SLDN Calls for Equal Treatment of All Military Families as U.S. Marks Six Months Since DADT Repeal
(Washington, D.C.) Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today congratulated the nation's armed forces on six months of successful implementation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) repeal and called on Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to use his existing authority to extend available benefits and support to married gay and lesbian service members and their families.
"Even as we celebrate the success we have seen so far on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal, we know that implementation cannot be entirely successful as long as we have two classes of service members. It's past time for the Secretary of Defense to act on this front, and at this six-month mark, it would be entirely appropriate to do so. The reality is that the Department of Defense started looking at benefits long before repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' took place, including in the findings of the Comprehensive Review Working Group," said Sarvis.
Benefits the Secretary of Defense has the ability to confer without coming into conflict with the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) or other federal statutes include military ID cards, hospital visitation, family housing, joint duty assignments, and a variety of morale, welfare, and recreational programs. SLDN first called on Panetta in August 2011 to extend these benefits and reiterated that call in January 2012.
In addition, SLDN and the law firm, Chadbourne & Parke, have filed landmark litigation, representing eight married gay and lesbian service members and veterans. McLaughlin v. U.S., filed in October 2011, challenges DOMA and other federal statutes that preclude the military from providing equal recognition, support, and benefits to all families. Currently, there is a sixty-day stay in the case that expires on April 28, 2012.
"These plaintiffs take the same risks, make the same sacrifices, and provide the same service, yet when it comes to benefits like housing, health care, survivor benefits, and family support, they are not treated the same as their straight, married peers. It's time to repeal DOMA and change these discriminatory laws. We cannot be a nation with two classes of service members," said Sarvis.
###
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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Columbus Mayor Joins Freedom to Marry Campaign, Credits SLDN Client for Influencing Decision
Coleman: Hill defended freedoms for Americans that he and his husband couldn't enjoy
(Columbus, OH) In his annual State of the City address tonight, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman recognized an SLDN client, Captain Steve Hill, with whom he met personally in recent weeks and has acknowledged is among the factors influencing his decision to join "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry," a national, broad-based, and nonpartisan group of mayors who support an end to marriage discrimination. Hill and his husband, Joshua Snyder, were invited to attend the speech as special guests of the mayor.
Hill is an Army reservist with more than eighteen years of service, who just returned from active duty in the Middle East. He and Snyder reside in Columbus, OH, where Hill is the director of the Columbus Public Health WIC Program for Franklin County. Hill drew national attention in September 2011 when he submitted a question via You Tube that was used during a Fox News/Google Republican Presidential Debate to question the candidates about the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT).
"Courage is in no short supply to those who risk their lives so that we may live ours - those who serve in our military. One veteran's story in particular is a demonstration of courage not only on the battlefield, but on the field of every day American life," said Coleman as he recognized Hill in his remarks. “He defended other people’s freedom but not his own, because he was gay and could not tell anybody or be discharged from the Army he loved.”
"People recognize courage. So did his fellow soldiers, his commander, people who up to that day did not know he was gay. But they stood by him. Captain Hill, we stand by you," Coleman said.
Hill and Snyder are plaintiffs in a landmark lawsuit filed by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) in October 2011 on behalf of eight married gay and lesbian service members and veterans. The suit challenges the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and three additional federal statutes that preclude the military from providing equal benefits to all military families. Today, Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis hailed Coleman's remarks and his decision to support marriage equality.
"Mayor Coleman of Columbus is living proof that once decision makers and the American people learn that service members and their families who provide the same service, take the same risks and make the same sacrifices are being treated unfairly, minds are changed. At SLDN, we are proud that Captain Steve Hill and the other plaintiffs in our federal court challenge are making a difference on this issue," he said.
"After hearing why marriage matters to gay and lesbian couples, their kids, and their kin from Captain Hill, along with more than 1,000 constituents, Mayor Coleman joined America's majority for marriage and became one of our Mayors for the Freedom to Marry," said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. "Now he will help make the case and open more hearts, talking about how ending marriage discrimination helps families and hurts no one."
For more information on Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/mayors.
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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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.
(Columbus, OH) In his annual State of the City address tonight, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman recognized an SLDN client, Captain Steve Hill, with whom he met personally in recent weeks and has acknowledged is among the factors influencing his decision to join "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry," a national, broad-based, and nonpartisan group of mayors who support an end to marriage discrimination. Hill and his husband, Joshua Snyder, were invited to attend the speech as special guests of the mayor.
