[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.44,0:00:03.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Interpreter voice-over) Hello, everyone.\NMy name is Keith Nolan.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:04.48,0:00:05.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I’m a cadet private.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:09.21,0:00:12.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My talk today is on the topic\Nof the military.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:13.01,0:00:16.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How many of you out there thought\Nyou’d ever like to join the military?
Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.60,0:00:18.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I see a number of you nodding.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:18.57,0:00:21.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I thought the same thing\Never since I was young.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:21.26,0:00:24.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Growing up, I’d always wanted\Nto join the military.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:24.69,0:00:26.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I loved military history
Dialogue: 0,0:00:26.55,0:00:29.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I’ve read a great deal on the subject.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:29.03,0:00:33.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Also, I have various family members,\Nsuch as my grandfather and great uncle,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:33.30,0:00:34.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who fought in World War II.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:34.64,0:00:38.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And like them, I wanted the same thing:\Nto serve my country.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:38.05,0:00:39.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the question is: Can I?
Dialogue: 0,0:00:39.66,0:00:40.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No, I can’t.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:41.33,0:00:43.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why? Simply because I’m deaf.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:44.39,0:00:48.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Regardless of that fact, I still had\Nthat longing to join the military.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:49.87,0:00:53.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For example, after I graduated\Nfrom high school,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:53.48,0:00:55.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,three months before 9/11 occurred,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:55.84,0:00:59.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I went to a naval recruiting center\Nwith high hopes of joining the navy.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:59.98,0:01:03.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I went in and a strapping naval man\Nstood up and addressed me.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.93,0:01:08.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As he was speaking to me,\Nit was impossible for me to read his lips,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:08.13,0:01:10.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so I said, “I'm sorry, I’m deaf.”
Dialogue: 0,0:01:12.10,0:01:15.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He tore off a little piece of paper\Nand wrote down three words:
Dialogue: 0,0:01:15.18,0:01:17.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Bad ear. Disqual.”
Dialogue: 0,0:01:17.94,0:01:20.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He didn't even fully\Nspell out "Disqualified,"
Dialogue: 0,0:01:20.18,0:01:21.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,just: “Bad ear. Disqual.”
Dialogue: 0,0:01:23.38,0:01:25.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I went on my way.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:25.57,0:01:29.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I tried various locations a number\Nof different times, trying to join,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:29.31,0:01:31.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but over and over again,\NI got the same response:
Dialogue: 0,0:01:31.86,0:01:34.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Sorry, you’re deaf. We can’t accept you.”
Dialogue: 0,0:01:34.43,0:01:36.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I shifted gears\Nand decided to become a teacher.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:36.96,0:01:40.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I completed a master's in deaf education\Nand taught for almost two years,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:41.01,0:01:43.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,until this past spring,\Nwhen three things occurred
Dialogue: 0,0:01:43.49,0:01:45.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that changed that course,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:45.16,0:01:48.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the first of which, while I was teaching\Na high school history class.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:48.99,0:01:51.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I’d lectured on the Mexican-American War.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:51.39,0:01:53.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The bell had rung,\Nand I was seated at my desk,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:53.86,0:01:56.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when one of my students,\Nwho is deaf, approached me
Dialogue: 0,0:01:56.66,0:01:58.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and said that he’d like\Nto join the military.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:58.84,0:02:00.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I said, “Ah, sorry.\NYou can’t. You're deaf.”
Dialogue: 0,0:02:01.58,0:02:03.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then I caught myself.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:03.05,0:02:06.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It struck me that all along\NI had been told no, I can’t,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:06.42,0:02:08.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and now I was perpetuating\Nthat same message
Dialogue: 0,0:02:08.60,0:02:11.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the next generation, to my own student.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:11.29,0:02:14.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That realization had a large impact\Nthat really resonated with me.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:15.00,0:02:18.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, the second thing that happened,\Nmy friend had just moved to Israel.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:18.51,0:02:21.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Did you know that in Israel\Nthey accept deaf people into the military?
