Repeal in Action: Victor Fehrenbach Wins Long Fight

Lucas Grindley

Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.

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Lucas Grindley

September 30 2011 2:09 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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The repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" is not an esoteric rollback of a law; the change is real for many gay and lesbian soldiers.

Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach had fought his discharge from the military before retiring earlier this month. And he just got long-awaited news in the fight.

"Finally," wrote Fehrenbach on Facebook, sharing the photo shown on this page. "On my last day in the Air Force, I received my official notification that my discharge is withdrawn. Thanks!"

The ceremonial retirement orders for Fehrenbach came less than three weeks before the official end of DADT on September 20, and a formal going-away celebration was held in early September. See more from that event.