5 Things: Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Sports Clinic, Harbor Days, Korean Symphony, Knit Class

Here are five things of interest to Camp Pendleton and the military community.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal

Tuesday is the day the controversial policy known as “Don't ask, don't tell” is officially repealed.

The policy that bars openly gay personnel from serving in the military has been in place for 18 years, leading to the discharge of gay, lesbian and bisexual service members.

Last year, legislation repealing the policy was approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.

“This is an historic moment in both American and LGBT history,” said Kristen Kavanaugh of the Military Acceptance Project (MAP), a San Diego-based support organization quoted by the LGBT Weekly.

Some Republicans continue to oppose the repeal, the Huffington Post reports. Rep. Buck McKeon, R-CA, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, have urged Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to delay the repeal.

Veterans Compete at Sports Clinic

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic kicked off over the weekend and continues Monday with rowing, surfing, and track and field competitions. All participants are recently injured service members.

The competitions take place at different venues in San Diego County and run through Friday.

Get Ready for Harbor Days

A full schedule of activities and entertainment for Oceanside's Harbor Days, Sept. 24 and 25, is available on the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce website.

Amtrak California is promoting a kids-ride-free offer for families taking the train to the event. Click on the Amtrak logo on the chamber site and use the promo code V554.

Korean Military Symphony in Concert

The Korean National Military Symphony performs on base at Pacific Views South Mesa Club at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The performance is free. Members of the symphony are South Korean active-duty soldiers, according to the UCLA Daily Bruin.

Jong Hoon Bae, an UCLA alum, conducts the symphony on its U.S. tour, which begins at Camp Pendleton and ends at the USS Midway, according to the Daily Bruin.

Arts & Crafts Hobby Shop Sets Knitting Classes

Online registration is available for Thursday night knitting classes at the Marine Corps Community Services Camp Pendleton Arts & Hobby Shop.

The classes run Oct. 6-27, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 plus $15 for materials. Students should bring a small or medium Knifty Knitter Loom, loom hook and yarn, all available at Michaels or Joann Fabrics.

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