Scott Air Force Base Flight Nurse Returns to USAF action nearly 16 years later following change in policy

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - In 1993, the bill widely known to many as "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" was passed, which instructed members not to ask, tell, pursue, or harass someone about their sexual orientation, while also prohibiting members of LGBTQ+ community from openly serving in the military.

The shadow of the bill was part of the reason why 1st Lt. Evan Scott-Kristansen left the U.S. Air Force in 2007.

"The reason why I joined (in 2003), just sitting in a high school English class, seeing (the World Trade Center) go down kind of drove me to my service and to realize that I need to do something. I want to serve my country," said Scott-Kristansen on Total Information A.M. Thursday. "When I got out in 2007, I guess the thoughts of 'Should I reenlist, should I continue?' wasn't really an option for me understanding that I couldn't bring myself fully to the job because of the policy that was in place. I couldn't really live that life essentially. And so the choice for me was pretty obvious."

After being honorably discharged, Scott-Kristansen went on to pursue a career in nursing, becoming a trauma and ICU nurse. During that time out of the military, he also met his husband, Michael, who was a healthcare litigator.

Scott-Kristansen said that despite leaving, he did miss a lot of things, especially the community.

"Even back when I was enlisted in 2003 to 2007, the community was there and it still is today," said Scott-Kristansen. "Policy has changed, things are different. But the airmen that I serve with is why I'm here. I had officers back in the day that led me, mentored me and I strive to be that for fellow airmen today."

During the time Scott-Kristansen was no longer in service, the "Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy" policy was repealed in 2011, letting service members like Scott-Kristansen to serve openly.

Scott-Kristansen returned to service in 2023, but this time as a aeromedical evacuation flight nurse at Scott Air Force Base. Since returning to the Air Force, Scott-Kristansen feels the atmosphere regarding LGBTQ+ service members has dramatically changed since the bill was repealed in 2011.

"Air Force has recognized that diversity inclusion is so important to the mission," said Scott-Kristansen. "With the Air Force promoting that diversity and inclusion in their ranks aligns with our core values, integrity, service and excellence. It is who the Air Force is when we accept and we have a diverse force, we're able to solve complex problems. We're able to give our best fully to our job and to our country."

Since returning, Scott-Kristansen has been actively involved in grassroots initiatives to connect LGBTQ+ service members across the Scott Air Force Base.

"Connecting with people is what I absolutely love to do," said Scott-Kristansen. "And so when I say grassroots, I mean, connecting with the individual and talking about our shared experiences and how we bring that to the job."