LAS VEGAS, NEV (June 9, 2025) — Silver State Equality released the following statements from members of the organization’s leadership who are veterans of the United States Air Force in response to the renaming of United States Naval Ship Harvey Milk: Hon. David Parks, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Co-Chair of Silver State Equality Board of Advisors, Former Nevada State Senator:
“The Trump administration is continuing its hateful attacks on the LGBTQ+ community rather than address more important legitimate issues regarding our national security. Harvey Milk was a Navy Lieutenant trained as an elite submarine rescue diver. He was more of a ‘warrior’ than Pete Hegseth ever was or ever will be!”
Mishon Montgomery, Member, Silver State Equality Board of Advisors and Retired USAF Veteran:
“As a Retired United States Air Force veteran, gay person, proud American and board member of Silver State Equality, it is heartbreaking and unconscionable that the U.S. Secretary of Defense has ordered the USNS Harvey Milk to be renamed. Doubling down on this insult to the LGBTQ+ community, this is being done during Pride Month, clearly sending a message that service to this country by LGBTQ+ Americans is a service they intend to erase. The legacy of Harvey Milk, who proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and as a formidable LGBTQ+ advocate, will not be forgotten and cannot be stripped from military history. The contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to our military and our country are the definition of warrior ethos and deserve recognition and celebration, not the attacks being dealt by this administration.”
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As Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality brings the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in Nevada and throughout the U.S. Silver State Equality strives to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. Silver State Equality is a Nevada-based program affiliated with and supported by Equality California and Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. More information at SilverStateEquality.org.
