SLDN’s Sarvis Admonishes Department of Veterans Affairs To Take Action
in Wake of Revelations of Excessive Spending, Allegations of Misappropriation of Resources
(Washington, DC) Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, following reports made public this week regarding allegations by the Office of Inspector General about excessive spending and “questionable activities,” including $5 million spent during conferences that included concert tickets and spa treatments for attendees.
“If these allegations are substantiated, this misuse of taxpayer money - especially taxpayer money that was intended for the care and support of our nation’s veterans - is completely unacceptable,” Sarvis writes in the letter.
“This news is especially disconcerting to gay and lesbian veterans, who are blocked from providing their hard-earned VA benefits to their spouses because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal statutes. It is insulting to be told by the VA that they will not provide the same benefits to same sex spouses that they provide to opposite sex spouses, only to then watch the VA allegedly waste money during conferences,” he writes.
Sarvis called on the Department of Veterans Affairs to follow through on its commitment for a full investigation and to make its findings public.
“There are hundreds of thousands of veterans who have put their lives on the line in defense of this country. They need support, they need care, and they need access to the benefits they have earned for themselves and their families. In short, they need their VA to be doing better than this,” he writes.
SLDN renewed its call for the Department of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge more quickly the realities of open service by gay and lesbian service members, which will inevitably lead to more gay and lesbian veterans seeking services and assistance from the VA.
“The VA needs to be a welcoming place for all veterans - including LGBT veterans - and stories like this do not help promote the image of a well-functioning and effective VA,” Sarvis said.
To view the full letter, click here.
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ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
LGBT military families launch letter-writing campaign to Congress
"Stories From Home: Letters From Military Families to Congress"
SLDN, OutServe launch new campaign to spotlight harm done to military families by DOMA, other federal laws
(Washington, DC) – Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT service members, launched a new online campaign today spotlighting the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian service members by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal laws that prevent the military and Department of Veterans Affairs from providing the same recognition, support and benefits to all service members, veterans, and their families. The campaign, Stories From Home: Letters From Military Families to Congress, will detail the first-hand experiences of service members and their families who are harmed by federal marriage discrimination.
The first of two letters released today comes from Army Lieutenant Colonel Victoria A. Hudson. Hudson has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 32 years, including four years of enlisted service. She is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Joint Endeavor (peace enforcement mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina), two Operation Noble Eagle domestic tours of duty following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., and one tour in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is married to Monika Poxon, and they live in California with their two daughters.
“To think that when I am sent to war that my wife is left out of any support, might not be properly notified if I died, and would have to fight for my final benefits makes no sense,” Hudson writes in her letter. “I serve and protect the Constitution that declares all are created equal, yet feel like my family is the unseen footnote, ‘except if gay or lesbian.’”
The second letter of the campaign, released today, comes from TSgt Erwynn Umali and Will Behrens, who were joined in a civil union in the State of New Jersey in 2012 and have four children. The two say they would have been joined in marriage, if the State of New Jersey ensured the freedom to marry for all people.
“We strongly feel that we should be afforded the same recognition, support, and benefits as all other military families. We equally support and make sacrifices for the freedom and security of our country. We hope you will hear this plea and take whatever action is necessary to correct this injustice forced upon us – and so many others like us – by laws which treat us differently,” the two write in their letter.
Among the concerns the couple expresses in their letter to Congress are lack of health insurance for the entire family, causing undue financial strain; inability for entire family to gain access to the base where TSgt Umali serves for things like doctors' visits, grocery shopping, and military family activities; equal access to housing; and exclusion from survivor's benefits that Behrens would need to care for the four children should something tragic happen to TSgt Umali.
The couple also shared in their letter the lack of respect that comes with the day-to-day realities of being treated as a second-class family by the federal government.
“Sometimes it’s the smaller, day-to-day indignities that are so hard to bear. For example, Will and the kids recently threw a surprise birthday party for Erwynn, but in order to do so, they had to find someone on base to come to the gate and escort them – but only after being forced to fill out paperwork. No other family would be forced to do this,” they write in the letter.