Dialogue: 0,0:02:21.90,0:02:24.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How can deaf people be\Nin the military, right?
Dialogue: 0,0:02:24.09,0:02:26.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Could this really be true? Come on!
Dialogue: 0,0:02:26.22,0:02:29.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, I went to Israel last summer\Nto see for myself.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:29.36,0:02:32.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I interviewed 10 deaf Israeli soldiers,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:32.25,0:02:35.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,all of those video interviews\Nand questions I’ve compiled,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:35.03,0:02:37.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the findings,\NI’ll share with you later.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:37.89,0:02:40.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thirdly, CSUN here, my alma mater,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:40.82,0:02:43.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,had recently started up\Nan Army ROTC program.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:44.46,0:02:49.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,ROTC, which stands for\NReserve Officer Training Corps,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:49.34,0:02:51.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,allows students working on\Ntheir college majors
Dialogue: 0,0:02:51.66,0:02:54.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to concurrently participate\Nin the ROTC program.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:54.31,0:02:57.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Upon graduation, ROTC students\Nhave a military career
Dialogue: 0,0:02:57.80,0:02:59.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,ready and waiting for them.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:59.44,0:03:02.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So if one joined the army, one could\Ncommission as a second lieutenant.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:02.91,0:03:05.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's generally the ROTC\Nprogram here at CSUN.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:05.77,0:03:07.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Having learned that, I was intrigued.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:08.18,0:03:10.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I already had a profession as a teacher,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:10.22,0:03:13.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but I went ahead anyway\Nand sent an email off to the program,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:13.20,0:03:15.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,explaining that I was\Na teacher of the deaf,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:15.36,0:03:17.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,wondering if I could take\Na few classes with them
Dialogue: 0,0:03:17.72,0:03:20.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and perhaps share their lessons\Nwith my students.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:20.39,0:03:22.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I got an email response back,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:22.78,0:03:25.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and surprisingly, it was the first\Ntime that I wasn't told,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:25.76,0:03:27.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Sorry, no, you can’t. You’re deaf."
Dialogue: 0,0:03:27.94,0:03:29.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It said, "Well, that's interesting.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.99,0:03:31.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I think maybe we can work something out
Dialogue: 0,0:03:31.94,0:03:34.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you can take a few classes with us."
Dialogue: 0,0:03:34.66,0:03:36.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This was unprecedented.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:36.66,0:03:38.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So naturally, I was shocked.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:38.64,0:03:42.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Although I was teaching, I decided I had\Nto grab the opportunity right away
Dialogue: 0,0:03:42.30,0:03:43.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and get my foot in the door.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:43.68,0:03:45.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Altogether, that's how it transpired.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:46.30,0:03:48.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, with all my life experiences,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.58,0:03:52.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,having talked with all the people I had,\Nand given everything I’ve read,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:52.33,0:03:56.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I decided to write a research paper\Ncalled “Deaf in the Military.”
