LGBT vets

Transgender individuals are still banned from service, and the military still does not recognize same-sex marriages – which means that health, housing and death benefits are not afforded to same-sex partners.

Moreover, many servicemembers discharged under DADT are opting to return to service – and some face bureaucratic hurdles upgrading their discharge status so they can re-enlist.

“Those things still have to be corrected,” said Kelly, “and AVER is an organization that’s looking to help advocate for those changes.”