Hill is an Army reservist with more than eighteen years of service, who just returned from active duty in the Middle East. He and Snyder reside in Columbus, OH, where Hill is the director of the Columbus Public Health WIC Program for Franklin County. Hill drew national attention in September 2011 when he submitted a question via You Tube that was used during a Fox News/Google Republican Presidential Debate to question the candidates about the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT).
"Courage is in no short supply to those who risk their lives so that we may live ours - those who serve in our military. One veteran's story in particular is a demonstration of courage not only on the battlefield, but on the field of every day American life," said Coleman as he recognized Hill in his remarks. “He defended other people’s freedom but not his own, because he was gay and could not tell anybody or be discharged from the Army he loved.”
"People recognize courage. So did his fellow soldiers, his commander, people who up to that day did not know he was gay. But they stood by him. Captain Hill, we stand by you," Coleman said.
Hill and Snyder are plaintiffs in a landmark lawsuit filed by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) in October 2011 on behalf of eight married gay and lesbian service members and veterans. The suit challenges the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and three additional federal statutes that preclude the military from providing equal benefits to all military families. Today, Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis hailed Coleman's remarks and his decision to support marriage equality.
"Mayor Coleman of Columbus is living proof that once decision makers and the American people learn that service members and their families who provide the same service, take the same risks and make the same sacrifices are being treated unfairly, minds are changed. At SLDN, we are proud that Captain Steve Hill and the other plaintiffs in our federal court challenge are making a difference on this issue," he said.
"After hearing why marriage matters to gay and lesbian couples, their kids, and their kin from Captain Hill, along with more than 1,000 constituents, Mayor Coleman joined America's majority for marriage and became one of our Mayors for the Freedom to Marry," said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. "Now he will help make the case and open more hearts, talking about how ending marriage discrimination helps families and hurts no one."
For more information on Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/mayors.
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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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, February 29, 2012
SLDN Twentieth Annual National Dinner a Near Sell-out!
White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett Set to Keynote Historic Event on Saturday in Washington, D.C.
(Washington, D.C.) Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis announced today that the organization's historic Twentieth Annual National Dinner scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2012 in Washington, D.C., is nearly sold out and that a White House senior adviser will deliver the evening's keynote address. Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, was a key ally in the fight to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law, and will deliver remarks during the opening segment of the event.
"This is the first time we have gathered for the SLDN national dinner since the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' last September, and we are honored to welcome a pivotal figure and tireless supporter of equality from the White House to celebrate this historic occasion with us." said SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Jarrett was Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company. She also served as Co-Chair of the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team, and Senior Advisor to Obama's presidential campaign. She has held positions in both the public and private sector, including Chairman of the Chicago Transit Board, Commissioner of Planning and Development for the City of Chicago, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Richard M. Daley. She also practiced law with two private law firms and has served as a director of corporate and not-for-profit boards, including Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and Chairman of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees.
The sixteen plaintiffs in SLDN's federal lawsuit filed in October 2011 shortly after the repeal of DADT also will be featured at the event. The suit, on behalf of legally married gay and lesbian service members and veterans, seeks the same recognition, support, and benefits for their families that their straight, married peers receive. It challenges the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) and three titles in U.S. code that preclude equal benefits for married LGB service members. Recently, the Department of Justice indicated that it would not defend the equal protection challenge to Section 3 of DOMA and two other provisions at issue in this case, in which there is currently a sixty-day stay.
MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts will emcee the event, which begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the event, please visit www.sldn.org/Dinner2012. Media interested in covering the event may RSVP to Zeke Stokes at zeke@sldn.org.
A limited number of tickets are still available. To purchase, visit https://secure.sldn.org/page/contribute/national-dinner-2012.
###
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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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.
(Washington, D.C.) Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis announced today that the organization's historic Twentieth Annual National Dinner scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2012 in Washington, D.C., is nearly sold out and that a White House senior adviser will deliver the evening's keynote address. Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, was a key ally in the fight to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law, and will deliver remarks during the opening segment of the event.
"This is the first time we have gathered for the SLDN national dinner since the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' last September, and we are honored to welcome a pivotal figure and tireless supporter of equality from the White House to celebrate this historic occasion with us." said SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Jarrett was Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company. She also served as Co-Chair of the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team, and Senior Advisor to Obama's presidential campaign. She has held positions in both the public and private sector, including Chairman of the Chicago Transit Board, Commissioner of Planning and Development for the City of Chicago, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Richard M. Daley. She also practiced law with two private law firms and has served as a director of corporate and not-for-profit boards, including Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and Chairman of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees.
