A Right to Fight: Keith Nolan’s Journey to Breaking Barriers in the Military 

Veterans Day offers an annual opportunity to pause and recognize all those who bravely sacrifice their lives to the service of their country through the U.S. military. For those who return to civilian life after service, there can be long-term effects from injuries sustained in active duty. A significant effect for many is hearing loss. The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes states, “of the 1.6 million American veterans with combat-related disabilities, 4.2% report severe hearing difficulties. Deaf veterans may use different identifying terms such as late deafened, hearing impaired, hard of hearing, and more.” This Veteran’s Day, we recognize all those who became deaf or hard-of-hearing during their time in the military and those soldiers who pursue service despite their hearing loss.  

While every soldier’s journey to service is unique, some may encounter greater obstacles to enlistment than others. One of these examples is Cadet Private Keith Nolan. Born Deaf to a Deaf family, Nolan eventually found himself in a position to challenge exclusive enlistment standards to pursue his dream of service to his country. In this article, we will explore Nolan’s journey from overcoming restrictive criteria to becoming a lobbying activist and the great impact made for generations of Deaf servicemen and women. 

Born to Kevin Nolan Sr Keith had a front row seat to broken barriers and Deaf advocacy from an early age. Deaf People states: “his father, Kevin, made history by becoming the first born-deaf person elected to public office (councilman in Northampton, Massachusetts, 1986-87). Not surprisingly, Keith’s family has been supportive of his ambition.”  

(Nolan and his father) 

From a young age Nolan dreamed of wearing the uniform and serving his country, but when he approached a Navy recruiting officer, he was met with a curt written dismissal: “Bad ear, disqual.” That moment didn’t end his plans; it lit a fire in him to find another way to connect his passion for service, leadership, and history. 

Determined not to let setbacks define his future, Nolan turned to education; teaching history and government while still holding on to his dream of military service. That opportunity came when he joined the ROTC program at California State University, Northridge, with support from the National Center on Deafness. His time in ROTC was defined by resilience and adaptation. Through gestures, writing on paper and texting, he found ways to communicate and build bonds with fellow cadets. With persistence and action, he earned respect of his peers, proving that capability isn’t defined by hearing status but by commitment, discipline, and heart. 

Nolan’s determination extended beyond his personal journey and into national advocacy; where he worked to open doors for other Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who had dreams of military service. In 2015, he helped push the Air Force Deaf Demonstration Act, a proposal that would allow Deaf candidates to serve as officers in a demonstration program. While the provision initially gained traction and was written into the National Defense Authorization Act, it was ultimately removed in the Senate Committee; highlighting the steep challenges of turning policy into reality. Still, Nolan continues to advocate for creative solutions—such as pairing Deaf teachers with military instructors, creating advisor roles, and developing demonstration programs that would showcase Deaf service members’ abilities. His vision is clear: real opportunities paired with proof of capability can transform not only perceptions, but also the future of military inclusion. 

Watch Nolan’s Ted Talk at the link below! 

Veterans Day is a time to honor the sacrifices and resilience of those who have served, and Keith Nolan’s story stands as a powerful reminder of both perseverance and possibility. His journey reflects not only the barriers that many Deaf individuals continue to face but also the strength and determination needed to push for inclusion and change. Recognizing his efforts encourages us to see Veterans Day not only as a moment of remembrance but also as a call to broaden opportunities for those still seeking a chance to serve. 

There are many ways to honor this vision—sharing Nolan’s TED Talk and writings, supporting legislation and demonstration programs, and highlighting Deaf veterans within local communities are all meaningful steps. For readers, especially within Deaf and hearing communities, veterans’ organizations, and schools, the challenge is clear: consider how you can play a role in supporting Deaf individuals who aspire to military service. Whether through advocacy, education, or storytelling, each effort brings us closer to a future where the right to serve is available to all.  

Q&A 

1. Who is Keith Nolan? 
Keith Nolan is a Deaf advocate and educator who has dedicated his life to breaking barriers in the U.S. military. Despite being denied enlistment due to his deafness, Nolan joined ROTC at California State University, Northridge, where he proved his capability through perseverance and adaptation. 

2. Why is Keith Nolan’s story important for Deaf veterans and service members? 
Nolan’s journey highlights both the systemic barriers and the potential for change in military policy. His advocacy demonstrates that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can serve with distinction, challenging outdated enlistment standards. 

3. What was the Air Force Deaf Demonstration Act? 
The Air Force Deaf Demonstration Act of 2015 was a proposed program that would allow Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to serve as officers in a demonstration project. Though it was removed from the National Defense Authorization Act in committee, it remains a critical step in ongoing advocacy for military inclusion. 

4. How can communities honor Deaf veterans on Veterans Day? 
Ways to honor Deaf veterans include sharing Keith Nolan’s TED Talk, supporting legislation that expands military access, and highlighting the stories of Deaf veterans in local communities, schools, and organizations. 

5. How can readers support Deaf individuals interested in military service? 
Readers can advocate for inclusive policies, promote demonstration programs, and create opportunities for Deaf individuals to be recognized for their leadership and skills. Spreading awareness and sharing stories like Nolan’s can help build momentum for change. 

Sources:  

https://www.deafpeople.com/dp_of_month/KeithNolan.html

https://nationaldeafcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DeafVeterans_InfographicReport_WEB.pdf