By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter—The National Guard released a statement today stating that it will immediately extend all of the same benefits received by opposite-sex couples to same-sex spouses. It further explained that all states are now following directives that demonstrate their full benefits compliance to all service member without bias.
“On Oct. 31,” said Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, “I called on the chief of the National Guard Bureau to work with several states to fully implement Department of Defense policy by providing DoD identification cards to all eligible military spouses, regardless of sexual orientation.”
“Following consultations between the National Guard Bureau and the adjutants general of the states, all eligible service members, dependents and retirees — including same-sex spouses — are now able to obtain ID cards in every state,” said Hagel in his statement about the benefits.
All service members in the National Guard work for the U.S., notwithstanding their sexual orientation and Hagel, who once faced opposition from LGBT groups and organizations when appointed for Secretary of Defense by President Obama, ensured his promises were followed up. Such equality promises became a reality today.
“All military spouses and families sacrifice on behalf of our country. They deserve our respect and the benefits they are entitled to under the law,” said Hagel via his statement, “All of DoD is committed to pursuing equal opportunities for all who serve this nation, and I will continue to work to ensure our men and women in uniform as well as their families have full and equal access to the benefits they deserve.”
