There is a strong bond in the military, a bond that most civilians can’t understand. Veterans have each other’s backs. We support each other. We stick together. Veterans understand each other, but not all straight veterans are willing to extend that understanding and support to LGBTQ+ Vets. And the LGBTQ+ community has not always been especially welcoming to members of the military or supportive of our Veterans. AVER is the place where the two come together. In AVER we understand each other as Veterans, AND we understand each other as LGBTQ+ people, with all the mutual challenges that come with each identity. As we examine our on-going mission to be of service to LGBTQ+ Veterans and Service Members, we need to keep our unique position in mind. Each of us found our home in AVER. We should strive to “be” home for those “coming” home.
-Danny Ingram
President Emeritus, AVER