Army General Comes Out, Is Pinned By Wife

A ceremony in honor of Army Brig. Gen. Tammy S. Smith Friday was more than a celebration of her promotion to brigade general. It was also her coming out party.

Her star was pinned by her wife Tracey Hepner.

There is no better display of the benefits of ending the military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy. Under the policy, Smith would have been discharged, despite her service record.

Change doesn't happen easily, but as a result of allowing openly gay and lesbian members to serve, the U.S. military has entered a new era of openness.