Dialogue: 0,0:03:56.14,0:03:58.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'll share with you\Nwhat those 98 pages entail.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:01.04,0:04:04.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here in America, we’ve actually had\Ndeaf soldiers serving in the past.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:04.95,0:04:07.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In fact, during\Nthe Texas War of Independence,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:07.85,0:04:09.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there was a key character\Nnamed Deaf Smith,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:09.90,0:04:12.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who made a large contribution\Nto that war effort.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:13.03,0:04:14.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For the American Civil War,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:14.64,0:04:18.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Gallaudet University actually has archived\Na list of deaf soldiers in that war
Dialogue: 0,0:04:18.75,0:04:20.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from the North and the South,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:20.46,0:04:23.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,showing that deaf soldiers\Nwere even fighting against each other.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:23.62,0:04:26.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,During World War II,\Nthere are a few rare examples
Dialogue: 0,0:04:26.47,0:04:29.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of deaf people who made it\Ninto the military at that time
Dialogue: 0,0:04:29.34,0:04:31.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and were able to serve\Ntheir country as well.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:31.61,0:04:34.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,History illustrates the fact\Nthat America has had deaf soldiers,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:34.72,0:04:35.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in contrast to today.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:36.33,0:04:39.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In my paper, I also discuss\Nthe deaf Israeli soldiers.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:40.07,0:04:42.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I learned that they serve\Nin non-combat roles.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:42.98,0:04:46.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The deaf soldiers are not\Non the front lines engaged in fire,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:46.04,0:04:49.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but rather, are behind the lines\Nserving in supportive roles.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:49.32,0:04:52.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There are a plethora of various\Nnon-combat jobs accessible to the deaf:
Dialogue: 0,0:04:52.81,0:04:56.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,intelligence, computer technology,\Nmap drawing, supply,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:56.24,0:04:57.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,military dog training --
Dialogue: 0,0:04:57.51,0:04:58.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the list goes on.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:59.47,0:05:01.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The communication\Nbetween deaf Israeli soldiers
Dialogue: 0,0:05:01.72,0:05:03.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and other soldiers who are hearing
Dialogue: 0,0:05:03.41,0:05:06.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is carried out with the same approaches\Ndeaf people in general use
Dialogue: 0,0:05:06.61,0:05:08.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with the hearing public on a daily basis.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:08.60,0:05:10.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You can use your voice,\Nlip-read, gestures,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:10.72,0:05:14.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sometimes another soldier knows\Nsign language and that can be utilized,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:14.16,0:05:17.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,pen and paper, texts, computers, emails --
Dialogue: 0,0:05:17.38,0:05:19.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,seriously, there’s no\Nmagic wand necessary.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:19.71,0:05:21.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's the same thing we do every day.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:21.94,0:05:25.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Interpreters are used there primarily\Nfor boot camp training.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:25.14,0:05:28.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For the average work, it’s not necessary\Nto have an interpreter by your side.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:28.94,0:05:31.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Israeli Army is comprised\Nof small groups.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:31.36,0:05:33.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Each of these units with deaf\Nsoldiers have developed
Dialogue: 0,0:05:33.92,0:05:36.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,their own way of communicating\Nwith each other,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:36.17,0:05:37.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so there’s no need for interpreters.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:38.99,0:05:41.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The top picture is of one soldier I met.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:41.60,0:05:43.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The bottom photo\Nis of Prime Minister Begin
Dialogue: 0,0:05:43.87,0:05:45.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with a deaf soldier in Israel.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:47.96,0:05:52.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Another part of my paper touches on \Ndisabled soldiers in the US Military.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:52.36,0:05:56.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Obviously, military work can be dangerous\Nand involve injury.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:56.02,0:05:58.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One example here is Captain Luckett.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:58.96,0:06:01.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Due to an explosion, he lost his leg.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:01.56,0:06:04.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He’s recovered and currently has\Na prosthetic leg.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:05.08,0:06:10.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now that he’s strong, he's back in combat,\Nstill fighting in Afghanistan.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:10.86,0:06:12.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s remarkable.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:12.33,0:06:15.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And guess what? He’s not the only one.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:15.04,0:06:17.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There are 40 other soldiers like him,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:17.25,0:06:20.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,amputees who are serving in combat zones.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:20.66,0:06:21.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Incredible.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:21.84,0:06:23.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Also, we have a blind soldier here.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:23.98,0:06:25.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,While he was in Iraq,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:25.41,0:06:29.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an explosion from a suicide car bomber\Ndestroyed his eyesight.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:30.34,0:06:33.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He’s recovered and hasn’t left the army.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:33.09,0:06:35.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The army has retained him on active duty,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:35.64,0:06:38.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and he’s currently running a hospital\Nfor wounded soldiers.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:38.88,0:06:41.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I also found out online\Nabout another soldier,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:41.31,0:06:42.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who is deaf in one ear.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:43.21,0:06:45.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He’s developed civil programs in Iraq,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:45.49,0:06:49.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,one of which actually started\Na school for the deaf in Iraq.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:51.43,0:06:52.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All of this is incredible.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:53.41,0:06:55.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I am going to ask all of you:
Dialogue: 0,0:06:55.69,0:06:59.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the US Military can retain\Ntheir disabled soldiers,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:59.12,0:07:01.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,why can’t they accept\Ndisabled citizens as well?
