Since don't ask, don't tell was introduced, the military has discharged more than 13, 000 lesbians, gays and bisexuals, according to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

During his tour, Manzella was contacted by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a national nonprofit offering legal assistance to those affected by don't ask, don't tell.

CNN: Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'

Allyson Robinson of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, one of the groups which successfully campaigned to let gays serve openly in the military, said repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" has given more male soldiers the confidence to report same-sex assaults.

NPR: Military's Sexual-Assault Problem Has Deep Roots