Forces seem to think that the presence of transgender troops is disruptive and medical treatment of transgender troops is too costly.

I've had too many people supporting me to just give up, so I don't plan on doing that. I love my country, the people I serve and the people who serve with me. I've had so many people reaching out to me about the president's tweets. Here are the facts: We are not a disruption to the military. In fact, we are a vital part of it. Transgender service members serve as aircraft crew, mechanics and even drill sergeants, and many other critical roles.

Not everyone responded well after learning I was transitioning, but after spending time on missions and realizing we all share the same love for the country, we worked together and got the job done.

--Rudy Akbarian

Perhaps the Donald should look elsewhere to relieve us of burdens.

I felt like I had just gotten fired via tweet.

--Army Staff Sgt. Patricia King

Sgt. King is an infantry soldier who has served for 18 years and done three tours of duty.

The great thing about being in the military is when we take our oath we take it to our country. My service is not diminished in any way by what has transpired, and I'm eager to continue proudly serving my country.

--Sgt. King

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Blake Dremann said he plans to continue working, too. He just wants his work to speak for itself.

The 36-year-old transgender man enlisted in the Navy in 2005 after graduating from Ozark Christian College with a degree in biblical literature.

I wanted to serve my country. We were in a time when volunteers were needed and I decided to step up.

--Dreman

He's been deployed 11 times. Before starting his transition in 2013, Dremann was one of the first women to integrate the previously all-male submariner corps. The Navy recognized his work in 2015 with the the Vice Admiral Robert F. Batchelder Award, its top logistics distinction.

We've shown them we're not burdens. I'm fully qualified. I'm fully deployable.

--Dreman

This is just really bad advice he's been given.. To think we are suddenly out of a job based on bad information is unkind.

--Dreman

As far as the cost of medical treatment of transgender personnel is concerned: a couple of golf outings skipped would pay for a year of treatment for all our transgender troops.

Transgender service members are proudly serving our country and we will continue our service. Nobody is going to just walk away because we have a job to do.