Dialogue: 0,0:07:04.58,0:07:10.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Moreover, out of all the US Military jobs,\N80% are non-combat positions.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:10.82,0:07:14.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There are many jobs that we\Nin the Deaf community can do.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:14.52,0:07:17.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If I were to be in the military,\NI’d like to do intelligence work.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:17.88,0:07:20.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But there is an array\Nof other things we can do,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:20.17,0:07:22.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,such as mechanics, finance, medicine, etc.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:23.45,0:07:27.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So to summarize, I’ve presented\Nthree premises to support my argument,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:27.17,0:07:30.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the first being, Israeli defense\Nopenly accepts deaf soldiers.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:30.75,0:07:33.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If you have the qualities\Nand skills required, they’ll take you.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:33.95,0:07:36.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Secondly, the US Military\Nhas accommodations
Dialogue: 0,0:07:36.61,0:07:38.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for retaining their disabled soldiers.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:38.58,0:07:43.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And lastly, 80% of occupations\Nin the military are non-combat.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:43.96,0:07:46.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, can we Deaf Americans\Nserve our country?
Dialogue: 0,0:07:46.89,0:07:49.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes! Of course!\NAbsolutely, without a doubt!
Dialogue: 0,0:07:52.72,0:07:55.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now I’ll explain a bit\Nabout my experience in the Army ROTC,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:55.94,0:07:57.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which began last fall.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:57.66,0:08:00.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I have been involved with that thus far\Nand it’s still going on now.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:01.00,0:08:03.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Really, I need to preface this
Dialogue: 0,0:08:03.09,0:08:07.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by saying that this is the first time\Nmy battalion had ever had a deaf cadet.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:07.85,0:08:09.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They had never experienced that before.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:09.80,0:08:13.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So of course, they were taken aback,\Nwondering, initially,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:13.99,0:08:17.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,how I would do this or that,\Nhow would we communicate and such,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:17.24,0:08:18.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is a natural reaction,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:18.61,0:08:21.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,considering that many of them\Nhad never interacted with a deaf person
Dialogue: 0,0:08:21.91,0:08:23.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,prior to me.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:23.08,0:08:27.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Plus, I was taken aback by this --\Nit was the real thing, the army.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:27.54,0:08:30.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had to learn a whole new world,\Nfull of military jargon,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:30.76,0:08:32.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with its own culture and everything.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:34.18,0:08:37.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we started out slow,\Ngetting to know each other
Dialogue: 0,0:08:37.05,0:08:40.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and learning how\Nto work together, progressively.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:40.75,0:08:44.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For example, on the first day\Nof class, I had no uniform.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:44.84,0:08:46.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I showed up in regular clothes,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:46.54,0:08:48.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,while the other cadets\Nwere all in uniform.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:48.81,0:08:54.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I found out that every morning at 5:30,\Nthere was physical training, PT.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:54.47,0:08:58.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,On Fridays, there would be\Nfield training -- labs -- off-campus,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:58.18,0:09:02.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and occasionally, we would have\Nweekend training at a military base.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:02.07,0:09:04.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I showed up, ready,\Neach morning at 5:30,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:04.29,0:09:07.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with all the cadets in uniform\Nand me in civilian clothes.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:07.40,0:09:10.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They told me, “Hey, you know,\Nyou don't need to work out.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:10.14,0:09:11.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You can just simply take classes.”
