After Landmark Lawsuit, Maj. Margaret Witt to Retire with Full Benefits
Major Margaret Witt, a decorated flight nurse who had been dismissed under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, has reached a final settlement in her landmark lawsuit, the ACLU of Washington announced today. Major Witt will retire with full benefits, the government will drop its appeal of the federal court ruling in her favor, and the unlawful discharge will be removed from her military service record. The ACLU-WA has represented Major Witt directly since 2006 in a lawsuit challenging her discharge.
“I am proud to have played a role in bringing about the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ I am so pleased that the tens of thousands of lesbians and gays who have served their country honorably will be able to serve openly,” said Major Witt.
http://www.aclu-wa.org/news/final-settlement-landmark-lawsuit-major-witt-retire-full-benefitsA 1986 graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Major Margaret Witt was a flight nurse assigned to McChord Air Force Base near Tacoma. During her 18-year career in the Air Force, Major Witt served in the Persian Gulf, received many medals and commendations, and always had superb evaluations from her superiors. In 1993, she was selected to be the “poster child” for the Air Force Nurse Corps recruitment flyer.