Dr. John Hensala seemed to be getting the better part of the deal. He earned a medical degree at Northwestern University, performed his residency at Yale, as well as a fellowship at the University of California-San Francisco. At each institution, his books and tuition were free, paid for by the Air Force. In exchange, they expected Hensala to spend four years on active duty. Then, however, Hensala informed the Air Force he was gay and immediately received an honorable discharge. Billed by the Air Force for $70,000 for his education, he is suing, refusing to pay back the money since his discharge was based on his homosexuality. Hensala knew what would happen, however, when he informed his superiors. Because of this, unfortunately, he is obligated to repay the money.
Even if the discharge is based on the faulty “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that the military has toward homosexual enlistees, that is not the point. After all, Hensala didn’t enter the Air Force knowing that he was homosexual and hoping to challenge the policy. He entered into the contract with good faith, as did the Air Force. But unfortunately for him, the military enacted the policy, and it is something, however flawed, that he should abide by.
People create contracts or obligations for themselves. Once a contract is agreed to, both parties are obligated to fulfill it. Hensala was operating within a military system with a specific policy regarding homosexuals. He was not motivated by threats or blackmail to inform his superiors about his homosexuality. He did so freely. Until the rules change in the military, Hensala should abide by those that currently exist.