Gay troops prep for September marriage spree, put wedding parties on ice
September marks nuptial season across part of the American military as gay and lesbian troops cash in new, Pentagon-granted leaves to tie the knot.
Starting Tuesday, the Pentagon is allowing gay troops to take travel leaves for up to seven days or as many 10 days for those stationed abroad as long as those service members live 100-plus miles away from a state that allows same-sex marriages.
Scores of service members are draining their savings just to pay for airfare, hotels and rental cars common, logistical necessities for obtaining a marriage certificate in one of the 13 states where same-sex marriage is legal, advocates say.
While many of these unions may lack champagne-soaked celebrations, they are fueled by a practical brand of urgency: gaining immediate, military-family benefits, said Stephen Peters, executive director of the American Military Partner Association (AMPA).
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/03/20235244-gay-troops-prep-for-september-marriage-spree-put-wedding-parties-on-ice?lite