Stories from Home: Letters from Military Families to Congress
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT service members, launched an online campaign 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. Read more about Stories from Home.
The Umali-Behrens Family
Will, who is a civilian and a financial manager for Robert Half International, has two children, an 11 year-old and a 9 year-old. Erwynn, who is an Air Force Technical Sergeant and a Professional Military Education Instructor, has an 11 year-old and a 9 year old, as well. They were joined together as a family in a civil union ceremony at Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst, New Jersey on June 23.
The Hudson-Poxon Family 
LTC Victoria A. Hudson has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 32 years, including four years 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 also the wife of, Monika Poxon, and mother to their three year old and infant daughters in Hayward, CA.
The Peters-Mackay Family
Stephen Peters, a Marine veteran, is the President of The American Military Partner Association, a support and resource network for the partners and spouses of LGBT servicemembers and veterans. After five years together this Christmas he married his partner, Alasdair Mackay, an active duty U.S. Marine currently deployed to Afghanistan.
The Nethers-Evans Family
LT Zachary Nethers has served in the United States Army for four years. On April 28 he married his partner of seven years, Marshall Evans, in Washington DC. They live with Zach's daughters, Taylor and Emma, in Ohio.
The Brunstad Family
Darin Brunstad is married to his partner of 19 years, Master Sergeant David Brunstad, of the Air National Guard. MSgt Brunstad has served his country for a total of 17 years, including 8 years of active duty in the Army Infantry.
The Henderson Family
Jerret Henderson, and Airman First Class Daniel P. Henderson, were married on May 19, 2011, in a civil ceremony in Sidney, Iowa. Both are practicing Catholics and raised in very tight-knit traditional households. They survive on nearly half of what a straight military couple would make. Sadly, a few months ago without food or money, Jerret and Daniel were directed to a military charity called Operation Warm Heart for assistance. Unfortunately, this non-profit military charity refused to help them with food because their marriage is not recognized.
The Carson Family
Jessica Carson is an active duty USAF Airman 1st Class. She joined in the USAF over a year ago, and married her loving wife nine months ago. Her wife provides the comfort and support she needs each day. But is denied the full support of the Air Force as they are not considered married under the Defense of Marriage Act.
