Same-sex spouses now eligible for benefits Published Sept. 4, 2013 By Senior Airman Stephanie R. Sauberan Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- In a memorandum published Aug. 14, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel outlined strategies for incorporating spousal and family benefits for legally married, same-sex military couples. Although the memorandum was published Aug. 14, the deadline for implementation was Sept. 3, giving each military service an opportunity to address particular concerns. "The Department of Defense welcomes the Supreme Court's recent decision declaring section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevented Federal recognition of same-sex marriages, to be unconstitutional," said Hagel. He added the DOD will work to implement necessary changes to make sure the same benefits become available to all married couples regardless of sexual orientation. Changes will affect all service members in all branches, including Airmen stationed at Minot Air Force Base. As such, there are few steps individuals who fall into this category can follow to ensure their spouses do not miss anything in the process of acquiring the new benefits. One of the first stops for Airmen arriving to Minot AFB is the Military Personnel Flight, located within the Pride Building. Here, Airmen can receive a military identification card, also called a Common Access Card, a checklist which outlines important stops to make in registering their spouses on base, as well as an opportunity to update their information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. This is also the place for newly married military couples to begin their benefit enrollment process. Once a member's spouse presents their marriage license, Social Security card and one additional form of photo identification to a 5th Force Support Squadron customer service representative, he or she can begin the process of creating their Dependent Identification Card. Same-sex spouses who are not yet citizens of the United States, or those who do not possess current photo identification such as a driver's license, may use an unexpired passport as a means of identification secondary to their Social Security card. The process of printing an identification card takes approximately 15 minutes, after which the military member can update their DEERS information to reflect their marital status and the presence of a dependent. Once registration in DEERS is completed and the member's spouse has obtained their Dependent Identification card, they will be able to visit all of the locations listed on the check-list supplied by 5th FSS to include the following: The Tricare office located on the third floor of the 5th Medical Group building The finance office located in the Pride Building The base housing office located across from the Jimmy Doolittle Center The Legal office located in the Pride Building-- to draft a will, power of attorney and other legal documents It is important to note that forms regarding Servicemen's Group Life Insurance are obtainable at the Military Personnel Flight office but are not accessible online, said Jeffrey McCauley, 5th FSS customer service superintendent. "The Department of Defense remains committed to ensuring that all men and women who serve our country and their families are treated fairly and equally," stated Hagel. The secretary also stated the expeditious implementation of the decisions announced will help the Department to remain true to the commitment of fair and equal treament. "I'm very pleased about receiving benefits for my spouse. We have been together for three and a half years, during which time he has gone from being a silent unacknowledged spouse to a fully integrated member of our squadron," said Capt. Travis Halleman, 5th Operations Support Squadron electronic warfare officer. "The change in rules has taken stress off our family with regards to insurance and base access."