HONOLULU -- The Don't Ask Don't Tell policy has been in place for the past two decades, but now some are calling for a change to allow gays to serve openly.

Many in Hawaii are divided over this issue and the impact the changes could make.

Martin Dorman is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, and when he stops by the Fleet Lounge, he shares stories with his friends about his time in the service. Time that included serving with gays before the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy was put in place. He said sexual orientation isn't what mattered most in the military.

"I don't care what you do in your private life, who you are married to, your religion. If you got my back when crunch time comes -- you're on my team," Dorman said.

Some still in uniform agree.

"As long as it doesn't affect the job and they work hard, it doesn't matter to me," said May Agcaoli, with the U.S. Air Force.

Others who serve or are veterans said they are against changing the policy because it would change the dynamics for those who live and work so closely together.

But top military commanders, including the president, feel it's time for a change.

"It is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do," said Joints Chief of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen.

While top military leaders are talking about the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy on Oahu bases, members would only say, on the record, that they would follow whatever policy or orders their leaders decide.

A change in military thinking would come too late for Jeff Cadavona, who is gay and was in the Air Force in the 1970s. He served his country at a time when his country didn't want gays to serve at all.

"The judiciary had people out there looking for gay people in the service and if they found them, they used the law to get them out," said Cadavona.

He still looks back fondly on his time in the service. But also looks forward to a time when men and women can serve proudly, no matter who they are.

"I hope that gay soldier or airmen will be treated equally by others and be respected and be allowed to do their duty and their service for the country," said Cadavona.

While both sides may not agree on what to do over the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy, there is one thing they do agree on -- there are thousands of gays serving in the military.

More than 11,000 men and women have been discharged under the policy since it was signed into law in 1993.