Veterans’ Advocacy for Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Recognized at Obama Presidential Center

San Antonio, TX, August 6, 2026 —

The advocacy efforts of San Antonio native Eric Alva, a retired Marine Staff Sergeant and the first service member seriously wounded in the Iraq War, have been honored at the Obama Presidential Center Museum. Alva was a prominent figure in the movement to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Enacted in 1993, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy prevented openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals from serving in the United States military. In 2007, Alva publicly disclosed his sexual orientation to draw attention to the policy and advocate for its abolition. His efforts culminated in standing alongside President Barack Obama when the repeal was signed into law in 2010.

Another key figure in this advocacy was former Army Sergeant Danny Ingram. Ingram was discharged from the military in 1994 under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. He later joined forces with Alva to champion the cause for repeal. The couple, Alva and Ingram, married in San Antonio in 2017.

Their combined work and dedication to achieving policy change for LGBTQ+ service members is now a part of the historical record at the Obama Presidential Center Museum, recognizing their significant role in the fight for equality within the armed forces.

Story summarized from the original created by Christian Riley Dutcher on www.ksat.com, see more information here.