SLDN filed landmark litigation in October 2011 challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. Hudson and her wife are plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
“Stories like these underscore the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian military families by these unjust federal laws, and today’s launch is yet another way for SLDN and OutServe to highlight the harm done to these families, who want nothing more than to serve their country and be treated like everyone else. We cannot have two classes of families in the military,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Service members, veterans, and their families affected by these discriminatory laws are invited to submit their own letters for publication at www.sldn.org/storiesfromhome.
SLDN, OutServe launch new campaign to spotlight harm done to military families by DOMA, other federal laws
(Washington, DC) – Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT service members, launched a new online campaign today spotlighting the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian service members by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal laws that prevent the military and Department of Veterans Affairs from providing the same recognition, support and benefits to all service members, veterans, and their families. The campaign, Stories From Home: Letters From Military Families to Congress, will detail the first-hand experiences of service members and their families who are harmed by federal marriage discrimination.
The first of two letters released today comes from Army Lieutenant Colonel Victoria A. Hudson. Hudson has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 32 years, including four years of enlisted service. She is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Joint Endeavor (peace enforcement mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina), two Operation Noble Eagle domestic tours of duty following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., and one tour in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is married to Monika Poxon, and they live in California with their two daughters.
“To think that when I am sent to war that my wife is left out of any support, might not be properly notified if I died, and would have to fight for my final benefits makes no sense,” Hudson writes in her letter. “I serve and protect the Constitution that declares all are created equal, yet feel like my family is the unseen footnote, ‘except if gay or lesbian.’”
The second letter of the campaign, released today, comes from TSgt Erwynn Umali and Will Behrens, who were joined in a civil union in the State of New Jersey in 2012 and have four children. The two say they would have been joined in marriage, if the State of New Jersey ensured the freedom to marry for all people.
“We strongly feel that we should be afforded the same recognition, support, and benefits as all other military families. We equally support and make sacrifices for the freedom and security of our country. We hope you will hear this plea and take whatever action is necessary to correct this injustice forced upon us – and so many others like us – by laws which treat us differently,” the two write in their letter.
Among the concerns the couple expresses in their letter to Congress are lack of health insurance for the entire family, causing undue financial strain; inability for entire family to gain access to the base where TSgt Umali serves for things like doctors' visits, grocery shopping, and military family activities; equal access to housing; and exclusion from survivor's benefits that Behrens would need to care for the four children should something tragic happen to TSgt Umali.
The couple also shared in their letter the lack of respect that comes with the day-to-day realities of being treated as a second-class family by the federal government.
“Sometimes it’s the smaller, day-to-day indignities that are so hard to bear. For example, Will and the kids recently threw a surprise birthday party for Erwynn, but in order to do so, they had to find someone on base to come to the gate and escort them – but only after being forced to fill out paperwork. No other family would be forced to do this,” they write in the letter.
SLDN filed landmark litigation in October 2011 challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. Hudson and her wife are plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
“Stories like these underscore the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian military families by these unjust federal laws, and today’s launch is yet another way for SLDN and OutServe to highlight the harm done to these families, who want nothing more than to serve their country and be treated like everyone else. We cannot have two classes of families in the military,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Service members, veterans, and their families affected by these discriminatory laws are invited to submit their own letters for publication at www.sldn.org/storiesfromhome.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Brigadier General Becomes First "Out" U.S. Military Flag Officer
Newly Pinned Brigadier General Becomes First Openly Gay Flag Officer in U.S. Military
(Arlington, VA) Former Army Colonel Tammy Smith has become the first openly gay flag officer to come out while currently serving in the U.S. military. She was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in a private ceremony which took place today at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. BG Smith received her stars from her wife, Tracey Hepner.
“For years, gay and lesbian generals and admirals were forced to hide their families in order to protect their careers. It is a great day for our military and for our nation when this courageous leader is finally able to recognize her wife for her support and sacrifice in the same way that all military families should be recognized for their service to our country,” said Sue Fulton, a 1980 West Point graduate and member of the OutServe Board of Directors.
Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis praised Smith’s leadership and encouraged others would follow her lead.
“It is indeed a new era in America’s military when our most accomplished leaders are able to recognize who they are and serve the country they love at the same time. Brigadier General Smith made history today - not only as an exemplary service member who renders outstanding service to our nation with integrity and honor - but as a proud lesbian acknowledging the tremendous sacrifice her family makes in order for her to serve and advance. This day was long overdue, but I have no doubt more senior enlisted and officers will follow BG Smith in stepping forward smartly with their spouses and loved ones,” he said.
