Oct. 26, 2017: Iraq War veteran and LGBT rights activist Eric Alva speaks at UAA
by Michelle Saport |
Eric Alva at UAA Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. Wendy Williamson Auditorium
Retired Staff Sergeant Eric Alva delivers a powerful message of strength, equality and freedom of expression as he shares his deeply affecting story of overcoming injury and adversity and coming out as a gay man in the armed forces.
The first American soldier injured in the Iraq War, Eric was hailed as an American hero, and individuals from Donald Rumsfeld to President George W. Bush visited the Marine veteran during his recovery. While he lost his leg in combat, Eric's spirit remained stronger than ever-upon retirement, he came out as gay, and went on to play an instrumental role in the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gay, lesbian and bisexual service members, working with members of Congress to end the discriminatory practice.
Tickets are free for UAA students and $5 for the general public. Advance tickets available at UAATix.com.
![Creative Commons License](http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc/4.0/88x31.png)