Six decades after the Air Force kicked her out as “undesirable” for being a lesbian, and just days before her 91st birthday, Helen James was finally awarded the honorable discharge she has long deserved.  This relief came only after Legal Aid at Work and WilmerHale filed a federal lawsuit on Helen’s behalf.  Now, NBC’s Today Show with Megyn Kelly plans to feature Helen’s inspiring story.

Helen was one of approximately 100,000 lesbian and gay veterans discharged from the military since World War II because of who they loved.  Instead of being able to serve their country, these brave service members were harassed, stigmatized, dishonorably discharged, and denied crucial veterans’ benefits.

Legal Aid at Work is looking to assist other LGBT veterans like Helen in correcting their discharge papers.  If you are one of these thousands of veterans, please contact us at military@nulllegalaidatwork.org or (415) 864-8848 for free assistance.

The Today Show episode featuring Helen’s amazing story is scheduled to air on NBC affiliates around the country on February 21, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. EST/PST.