but joining me now on the phone is kristen beck. kristen is a former navy seal who joined public attention in 2013 when she came out as trans, and she's now running for congress in maryland's fifth district. and kristen, i know this has got to be a big moment for you, as someone who served for 20 years, in our armed forces, and did so in silence. how is this going to change how people can serve with dignity and honor in our military? >> thank you, thomas. i'm very happy this has happened, but now the real work begins. and it's a great first step. actually, it might be the third or fourth step, but now the real super hard work begins, the implementation of transgender people into the service, while maintaining readiness. and i think that's the biggest part we need to always emphasize, is that the military serves a purpose. and readiness is the key. and so we can't overlook that at all. >> and kristen, i think a lot of people are going to consider that, as we talk about the details, specific details, of what the pentagon is saying, abo