THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

"The information gathering that took place prior to the law actually changing re-enforced my belief that this was not going to have a significant impact on readiness or morale. These concerns were especially critical, as we were then still in the middle of two wars. I did feel strongly that we needed time to gather the information to understand the breadth and depth of the issues in order to properly implement the changes associated with the repeal of the law when that took place," Mullen says of repeal in the interview, which took place last week.

The interview also covers how his early career experiences helped shape his future as Chairman, and how his study of the impact that open LGB service would have on the Armed Forces helped redefine the debate surrounding the implementation of the repeal of the discriminatory law.

"Many were taken back by the 're-framing' of the terms of reference of the debate, which my testimony fundamentally did. No longer was it about sexual orientation. It was about our most important value in the military: integrity," he said.

Mullen will join ABC news legend Barbara Walters to headline the September 18 event in New York City commemorating the one-year anniversary of DADT repeal. The event will take place aboard the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Read the interview with Admiral Mullen and several other articles and reflections from military heroes who have been personally impacted by the stand Admiral Mullen took for the military's core value: integrity. Download the digital magazine here or visit outservemag.com to view individual articles.

ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100. For more information, visit www.sldn.org .

ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information, visit www.outserve.org .

ABOUT THE INTERBANK ROUNDTABLE COMMITTEE: The Interbank Roundtable Committee's (IRC) is a voluntary NY-based 'network of networks' with representatives from 28 financial services industry organization's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Employee Resource Groups (ERG). The IRC serves as an open forum where members share best practices on promoting inclusive work environments and policies, engaging senior management and straight allies, building ERG membership and coordinating networking, professional development, and philanthropic activities across the industry. The IRC helps members build their professional network within the financial industry, while also promoting the financial industry as the industry of choice for LGBT individuals. For more information, visit www.interbanknyc.org .