Smith is assigned as deputy chief in the Army Reserve Office of the Chief in Washington, D.C.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Retired Navy Captain Calls on GOP to Embrace Marriage
DARRAH NARROWLY MISSED 9/11 PENTAGON ATTACKS; WIFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
(Alexandria, Virginia) – A retired Navy Captain who narrowly missed the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon has written a letter to Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA), chair of the national Republican Party platform committee, asking to address the committee in support of the freedom to marry and the recognition of all marriages when it meets in Tampa, Florida next week. CAPT Joan Darrah, USN (Ret) requests to share the couple’s personal story and illustrate to the committee how its support for marriage equality is in keeping with the ideology of the GOP.
“If given the opportunity, we will testify in support of the inclusion in the Republican platform of both the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and the right of same-gender couples to marry and for those marriages to be recognized by our federal government. Quite simply, these objectives correspond with the ideals of the Republican Party - opposition to government intrusion in people’s lives and a modern military that supports all service members and their families,” Darrah said today.
Darrah served nearly two decades in the U.S. Navy, including under the now-repealed discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) law. On September 11, 2001, at 8:30 a.m., she attended a meeting in the Pentagon, leaving the meeting promptly at 9:30 a.m. At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon and destroyed the exact space she had been less than eight minutes earlier, killing seven of her colleagues.
“Whenever I recount the events of that day, I think of my wife and how she would have been one of the last people to know that I had been killed, because nowhere in my paperwork or emergency contact information had I dared to list her name. Fortunately, because DADT has been repealed, gay and lesbian service members can now serve openly without the fear of discharge,” Darrah writes in the letter.
Darrah and her wife, Lynne Kennedy, are plaintiffs in McLaughlin v. Panetta, a case in which SLDN represents eight married gay and lesbian service member and veteran couples seeking the same recognition, supports, and benefits as their straight, married colleagues. Even now with DADT off the books, DOMA and other federal laws prevent the military from treating all service members, veterans, and their families the same. This includes denial of health care, death benefits, and burial in national cemeteries.
“Gay and lesbian service members and their families are making the same sacrifices daily as their heterosexual counterparts. Should they not be afforded the same recognition, benefits, and support services from the country they serve? Should they not receive the same support from their “military family?” asked Darrah in her letter today.
In July, Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan and her wife, Karen, testified before the national Democratic leaders drafting the party's 2012 platform. The freedom to marry is expected to be included in a final version of the Democratic platform.
To view the full text of Darrah’s letter, click here.
###
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100
(Alexandria, Virginia) – A retired Navy Captain who narrowly missed the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon has written a letter to Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA), chair of the national Republican Party platform committee, asking to address the committee in support of the freedom to marry and the recognition of all marriages when it meets in Tampa, Florida next week. CAPT Joan Darrah, USN (Ret) requests to share the couple’s personal story and illustrate to the committee how its support for marriage equality is in keeping with the ideology of the GOP.
“If given the opportunity, we will testify in support of the inclusion in the Republican platform of both the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and the right of same-gender couples to marry and for those marriages to be recognized by our federal government. Quite simply, these objectives correspond with the ideals of the Republican Party - opposition to government intrusion in people’s lives and a modern military that supports all service members and their families,” Darrah said today.
Darrah served nearly two decades in the U.S. Navy, including under the now-repealed discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) law. On September 11, 2001, at 8:30 a.m., she attended a meeting in the Pentagon, leaving the meeting promptly at 9:30 a.m. At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon and destroyed the exact space she had been less than eight minutes earlier, killing seven of her colleagues.
“Whenever I recount the events of that day, I think of my wife and how she would have been one of the last people to know that I had been killed, because nowhere in my paperwork or emergency contact information had I dared to list her name. Fortunately, because DADT has been repealed, gay and lesbian service members can now serve openly without the fear of discharge,” Darrah writes in the letter.
