U.S. Air Force cadet who graduated with flying colours isn’t allowed to serve their country [Video]

Serving in the U.S. military felt like a calling for Hunter Marquez.

The 22-year-old cadet has spent the last four years training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., culminating in an emotional graduation ceremony last week, surrounded by friends and families.

With degrees in aeronautical engineering and applied mathematics, Marquez expected to be commissioned as a second lieutenant and as a combat systems officer. 

Instead, they’ve been barred from service and placed on administrative leave under the U.S. President Donald Trump’s transgender military ban, along with two of their fellow graduates.

“I grew up loving this country … so I thought this was the best thing that I could do with my life, was giving back,” Marquez told As It Happens host Nil Kӧksal. “Being transgender does not define my ability to serve.”

Regardless, being transgender does define their eligibility to serve, according to the U.S. Air Force. 

“Service …