Library of Congress Veterans History Project

Interview conducted by Jeanne Czarnecki and produced by David Addison. Recorded at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Headquarters, January 6, 2016.

Lynne Sansevero was born in the Bronx, New York, but moved to Mystic Island, New Jersey at age 7. As an exceptional student, Lynne graduated from high school at age 17 with plans to attend Rutgers University. She joined the army as a result of her parents' refusal to sign paperwork for colleges. Lynne served in the army from 1981 to 1984. In Ft. Dix, New Jersey, she graduated top of basic training in "Company B," the first all-female brigade. In Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, she completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and received a 68S as a preventative medicine specialist, and a 68W as combat medic. She was assigned to work as a preventative health specialist at General Leonard Wood Community Hospital (GLWACH) in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. It is at GLWACH that Lynne was charged, arrested and dismissed with homosexuality. Thanks to a supportive commander's lobby, Lynne was able to leave the military with an honorable discharge. Because of her extraordinary performance in the army, she reached the rank of E4. Three years after discharge, Lynne moved to California and resumed her formal education. She earned a master's degree and career in information technology. She was officially married to her life partner after the passage of Proposition 8.