Dialogue: 0,0:09:11.81,0:09:13.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I told them I wanted to, anyway.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:13.38,0:09:16.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They acknowledged that, and I continued\Nto show up every morning to train.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:16.90,0:09:19.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When Friday came,\NI asked if I could do the field training.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:19.71,0:09:21.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was told no, just stick with class.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:21.98,0:09:24.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I insisted that I wanted to try.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:24.05,0:09:27.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Somewhat reluctantly,\Nthey let me attend the lab,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:27.08,0:09:28.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but only as an observer;
Dialogue: 0,0:09:28.49,0:09:32.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I would only be allowed\Nto sit and watch, not participate.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:32.58,0:09:34.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alright, so, I showed up on Friday,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:34.50,0:09:37.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and watched as the cadets learned\Nmarching drill commands,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:37.49,0:09:40.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,like how to stand at attention,\Nhow to properly salute,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:40.17,0:09:41.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and all the basics.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:41.35,0:09:43.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had to ask again if I could join.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:43.71,0:09:45.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Finally, I got the go-ahead.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:45.07,0:09:46.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I went to get in formation.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:46.84,0:09:48.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I figured I better stand\Nin the second line,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:48.94,0:09:52.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so I could watch what the cadets\Nwere doing in the row ahead of me.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:52.25,0:09:56.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the officer who opened the door\Nfor me to join the ROTC program
Dialogue: 0,0:09:56.10,0:10:00.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,spotted me in the back and said,\N“Hey! Uh-uh. I want you in the front.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:00.50,0:10:01.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You want to be a soldier?
Dialogue: 0,0:10:01.75,0:10:04.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You've got to learn the commands\Njust like the rest of them.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:04.67,0:10:07.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You’re not going to follow other people.\NLearn it yourself!”
Dialogue: 0,0:10:07.54,0:10:08.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I thought, "Wow.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:08.72,0:10:11.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He’s viewing me like any person,\Ngiving dignity to who I am."
Dialogue: 0,0:10:11.66,0:10:13.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was impressed by that.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:13.38,0:10:16.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So as the weeks went by,\NI still didn’t have a uniform.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:16.54,0:10:20.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I asked if it would be possible\Nto get one, but I was told it wasn't.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:20.04,0:10:21.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I continued on that way,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:21.62,0:10:25.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,until one day, I was informed\Nthat I’d be getting a uniform.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:26.38,0:10:29.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Please!" I said, “Really?\NWhy? What changed?”
Dialogue: 0,0:10:29.48,0:10:33.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was told, “We see your motivation,\Nyou show up every morning, dedicated,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:33.49,0:10:35.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and always gave a 110% effort.”
Dialogue: 0,0:10:35.49,0:10:37.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They wanted to give me the uniform.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:37.22,0:10:38.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was remarkable.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:38.88,0:10:40.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We went to the warehouse\Nto get my uniform.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:40.95,0:10:44.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I assumed I’d just get a uniform\Nand a pair of boots, nothing more.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:44.15,0:10:47.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But they filled two duffel bags\Nchock-full of gear:
Dialogue: 0,0:10:47.36,0:10:50.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,helmet, ammo vest, shovel,\Nsleeping bag -- the whole nine yards.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:50.58,0:10:51.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was astonished.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:53.39,0:10:54.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I have to tell you,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:55.96,0:10:59.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,each morning that I get up\Nand put on my uniform,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:59.21,0:11:00.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I feel privileged.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:01.79,0:11:04.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s truly an honor to wear the uniform.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:05.81,0:11:07.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, moving along,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:07.84,0:11:10.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when it came time to train\Nat the garrison base,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:10.16,0:11:12.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,at first, I was told I couldn’t go.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:12.11,0:11:14.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There was concern on the ROTC's part
