He had always wanted to be a rescue pilot, to serve a higher purpose by rushing to the aid of others in danger. Fighting valiantly to save lives regardless of the terrain or conditions.
His heroic rescues earned him numerous awards and decorations, including the Jolly Green Association Rescue Mission of the Year Award and a medal for putting his own life in danger to save the life of a critically injured truck driver.
But something was always bothering him. Something didn’t feel quite right but couldn’t be explained.
He decided to tell the truth to himself and the world after years of soul searching, consulting with his pastor, and talking with friends and family. The decorated pilot, who put his life on the line for others, came out as transgender and began the process of becoming his true self.
“In 2017, I suffered a number of tragedies in a short span of time, I felt lost in the ocean with my head barely above water with waves continuously crashing down” said Maj. Jason Vero, Joint Base Andrews Air Show director. “During that period, I did a lot of internal reflection and after speaking at length with my pastor made the decision to transition.”
“During that initial period – and even now – there is not a lot of guidance for aviators that have transitioned to get back their flight status,” Vero said. “But thorough research of Department of Defense and Air Force policies alongside my mentors and healthcare team guided me through the process.”
Having open-minded and compassionate leadership that was willing to talk and listen to his position and foster an inclusive environment enabled the major to continue his lifelong dream job of being an aviator.
“Being able to be myself, coupled with a command team that has cared for me and fought for me to be here, has made a world of difference and enabled me to continue to serve,” Vero said. “One great example was my leadership calling me up prior to a urinalysis test and asking if I preferred a medical observer versus a military observer.
“A small gesture, but meant a lot to me personally and professionally,” he added.
Vero advises service members who are considering transitioning and wanting to continue to serve to read and understand what the DoD and Air Force policies state in detail. He suggests starting with DAFPM-2021-36-01 Assessions and In-Service Transition for Persons Identifying as Transgender.
“This will assist you in your transition process and advocating for yourself,” he said. “If you’re aircrew, you can still transition and fly. Work with your command and medical team to find a way to ‘Yes.’ Just remember, you are your own best advocate.”
The Department of Defense recognised transgender and gender nonconforming people and their ongoing struggle for equality, security, and dignity in March 2021. The Air Force quickly followed suit, issuing guidance that essentially reinstated the original 2016 transgender service policies. They specifically prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or transgender identification. They also provide a pathway into the military based on one’s self-identified gender, provided all relevant military standards are met.
More information on how the Department of the Air Force is committed to foster a diverse and inclusive environment can be found here.