Description

Eric Alva, Retired Marine Staff Sergeant joins Allison on this week’s Podcast. Eric discusses his career in the Marines and how he got started, his eventual deployment to Iraq, and what happened to him during his time in the Marines. Eric discusses after retiring, his decision to come out as gay, and how that impacted him and his family. He also discusses his involvement in repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and the impact it’s had on LGB members of the military. He shares how he stays so positive in the light of adversity, and how he believes everything happens for a reason, as well as his hopes for a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.

Some of the highlights of the show include:

• Eric’s background and decision to join the marines and what his experience was like as a gay man serving in the Marines
• His deployment to Iraq and becoming the first American injured in the war
• His decision to come out as gay and the impact it had
• His involvement in repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and what it meant for the LGBT community
• The work that still needs to be done to make the world a more inclusive and welcoming place for all
• How he’s been able to stay positive and maintain an attitude of gratitude despite facing adversity