Darrah and her wife, Lynne Kennedy, are plaintiffs in McLaughlin v. Panetta, a case in which SLDN represents eight married gay and lesbian service member and veteran couples seeking the same recognition, supports, and benefits as their straight, married colleagues. Even now with DADT off the books, DOMA and other federal laws prevent the military from treating all service members, veterans, and their families the same. This includes denial of health care, death benefits, and burial in national cemeteries.
“Gay and lesbian service members and their families are making the same sacrifices daily as their heterosexual counterparts. Should they not be afforded the same recognition, benefits, and support services from the country they serve? Should they not receive the same support from their “military family?” asked Darrah in her letter today.
In July, Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan and her wife, Karen, testified before the national Democratic leaders drafting the party's 2012 platform. The freedom to marry is expected to be included in a final version of the Democratic platform.
To view the full text of Darrah’s letter, click here.
###
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Mullen Event Will Kick Off National DADT Repeal Celebration
(Washington, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today launched an online toolkit that will allow supporters across the country and around the world to join the one-year anniversary celebration of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). The festivities will kick off in New York City on Tuesday, September 18 with a flagship event aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum that will feature retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Repeal of DADT took place on September 20, 2011.
"This anniversary presents a unique opportunity to honor all service members and veterans and celebrate the fact that gay and lesbian service members may now serve openly without the daily fear of losing their careers. While we know there is more work to be done before full LGBT military equality is achieved, it’s important that we pause to pay tribute to how far we have come - and to those who have helped us get here,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Among those is Admiral Mullen, who played a pivotal role in the repeal of DADT with his testimony on Capitol Hill in February 2010. He will be honored at the New York City event, which will begin with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The general admission event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 9:30 p.m. Corporate sponsors of the event include: UBS, Verizon, BNY Mellon, GlaxoSmithKline, DiversityInc, Winston & Strawn LLP, Viacom, Citigroup, Ernst & Young, Merck, Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP, and the Interbank Roundtable Committee. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.sldn.org/intrepid2012.
Those organizing their own events to celebrate the repeal anniversary are able to do so using the online tool at www.sldn.org/HostResources. Using the site, supporters may create and manage their events completely via the web, as well as download and print materials for use before and during their events. Hosts are encouraged to schedule their events to coincide with the national celebration taking place September 18 through September 23.
“We hope this online kit will give supporters what they need to be a part of this historic day. So, even if they can’t be with us in New York City, they will be able to host and join celebrations in their own communities – whether it’s in their home, at a community center, or in a local bar during the week of repeal,” said Josh Seefried, co-director of OutServe.
The site will be updated regularly as new events are added.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Zeke Stokes | Communications Director | Servicemembers Legal Defense Network | Post Office Box 65301 | Washington, D.C. 20035 | 202.621.5406 direct | 202.834.9048 mobile
"This anniversary presents a unique opportunity to honor all service members and veterans and celebrate the fact that gay and lesbian service members may now serve openly without the daily fear of losing their careers. While we know there is more work to be done before full LGBT military equality is achieved, it’s important that we pause to pay tribute to how far we have come - and to those who have helped us get here,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Among those is Admiral Mullen, who played a pivotal role in the repeal of DADT with his testimony on Capitol Hill in February 2010. He will be honored at the New York City event, which will begin with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The general admission event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 9:30 p.m. Corporate sponsors of the event include: UBS, Verizon, BNY Mellon, GlaxoSmithKline, DiversityInc, Winston & Strawn LLP, Viacom, Citigroup, Ernst & Young, Merck, Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP, and the Interbank Roundtable Committee. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.sldn.org/intrepid2012.
Those organizing their own events to celebrate the repeal anniversary are able to do so using the online tool at www.sldn.org/HostResources. Using the site, supporters may create and manage their events completely via the web, as well as download and print materials for use before and during their events. Hosts are encouraged to schedule their events to coincide with the national celebration taking place September 18 through September 23.
“We hope this online kit will give supporters what they need to be a part of this historic day. So, even if they can’t be with us in New York City, they will be able to host and join celebrations in their own communities – whether it’s in their home, at a community center, or in a local bar during the week of repeal,” said Josh Seefried, co-director of OutServe.
The site will be updated regularly as new events are added.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Zeke Stokes | Communications Director | Servicemembers Legal Defense Network | Post Office Box 65301 | Washington, D.C. 20035 | 202.621.5406 direct | 202.834.9048 mobile
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