Dan Choi (born February 22, 1981)[2] is an American former infantry officer in the United States Army who served in combat in the Iraq War during 2006–2007.

[9] He graduated from Tustin High School then attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.

He served as student body president, was on the varsity swim team, and was the marching band drum major.

In response, Choi penned an open letter to U.S. President Barack Obama and the United States Congress.

Despite his appeal and a Courage Campaign petition signed by almost 162,000 people,[15] on June 30, 2009, a panel of New York National Guard officers recommended that Choi be discharged from the military.

[19] The organization offers "to help their alma mater educate future Army leaders on the need to accept and honor the sacrifices of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender troops.

"[19][20] Choi has also spoken at numerous gay rights events, including a march in Los Angeles following the California Supreme Court's affirmation of Proposition 8.

On May 27, 2009, he addressed a demonstration of gay activists outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where President Barack Obama was speaking at a Democratic National Committee fund raising event.

[22] On July 16, 2009, Choi was in Culver City, California, to introduce the premiere of Abe Forman-Greenwald's documentary called Silent Partners.

[36] On May 27, 2010, Choi and Pietrangelo began a hunger strike until President Obama ends DADT and adds a non-discrimination policy to the military code.

[43] That same day, Dan Choi went to the Times Square recruiting station in New York to rejoin the U.S. Army[43] (referred to in one source as "reaccesion");[44] his request is in process.