Beneath The Uniform
Beneath the Uniform focuses on the people, not the uniform. Addressing the topics, challenges and issues that military members face each day. We are taking a deep dive into who the people are beneath the uniform- where do they come from, what are they focused on and how has the military helped shape their ideals? We are also getting real with issues and concerns facing military members today- not only military issues, but the real life issues we all face every day.We are Chaplain (Maj) Xiomara Diaz and Capt. Pete Gioia, two officers at the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard. We come with the experience of being enlisted, officers, parents, athletes, and friends. We hope to share some of our knowledge, learn some new things, and find out more about who people are Beneath the Uniform.
Beneath The Uniform
Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community while serving in the military
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Xiomara Diaz and Pete Gioia
Chaplain Diaz and Capt Gioia welcome Lt. Col. Kelly Person from the 109th Airlift Wing and National Guard Bureau, and Lt. Col. Jeff Roth, commander of the 258th Field Artillery Regiment for the Army National Guard part-time and he also commands Joint Task Force Empire Shield full-time.
The two guests discuss their journey to coming out in the military and how that experience was, what they hope for the future of the LGBTQ+ community in the military and how they help to support other Airmen and Soldiers.