Just_A_Mom
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- Jul 9, 2006
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http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/03/ap_guard_pennsylvania_chaplain_accusations_031110/
Fokas, a United Church of Christ minister, joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2003. He was 39 years old and felt called to serve his country by pastoring to soldiers on the front lines.
Fokas warmed to the challenges, and many colleagues came to admire his professionalism and humanity.
But now that he’s home, Fokas, 46, is facing a challenge that threatens his future with the military.
An officer has accused Fokas of telling him he is gay.
Although Fokas denies any such disclosure, a commander at Fort Indiantown Gap has ordered an inquiry.
“It is the policy of the United States Army ... that homosexuality is incompatible with military service,” Lt. Col. David W. Wood informed Fokas in a memorandum. “Therefore ... an investigation is in process to determine if separation action is warranted.”
Fokas, for now, remains in the Guard, but his chaplain duties are suspended pending the investigation’s findings.
Under the 1993 law known as “don’t ask, don’t tell,” more than 13,000 service members have been dismissed for being gay or lesbian.