http://www.kvoa.com/news/don-
KVOA-TV
Tucson AZ
Nov 11, 2011 9:14 PM
Updated: Nov 13, 2011 8:49 PM
Don't Ask Don't Tell Couple Openly Attend Marine Ball
TUCSON - It is an extra special Veteran's Day for one Navy Lieutenant and his spouse. On Friday night, they attended the 236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Fort Huachuca.
Gary Ross and his husband, Dan Swezy, were the first couple to wed after the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell".
In the past they've had to go on double dates, each taking a woman as their guest to military functions. They've been together for 12 years, and for 12 years they lived in secrecy for fear of harming Ross' military career.
"Everyone knows we are a couple and there's no hiding, no pretending, no double dates, nothing like that. It's just pure honesty," Swezy said.
Tonight they attended the Marine Ball for the first time as a couple.
"I was highly encouraged by my Marine coworkers at work to go to the ball and it's amazing the feeling of inclusion that's been stepped up ever since the repeal of ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell'," Lt. Ross said.
Both Lt. Ross and Swezy said since the repeal their experience has been nothing but positive.
"It means a lot to be able to step out and be together and not fear for Gary's career," Swezy said.
Even though a weight is lifted off their shoulders they both said the work isn't done. They've joined a lawsuit with seven other couples and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. They are suing federal agencies to ensure gay, married couples receive the same benefits and family support as their straight, married peers.
"Now that ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell' is gone we can speak up and we are going to speak up," Swezy said.
They said not having those basic rights adds stress to those who are deployed.
"As an officer I can't go out to sea and watch people in my division worried about whether their loved ones are back home getting taken care of. I need them focused on the job," Lt. Ross said.
Friday night was a night of celebration and firsts.
"There's no longer living two lives and trying to remember what you say in one life and what you say in the other and keeping everything separate. Now I can be at peace," Lt. Ross said.
Lt. Ross was very adamant that the statements he made are his personal opinions and in no way reflect his official position with the military.
KVOA-TV
Tucson AZ
Nov 11, 2011 9:14 PM
Updated: Nov 13, 2011 8:49 PM
Don't Ask Don't Tell Couple Openly Attend Marine Ball
TUCSON - It is an extra special Veteran's Day for one Navy Lieutenant and his spouse. On Friday night, they attended the 236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Fort Huachuca.
Gary Ross and his husband, Dan Swezy, were the first couple to wed after the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell".
In the past they've had to go on double dates, each taking a woman as their guest to military functions. They've been together for 12 years, and for 12 years they lived in secrecy for fear of harming Ross' military career.
"Everyone knows we are a couple and there's no hiding, no pretending, no double dates, nothing like that. It's just pure honesty," Swezy said.
Tonight they attended the Marine Ball for the first time as a couple.
"I was highly encouraged by my Marine coworkers at work to go to the ball and it's amazing the feeling of inclusion that's been stepped up ever since the repeal of ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell'," Lt. Ross said.
Both Lt. Ross and Swezy said since the repeal their experience has been nothing but positive.
"It means a lot to be able to step out and be together and not fear for Gary's career," Swezy said.
Even though a weight is lifted off their shoulders they both said the work isn't done. They've joined a lawsuit with seven other couples and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. They are suing federal agencies to ensure gay, married couples receive the same benefits and family support as their straight, married peers.
"Now that ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell' is gone we can speak up and we are going to speak up," Swezy said.
They said not having those basic rights adds stress to those who are deployed.
"As an officer I can't go out to sea and watch people in my division worried about whether their loved ones are back home getting taken care of. I need them focused on the job," Lt. Ross said.
Friday night was a night of celebration and firsts.
"There's no longer living two lives and trying to remember what you say in one life and what you say in the other and keeping everything separate. Now I can be at peace," Lt. Ross said.
Lt. Ross was very adamant that the statements he made are his personal opinions and in no way reflect his official position with the military.
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