The sixteen plaintiffs in SLDN's federal lawsuit filed in October 2011 shortly after the repeal of DADT also will be featured at the event. The suit, on behalf of legally married gay and lesbian service members and veterans, seeks the same recognition, support, and benefits for their families that their straight, married peers receive. It challenges the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) and three titles in U.S. code that preclude equal benefits for married LGB service members. Recently, the Department of Justice indicated that it would not defend the equal protection challenge to Section 3 of DOMA and two other provisions at issue in this case, in which there is currently a sixty-day stay.
MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts will emcee the event, which begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the event, please visit www.sldn.org/Dinner2012. Media interested in covering the event may RSVP to Zeke Stokes at zeke@sldn.org.
A limited number of tickets are still available. To purchase, visit https://secure.sldn.org/page/contribute/national-dinner-2012.
###
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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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, February 9, 2012
SLDN to House Speaker: CW2 Charlie Morgan Can't Wait!
Morgan tells House Speaker that DOMA, other laws harm her family; SLDN launches petition
(Washington, D.C.) Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard today visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), tell her personal story, and share how the Speaker's ongoing legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group harms her family. CW2 Morgan first communicated with Boehner in a letter dated December 23, 2011. There, she detailed her battle with incurable stage-four breast cancer and asked Boehner to meet with her to discuss the issue.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free by my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty, and I swelled with pride and patriotism as I returned home to my wife and our four-year old daughter. But this September, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan wrote in her letter.
CW2 Morgan recounted her battle in a meeting today with Katherine Haley, a policy assistant to Boehner, following a meeting with her own congressman, Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH).
"Should I not survive this bout with cancer, my wife Karen will not receive any survivor's benefits, social security benefits or health insurance coverage. Karen is a stay-at-home mom, taking care of our daughter while I work and undergo chemotherapy. Even now, she does not have health insurance, as the policies available have too high a premium, and it is too expensive for our family to afford on our military salary," CW2 Morgan said.
CW2 Morgan and her wife, Karen, are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and three other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition, benefits and support to same-gender military spouses. Currently, the Morgans do not receive the same benefits as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
Today, SLDN launched a petition at change.org, calling on Boehner to drop his legal defense of DOMA and allow the courts to rule on the merits of SLDN's case, which also includes seven other service members and veterans with spouses of the same gender not currently receiving equal benefits. The Department of Justice has a February 28 deadline to respond to the complaint and plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment.
"Our message for Speaker Boehner and others today is simply this: Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan can't wait. She and her family deserve equal treatment, and she may not have years for this process to play out in the courts or on Capitol Hill. Speaker Boehner can make a difference here, and we respectfully ask him to take a look at this case and get to know this family. We are confident that when he does, he will see that these discriminatory laws hurt our military, harm families, and are indefensible," said Sarvis.
"I would like the Speaker to know, as a member of the Active Guard, that I laid my life on the line for my country. Now I need my country to protect and take care of my family. My wife and daughter face an uncertain future, unable to receive the same family support and services as our counterparts who render the same service, take the same risks, and make the same sacrifices. Time is of the essence," CW2 Morgan told Haley today.
To view the letter and photos CW2 Morgan delivered to Boehner today, click here. For the materials she delivered to Guinta, click here.
To view the petition launched today by SLDN, 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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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.
(Washington, D.C.) Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard today visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), tell her personal story, and share how the Speaker's ongoing legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group harms her family. CW2 Morgan first communicated with Boehner in a letter dated December 23, 2011. There, she detailed her battle with incurable stage-four breast cancer and asked Boehner to meet with her to discuss the issue.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free by my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty, and I swelled with pride and patriotism as I returned home to my wife and our four-year old daughter. But this September, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan wrote in her letter.
CW2 Morgan recounted her battle in a meeting today with Katherine Haley, a policy assistant to Boehner, following a meeting with her own congressman, Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH).
"Should I not survive this bout with cancer, my wife Karen will not receive any survivor's benefits, social security benefits or health insurance coverage. Karen is a stay-at-home mom, taking care of our daughter while I work and undergo chemotherapy. Even now, she does not have health insurance, as the policies available have too high a premium, and it is too expensive for our family to afford on our military salary," CW2 Morgan said.
