Episode #11 - Is "Stop Loss" Proof That "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Should Be Rescinded?

We'll have a substantive discussion about the use of the stop loss policy to man combat units. Since 1993, more than 12,500 troops have been discharged under the Clinton-era "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Could a halt to the policy really solve the military's manning issues? We'll also chat with Scott Kesterson who is deployed with combat troops in Afghanistan. This week's Tribute to Freedom: Staff Sgt. Omar Hernandez of Fort Bliss, Texas, was awarded the prestigious Silver Star Medal and the Purple Heart for risking his personal safety to rescue two teammates from the line of fire while in Iraq in 2007. After having already completed several months of a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Staff Sgt. Hernandez was on dismounted patrol with two members of the Iraqi National Police when the group came under attack by insurgents. Both men, whom Staff Sgt. Hernandez had been mentoring, were hit and wounded. Despite having received a bullet to the leg himself, Staff Sgt. Hernandez ran through additional fire from the enemy to get both his teammates to a covered location while back support arrived. He sustained extensive damage to his leg, including the loss of 30% of his quadriceps muscle.