Dialogue: 0,0:11:14.25,0:11:17.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that if the interpreter\Nwere to get injured during the training,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:17.32,0:11:18.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it would be a liability issue.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:18.78,0:11:21.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we had to figure out\Nall those issues and confusion,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:21.41,0:11:23.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but we worked it out,\Nand in the end, they let me go.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:23.92,0:11:27.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's how events were unfolding;\NI was permitted to do more and more.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:27.32,0:11:30.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Once, at the garrison base,\Nduring one of the training days,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:30.88,0:11:35.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a huge Chinook helicopter with its\Ntandem rotors landed right down to us,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:35.47,0:11:37.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,forcefully spinning\Nexhilaration in the air.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:38.01,0:11:40.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All of us cadets were supposed\Nto be getting on board.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:40.59,0:11:42.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Everyone was geared up and ready.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:42.68,0:11:44.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,However, the cadre had decided
Dialogue: 0,0:11:44.44,0:11:47.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I wasn’t going to be able\Nto ride the Chinook.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:47.13,0:11:49.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They were afraid\Nif the pilot shouted out orders,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:49.54,0:11:51.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,how would I be able\Nto follow the instructions?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:51.79,0:11:53.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I’d potentially cause a disruption.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:54.07,0:11:55.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I had to stand aside,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:55.74,0:11:58.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,while the others were filing\Ntoward the helicopter.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:58.77,0:12:01.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I could see the cadre huddled up,\Ndiscussing, mulling it over.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:01.75,0:12:05.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At the last minute, one of them said,\N“Come on! Get on the helicopter!”
Dialogue: 0,0:12:05.19,0:12:07.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I rushed over and got in.\NIt was such a thrill.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:09.16,0:12:12.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that was the spirit of learning about\Nand supporting one another
Dialogue: 0,0:12:12.64,0:12:13.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that carried over.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:13.81,0:12:16.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And since then, I’ve been involved\Nin everything they do,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:16.60,0:12:17.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,without any separation.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:18.34,0:12:20.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is where my passion lies.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:20.53,0:12:23.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I love them. I’ll show you\Nsome pictures here.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:24.57,0:12:28.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Bruin Battalion, Bravo Company --\Nthat’s the name of the group I belong to.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:28.31,0:12:32.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The cadre are the officers and sergeants\Nwho oversee the ROTC program.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:33.28,0:12:36.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the beginning, you can see,\Nit was a bit of an awkward phase.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:36.43,0:12:39.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But once they learned more about me\Nand what I’m capable of doing,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:39.60,0:12:41.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there's been tremendous support and unity.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:41.64,0:12:45.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The cadets, my fellow peers --\Nwell, when you train and sweat together,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:45.04,0:12:47.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you feel the bond\Nof camaraderie right away.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:47.24,0:12:50.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A brother- or sisterly cohesiveness\Nmakes them like family.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:50.58,0:12:54.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In training and military science classes,\Nwe learn theories of warfare,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:54.35,0:12:57.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,how to lead soldiers,\Nhow to do reconnaissance,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:57.50,0:12:59.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,strategies, how to knock out a bunker
Dialogue: 0,0:12:59.59,0:13:03.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and land navigation, where you’re finding\Nyour way out in the mountains.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:05.47,0:13:09.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As far as accommodations,\NI’ve been provided with interpreters
Dialogue: 0,0:13:09.37,0:13:13.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,through the National Center on Deafness,\NNCOD, here at CSUN.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:13.34,0:13:14.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I really have to thank them,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:14.91,0:13:16.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because it's hard to find interpreters
