will take its place among the relics of history and be replaced by a fairer, better policy that truly honors the patriotism of all Americans. And we will remember Dixon and the foundation he built with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. I wish Dixon all the best in his future endeavors, and I thank him for his significant contribution to improving our Nation's Armed Forces.