
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, May 11, 1993                   TAG: 9305110194
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: SAN FRANCISCO                                LENGTH: Short

DECORATED GAY SOLDIER DISCHARGED BY ARMY

The Army on Monday approved discharging a highly decorated soldier who declared his homosexuality two weeks ago at the gay-rights march in Washington D.C.

All that remains for Sgt. Joe Zuniga, 24, to become a civilian is to clean out his locker, clear up his finances and close out his personnel records, said San Francisco Presidio spokesman Lt. Steven Fredericks.

The military journalist and Gulf War veteran who won the 6th Army's 1992 Soldier of the Year award violated the military's prohibition against homosexuals in announcing his sexual orientation.

Presidio Battalion Commander Wayne Agness recommended an honorable discharge because of Zuniga's nearly spotless record, Fredericks said.

"From the very beginning, [Zuniga] said he would not contest it," Fredericks said. "Army regulations are quite clear. If you say you are a homosexual, you will be discharged." - Associated Press

by CNB