SAN ANTONIO -- In the coming days, a transgender ban will come to an end for anyone wanting to serve in the military.
All branches would be required to put policies into place that would allow transgender service members to protect the country openly.
Jennifer Ingraham is a proud veteran of the Iraq War. However, Jennifer went by the name Justin when she served.
She said even though she knew at the time that she was transgender, she had to hide who she was or risk getting discharged.
"It was tough being there knowing I had to keep a secret," she said.
After 10 years in the Army, Jennifer said she knew she had to make a choice. She could continue to live as Justin and pursue her passion of serving her country, or become Jennifer, the person she felt she had always been.
Jennifer said she is now comfortable in her own skin, and she has plans to rejoin the military.
"I know a lot of transgender veterans. I'm excited for them. I'm excited for me. It did get emotional. It was a big moment," she said.
A report commissioned by the Pentagon states there are about 2,500 transgender service members currently in the military.