CW2 Morgan and her wife, Karen, are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and three other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition, benefits and support to same-gender military spouses. Currently, the Morgans do not receive the same benefits as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
Today, SLDN launched a petition at change.org, calling on Boehner to drop his legal defense of DOMA and allow the courts to rule on the merits of SLDN's case, which also includes seven other service members and veterans with spouses of the same gender not currently receiving equal benefits. The Department of Justice has a February 28 deadline to respond to the complaint and plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment.
"Our message for Speaker Boehner and others today is simply this: Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan can't wait. She and her family deserve equal treatment, and she may not have years for this process to play out in the courts or on Capitol Hill. Speaker Boehner can make a difference here, and we respectfully ask him to take a look at this case and get to know this family. We are confident that when he does, he will see that these discriminatory laws hurt our military, harm families, and are indefensible," said Sarvis.
"I would like the Speaker to know, as a member of the Active Guard, that I laid my life on the line for my country. Now I need my country to protect and take care of my family. My wife and daughter face an uncertain future, unable to receive the same family support and services as our counterparts who render the same service, take the same risks, and make the same sacrifices. Time is of the essence," CW2 Morgan told Haley today.
To view the letter and photos CW2 Morgan delivered to Boehner today, click here. For the materials she delivered to Guinta, click here.
To view the petition launched today by SLDN, 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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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, February 8, 2012
ADVISORY: SLDN Client to Meet with Boehner Staff Thursday
- CW2 Charlie Morgan Set to Tell Her Personal Story of Struggle with
Cancer, Fight for Equality
(Washington, D.C.) On Thursday, February 9, 2012, Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard, a plaintiff in SLDN's landmark lawsuit on behalf of sixteen married gay and lesbian service members and veterans, will travel to Washington, DC to share her personal story in two meetings on Capitol Hill. At 10:15 a.m., she will meet with her member of Congress, Representative Frank Guinta (R-NH), followed by an 11:00 a.m. meeting with Katherine Haley, a policy assistant to Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). Morgan will be available to media for interviews outside the Speaker's office immediately following her meeting there. Details are below.
******MEDIA AVAILABILITY with CW2 Charlie Morgan******
Thursday, February 9, 2012: 11:30 a.m. or immediately following meeting with Speaker's Office
The Capitol - Outside the Office of the Speaker - H232
The meeting with Boehner's office was scheduled following a reversal of his prior rejection of CW2 Morgan's request that first came to light last week in an article by Andrea Stone of the Huffington Post. CW2 Morgan will tell her personal story and share how Boehner's ongoing legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group harms her family and others.
In a letter to Boehner dated December 23, 2011, CW2 Morgan, who is battling incurable stage-four breast cancer, asked to meet with him to discuss the issue.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free my my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty, and I swelled with pride and patriotism as I returned home to my wife and our four-year old daughter. But this September, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan wrote in her letter.
Morgan and her wife, Karen, are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and three other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition, benefits and support to same-gender military spouses. Currently, the Morgans do not receive the same benefits as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
For more information on SLDN's lawsuit, 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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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.
Cancer, Fight for Equality
(Washington, D.C.) On Thursday, February 9, 2012, Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard, a plaintiff in SLDN's landmark lawsuit on behalf of sixteen married gay and lesbian service members and veterans, will travel to Washington, DC to share her personal story in two meetings on Capitol Hill. At 10:15 a.m., she will meet with her member of Congress, Representative Frank Guinta (R-NH), followed by an 11:00 a.m. meeting with Katherine Haley, a policy assistant to Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). Morgan will be available to media for interviews outside the Speaker's office immediately following her meeting there. Details are below.
******MEDIA AVAILABILITY with CW2 Charlie Morgan******
Thursday, February 9, 2012: 11:30 a.m. or immediately following meeting with Speaker's Office
The Capitol - Outside the Office of the Speaker - H232
The meeting with Boehner's office was scheduled following a reversal of his prior rejection of CW2 Morgan's request that first came to light last week in an article by Andrea Stone of the Huffington Post. CW2 Morgan will tell her personal story and share how Boehner's ongoing legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group harms her family and others.
In a letter to Boehner dated December 23, 2011, CW2 Morgan, who is battling incurable stage-four breast cancer, asked to meet with him to discuss the issue.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free my my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty, and I swelled with pride and patriotism as I returned home to my wife and our four-year old daughter. But this September, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan wrote in her letter.