Dialogue: 0,0:13:16.85,0:13:19.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who are willing to wake up\Nat 4:30 in the morning,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:19.26,0:13:21.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or sometimes even 3:30 in the morning.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:21.48,0:13:23.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's the officer who emailed me back,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:23.65,0:13:26.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,saying I think you can have\Na few classes with us.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:26.18,0:13:27.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's Lieutenant Mendoza.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:28.66,0:13:31.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That’s my interpreter there,\Nbefore class starts.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:31.52,0:13:35.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is a picture from last fall,\Nwhen we were new to training.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:35.98,0:13:38.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is Lieutenant Colonel Phelps,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:38.82,0:13:40.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this being his name sign.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:40.61,0:13:43.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He's the commanding officer\Nof the entire Bruin Battalion.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:44.62,0:13:48.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every time I see him walk by,\Nit’s rather inspiring.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:48.47,0:13:53.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I mean, the way he presents himself,\Nyou can see he’s the epitome of a soldier.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:54.40,0:13:56.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Plus, he doesn't view me as a deaf person.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:56.59,0:13:59.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He looks at my skills\Nand capabilities instead.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:59.27,0:14:02.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He’s really pushed for me,\Nand I respect him for all that.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:02.48,0:14:04.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That’s me during one of the exercises.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:04.36,0:14:07.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is that Chinook helicopter\NI almost didn’t get on.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:07.53,0:14:09.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every cadet has a mentor.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:10.20,0:14:12.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My mentor is Cinatl.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:13.36,0:14:15.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He’s a really sharp soldier.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:15.25,0:14:18.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He teaches me all the finer points\Nand how to execute them ideally.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:19.77,0:14:23.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This top picture is when\Na group of us went to Las Vegas
Dialogue: 0,0:14:23.45,0:14:24.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to compete in a test,
Dialogue: 0,0:14:24.80,0:14:28.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to see if we could match the German\Ntroops' physical training standards.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:28.72,0:14:32.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It involved swimming, timed sprints,\Nmarksmanship and numerous fitness events.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:32.72,0:14:34.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I passed them\Nand satisfied the requirements
Dialogue: 0,0:14:34.88,0:14:39.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be awarded the gold German Armed Forces\NProficiency Badge right here.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:40.64,0:14:43.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is one of the sergeants,\NSergeant Richardson.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:43.47,0:14:47.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I love this guy. He doesn't take baloney\Nfrom any of us cadets.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:49.50,0:14:51.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here I am one morning,
Dialogue: 0,0:14:51.15,0:14:54.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when we trekked seven and a half miles\Nwith a 40-pound rucksack
Dialogue: 0,0:14:54.49,0:14:56.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in less than two hours.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:56.61,0:14:58.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here are a few of my fellow cadets.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:00.02,0:15:04.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I've been with them long enough\Nthat I’ve developed name signs for them.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:05.25,0:15:07.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,On the right, here, is Trinidad.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:07.32,0:15:10.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I gave him this name sign\Nbecause he's always very sarcastic.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:10.78,0:15:14.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He's a veteran, having served\Nin Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:14.12,0:15:17.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The female is Frigo,\Nwhose nickname is "Refrigerator,"
Dialogue: 0,0:15:17.22,0:15:18.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hence her name sign.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:18.46,0:15:20.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We’re always competing\Nintellectually in class.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:20.91,0:15:25.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The cadet on the end is Jarvy.\NHe's a top athlete.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:25.06,0:15:28.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I've given him this sign\Nbecause of the scar he has here.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:28.59,0:15:30.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do you know who this is?
Dialogue: 0,0:15:30.04,0:15:33.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the Chairman\Nof the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:33.46,0:15:35.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He is the highest-ranking military officer
Dialogue: 0,0:15:35.68,0:15:38.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and principal military advisor\Nto President Obama
Dialogue: 0,0:15:38.64,0:15:40.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and Secretary of Defense Gates.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:40.97,0:15:43.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He gave a talk at UCLA to a full house.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:43.60,0:15:45.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Afterwards, I lined up to shake his hand.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:45.62,0:15:48.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Having done so, I greeted him,\N“It’s a great pleasure to meet you.”
