http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_301_Staying_Out.mp3 Bill Shipley served more than 20 years in the Navy. He never told anyone he was gay - until his gay son began to contemplate a career in the military. Plone 2.0 http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_301_Staying_Out.mp3/logo.jpg http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_301_Staying_Out.mp3 <h4>Staying Out</h4><p class="imageleft"><img class="image-left" src="resolveuid/6fd309b1d460adc9b3f85e5ee011990e" alt="Bill Shipley" height="136" width="100" />Bill Shipley</p><p>Bill Shipley had a distinguished career as an officer in the Coast Guard - he served for over twenty years before retiring. His son, Adam Shipley, was going to follow in his father's footsteps and join the Navy. <br /></p><p>When Adam told his father that he thought gays should not be in the military, his father revealed for the first time that he was gay. Bill wanted to protect his son from doing what he had done - choose to live his life in the closet. Not long after, Adam came out as gay, and gave up his plans to join the military and marry a woman.</p><p class="imageleft"><img class="image-left" src="resolveuid/014519e954846f7401da91dced1e3d90" alt="Bill and Adam Shipley" height="107" width="100" />Bill with his son, Adam</p><p>Bill believes gay men should be allowed to join the military - in fact, he says he himself is proof that gay men can serve with pride and distinction. Guest host Scott Jagow talks with Bill and Adam Shipley about their take on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and what they've learned from one another.</p><ul><li>Read <a href="http://freedomtoserve.blogspot.com/search?q=Bill+Shipley" target="_self">Bill's letter</a> to The Navy Times<br /></li></ul><p><a class="addbtn" href="http://www.publicradio.org/applications/formbuilder/user/form_display.php?form_code=608cc948ba9b" target="_self">Add to story</a><br /></p> Wed, 25 Jul 2007 05:00:00