Other HIV positive service members interviewed say that serving their country while fighting for access to HIV care or preventative treatments is an uphill battle rife with bureaucracy, old science and misnomers within the Department of Defense on how HIV is transmitted. Now, with a felony assault charge, Pinkela is having a hard time finding work even at a hardware store. “The post-traumatic stress I suffer now is worse than what I actually experienced in battle,” he says, pointing out a gunshot wound to his face. His relationship with his mother is strained, he hasn’t had sex for years and doesn’t feel safe in public places. Since being home, things have only gotten worse for Pinkela. Otisville was the only place for Pinkela to retreat to – specifically, back to his mother’s house. (Pinkela is also openly gay.) He served eight months in prison, lost his home and was dishonorably discharged from the Army. President Jimmy Carter denounced Pinkela’s trial, and advocates argue it was one of the last Don’t Ask Don’t Tell cases the military tried and won.
Pinkela has been HIV positive since 2007 when he was diagnosed right before deployment to Iraq during the surge. Instead, he was tried and charged for exposing a younger lieutenant to HIV, though there was no proof of transmission.