Morgan and her wife, Karen, are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and three other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition, benefits and support to same-gender military spouses. Currently, the Morgans do not receive the same benefits as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
For more information on SLDN's lawsuit, 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 who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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, December 7, 2011
New Military Infographic
Hi,
I’m getting in touch with you regarding your Military website. I’m
currently working with http://www.militaryeducation.org. They
specialize in educating others who are interested in Military
Scholarships.
They have created a new Military Infographic, which I thought might
interest your readers, as it provides a visual way to understand the
“True Cost of Military Equipment Spending”. We are very interested in
getting the opinions of Soldiers who have or are currently serving in
the Military, as well as their families.
You can review the graphic at
http://www.militaryeducation.org/military-equipment/. If you like the
graphic, I’d appreciate if you could add it to your blog or share it
through your social media accounts. Whether you think the cost for
Equipment is too high, or not high enough, we are very interested in
hearing your opinions.
I would also love to see post on areas you think the Military should
spend more money on. We believe more money should be allocated to
soldiers and their families, but want to see what ideas you may have.
If you would like to display the graphic on your blog or website you
can easily copy and paste the code from our site.
I’m available Monday to Friday 8am-7pm CST, and can be contacted via
telephone at my direct line (913) 837-3055 and also by my direct email
westinfographic@gmail.com
PS. I am more than happy to help you share any future blog post you
are trying to get more visibility to.
Thanks,
Jonathan West
Marketing Director
I’m getting in touch with you regarding your Military website. I’m
currently working with http://www.militaryeducation.org. They
specialize in educating others who are interested in Military
Scholarships.
They have created a new Military Infographic, which I thought might
interest your readers, as it provides a visual way to understand the
“True Cost of Military Equipment Spending”. We are very interested in
getting the opinions of Soldiers who have or are currently serving in
the Military, as well as their families.
You can review the graphic at
http://www.militaryeducation.org/military-equipment/. If you like the
graphic, I’d appreciate if you could add it to your blog or share it
through your social media accounts. Whether you think the cost for
Equipment is too high, or not high enough, we are very interested in
hearing your opinions.
I would also love to see post on areas you think the Military should
spend more money on. We believe more money should be allocated to
soldiers and their families, but want to see what ideas you may have.
If you would like to display the graphic on your blog or website you
can easily copy and paste the code from our site.
I’m available Monday to Friday 8am-7pm CST, and can be contacted via
telephone at my direct line (913) 837-3055 and also by my direct email
westinfographic@gmail.com
PS. I am more than happy to help you share any future blog post you
are trying to get more visibility to.
Thanks,
Jonathan West
Marketing Director
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
National Guard 101 – a new book with content for your site!
Dear Brandon,
I work for a book publishing company specializing in military titles. We think you will be interested in the following book coming out this month, just in time for the National Guard's 375th birthday on December 13:
Book: National Guard 101: A Handbook for Spouses
Book's webpage: http://tinyurl.com/28crsc2
Author Mary Corbett's website: http://www.marycorbett.com/
Written in a lively and informal style, National Guard 101 demystifies the Guard's unique hybrid civilian-military lifestyle. It is a must-read book for every National Guard family member. Mary's book coverspractical knowledge about the history of the National Guard; understanding rank; social life in the Guard and family programs; the benefits and assistance resources available to Guard families; and the process of setting up a Personal Assistance League (PAL) to provide support during deployment.
Kind regards,
Lindy Gervin
Savas Beatie LLC
P.O. Box 4527
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
www.savasbeatie.com
Voice: 916.941.6896 (9-5, Pacific Standard Time)
Fax: 916.941.6895
Join us for publishing and marketing blogspeak.
Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
I work for a book publishing company specializing in military titles. We think you will be interested in the following book coming out this month, just in time for the National Guard's 375th birthday on December 13:
Book: National Guard 101: A Handbook for Spouses
Book's webpage: http://tinyurl.com/28crsc2
Author Mary Corbett's website: http://www.marycorbett.com/
Written in a lively and informal style, National Guard 101 demystifies the Guard's unique hybrid civilian-military lifestyle. It is a must-read book for every National Guard family member. Mary's book coverspractical knowledge about the history of the National Guard; understanding rank; social life in the Guard and family programs; the benefits and assistance resources available to Guard families; and the process of setting up a Personal Assistance League (PAL) to provide support during deployment.
Kind regards,
Lindy Gervin
Savas Beatie LLC
P.O. Box 4527
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
www.savasbeatie.com
Voice: 916.941.6896 (9-5, Pacific Standard Time)
Fax: 916.941.6895
Join us for publishing and marketing blogspeak.
Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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