ABC 7 Chicago: Quigley Administers Oath For Gay Veteran's Re-Enlistment After End of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Linda Yu: A Navy veteran came back to Chicago Monday to enlist in the U.S. military for the third time. He had served out his enlistment in the Navy in the 1990s not letting anyone know that he was gay. After 9/11, he re-enlisted in the Coast Guard, wanting to serve his country. But under the former policy "don't ask, don't tell" he was kicked out of the Coast Guard when it was discovered that he was gay. Lee Reinhart began working hard then to win the repeal of that policy. Today he got his wish -- he is back in the Navy.

Lee Reinhart: I, Lee Reinhart, do solemnly swear, I will support and defend the constitution of the United States of America.

Linda Yu: Congressman Mike Quigley, who experienced the lobbying, letter writing and work of Reinhart these past many years, was at the center on Halsted to swear him into the Naval Reserve.

Rep. Quigley: Lee, there was a time when you were not appreciated. I promise you are now. This is an extraordinary testament not just to your dedication but to your perseverance and your love of your country

Linda Yu: Also there today were former naval colleagues and members of the American Veterans for Equal Rights. After the 38-year-old Reinhart thanked them all he asked other veterans, gay and straight, to stand with him at the podium as people who did not worry first about a soldier's sexuality.

Lee Reinhart: These are men and women have served this country and they have done so honorably. Now, finally, we are all seen as one... we can all serve and we are all judged by the content of our character.

Linda Yu: Lee will go through re-training at the Great Lakes Naval Station and then transfer to an Ohio-based naval reserve unit where he now lives.