Dialogue: 0,0:15:48.83,0:15:50.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I signed and my interpreter voiced for me.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:50.90,0:15:54.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Admiral Mullen turned to the interpreter\Nand said, “It’s nice to meet you,”
Dialogue: 0,0:15:54.48,0:15:57.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,addressing the interpreter,\Nwho refrained to clarify.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:57.10,0:15:59.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He seemed a little confused\Nand just quickly moved on
Dialogue: 0,0:15:59.62,0:16:01.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to shake hands\Nwith the rest of the soldiers.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:01.76,0:16:04.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I’m not sure whether he really knew\Nthat I'm deaf or not.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:04.65,0:16:08.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So everything’s been moving along,\Ngung-ho, full speed ahead,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:08.76,0:16:12.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,until two weeks ago,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:12.82,0:16:14.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when something occurred.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:15.15,0:16:17.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, the ROTC has four levels.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:17.99,0:16:22.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I’m currently doing the first two levels,\Nwhich finishes up this May.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:22.50,0:16:24.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The third level will begin in the fall.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:24.42,0:16:27.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But in order to move up,\Nyou need to pass a medical exam.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:28.14,0:16:32.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Obviously, I’m deaf,\Nso I’d fail a hearing test.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:34.47,0:16:36.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we sat down,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:36.53,0:16:40.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I was told that if I wanted\Nto continue to the third level,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:40.67,0:16:44.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I couldn’t do any\Nof the PT workouts in the morning,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:44.46,0:16:49.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,nor the Friday lab field trainings,\Nnor the army base trainings.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:49.50,0:16:51.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My uniform, I would have to\Ngive back as well.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:52.80,0:16:55.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I could take the classes,\Naudit them, and that’s all.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:56.97,0:16:59.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It really hit me. It was a huge blow.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:03.04,0:17:06.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Many of the officers\Nand cadets have empathized
Dialogue: 0,0:17:06.24,0:17:08.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with this sudden shock of disappointment,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:08.59,0:17:11.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and are wondering\Nwhy this has to be the case.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:11.59,0:17:14.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Colonel Phelps has tried\Nto speak with the higher-ups
Dialogue: 0,0:17:14.60,0:17:15.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the chain of command
Dialogue: 0,0:17:15.95,0:17:18.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and explain to them\Nthat I’m one of the top cadets,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:18.57,0:17:21.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,having passed all the events\Nand receiving high marks on my exams.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:21.95,0:17:23.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But their response is unwavering:
Dialogue: 0,0:17:23.61,0:17:26.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,policy is policy, and if you’re deaf,\Nyou’re disqualified.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:27.72,0:17:31.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I know that the cadre has tried\Nto find various ways.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:31.96,0:17:35.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They found out that\Nthere's a deaf cadet at The Citadel,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:36.56,0:17:38.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a military college in South Carolina.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:39.77,0:17:42.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That particular cadet will be completing\Nhis fourth year there
Dialogue: 0,0:17:43.02,0:17:44.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and graduating this May.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:44.21,0:17:46.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yet, he's in the same\Npredicament that I'm in --
Dialogue: 0,0:17:46.50,0:17:48.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,unable to join the army because he’s deaf.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:50.50,0:17:53.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yet, all of my fellow cadets\Nand the officers have told me
Dialogue: 0,0:17:53.28,0:17:55.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not to give up; the policy must change.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:56.04,0:17:58.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was advised to talk with my congressman.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:58.11,0:18:01.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I've brought this issue\Nto Henry Waxman,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:01.37,0:18:03.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the district congressman here in LA,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:03.45,0:18:06.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to get the ball rolling\Nwith his advocacy for my cause.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:06.11,0:18:08.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,However, I need your help\Nand support to lobby.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:08.52,0:18:09.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All of us, you know?
Dialogue: 0,0:18:10.30,0:18:13.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If you remember back in US history,\NAfrican-Americans were told
Dialogue: 0,0:18:13.47,0:18:15.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they couldn’t join the military,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:15.04,0:18:16.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and now they serve.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:16.22,0:18:18.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Women as well were banned,\Nbut now they've been allowed.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:18.86,0:18:20.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The military has and is changing.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:20.53,0:18:22.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Today is our time. Now it’s our turn.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:22.93,0:18:24.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hooah!
Dialogue: 0,0:18:24.11,0:18:25.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)