Randy Steven Kraft - U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force

Four months after his graduation from Claremont Men's College, Kraft joined the U.S. Air Force. He was initially sent to a boot camp in Texas before being stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California, where he supervised the painting of test planes. In his service within the U.S. Air Force, Kraft rose to the rank of Airman First Class and supervisor-manager.

The same year Kraft became an Airman First Class, he finally disclosed to his family that he was homosexual. In a letter Kraft wrote to a friend, he described his father as having flew "into a rage," whereas he described his mother as being more understanding, if somewhat disapproving. Kraft's family accepted his sexuality, and he remained in close contact with his parents and siblings, although his siblings noted he began to "distance himself" from his family after he had announced his sexuality to them.

On July 26, 1969, Kraft received a general discharge from the Air Force after announcing his sexuality to his superiors, The discharge was officially listed as being on "medical" grounds. In response, Kraft sought legal advice from an attorney in attempt to challenge the grounds regarding his discharge from the air force. The air force, however, refused to change the status of his discharge.

Following his military discharge, Kraft moved back into his parents' home and initially worked as a bartender.