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February 15, 2013

Senator Jeanne Shaheen pays moving tribute to late lesbian guardsman Charlie Morgan

Introducing bill to lift restriction of benefits of legally married gay and lesbian soldiers anbd veterans

New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen took to the senate floor on Friday (15 February) to give a moving tribute to Charlie Morgan, a national guardsman died last week of breast cancer and had been working hard to ensure that same-sex partner receive survivors benefits.

'I hope that Charlie Morgan knew how many lives she touched and how greatly we admired her efforts,' Shaheen said. 'I know that she will be sorely missed and that her example will continue to guide us well into the future.'

February 12, 2013

Gay and lesbian members of US military and their families to receive previously unavailable benefits

Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta calls it 'a matter of fundamental equity'

With his tenure as US Defense Secretary nearly over, Leon Panetta on Monday (11 February) announced that gay and lesbian military personnel and their families will begin receiving an extended array of benefits by this fall.

Those benefits include such things as identification cards, joint duty assignments, exemption from hostile fire areas, emergency leave, child care, legal assistance, commissary privileges, and morale, welfare, and recreation programs.

February 12, 2013

Gay and lesbian members of US military and their families to receive previously unavailable benefits

Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta calls it 'a matter of fundamental equity'

With his tenure as US Defense Secretary nearly over, Leon Panetta on Monday (11 February) announced that gay and lesbian military personnel and their families will begin receiving an extended array of benefits by this fall.

Those benefits include such things as identification cards, joint duty assignments, exemption from hostile fire areas, emergency leave, child care, legal assistance, commissary privileges, and morale, welfare, and recreation programs.

February 9, 2013

LGBT troops and families still unequal even with no DADT

Don't Ask, Don't Tell is gone but LGBT troops still fighting to get what should be theirs

While LGBT US troops can now serve openly, they cannot assume the same benefits their straight peers take for granted.

According to reports, the US Department of Defense plans on making sure family members of LGBT troops are covered by military benefits.

February 9, 2013

LGBT troops and families still unequal even with no DADT

Don't Ask, Don't Tell is gone but LGBT troops still fighting to get what should be theirs

While LGBT US troops can now serve openly, they cannot assume the same benefits their straight peers take for granted.

According to reports, the US Department of Defense plans on making sure family members of LGBT troops are covered by military benefits.

January 5, 2013

Gay rights group prepares for Chuck Hagel's nomination as Defense secretary

LGBT military organization OutServe-SLDN gets ready for Chuck Hagel's leadership of the Defense Department

From all indications, Chuck Hagel will be nominated by President Barack Obama to be the new head of the Defense Department. According to the New York Times, Obama could make the announcement as early as next week.

The leading LGBT military family advocacy organization, OutServe-SLDN, is prepared with a to-do-list for Hagel.

December 30, 2012

Obama defends Hagel and his apology

President Barack Obama goes on Meet The Press to defend Chuck Hagel

President Barack Obama is standing behind Chuck Hagel's apology to former Ambassador, and gay man, James Hormel.

The president appeared on the news program Meet the Press. In the 30 minute interview he was asked about Hagel and his possible appointment as Secretary of Defense. In 1998, when Hormel was nominated to be the US ambassador to Luxembourg, he earned the ire of the then senator.

December 22, 2012

Hormel uses Facebook to accept Hagel's apology

James Hormel goes to Facebook to announce he accepts Chuck Hagel's apology.

Things can change rapidly in Washington, DC. Late yesterday (21 Dec.) former Ambassador James Hormel told the Washington Post he had doubts about Chuck Hagel's apology. Sometime after that article was published, Hormel announced on his Facebook page all was forgiven.

December 21, 2012

Now a contender to be US Defense Secretary, former senator apologizes for anti-gay remarks

Chuck Hagel says he is fully 'committed to LGBT military families'

Former US Senator Chuck Hagel is reportedly being considered for the position of Secretary of Defense, a position that is second only to the president in the military hierarchy - a military that since September 2011 has allowed gays and lesbians to serve openly.

Hagel, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, would have to be in support of gay and lesbian military personnel in the cabinet-level position.

June 16, 2012

US Defense Department honors gay pride

US Defense Department celebrates June as Gay Pride Month

US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta released a video celebrating gay pride and the contributions of LGBT troops.

'The successful repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" proved to the nation that, just like the country we defend, we share different backgrounds, different values and different beliefs,' Panetta said. 'But together we form the greatest military force in the world.'