WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) — The Air Force has placed a same-sex couple at the same base in Utah after repeatedly denying their previous requests, a spokesman confirmed.
The approval marks the first time the Air Force approved a joint assignment, and comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in June, Stars and Stripes reported.
Air Force Master Sgt. Angela Shunk and her wife, Tech. Sgt. Stacey Shunk, had their request approved Sept. 3, the same day the Pentagon made federal benefits available to same-sex spouses to military members.
The couple will be based to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
“It was really great. We were really excited,” Angela Shunk said. “We’re so happy the process is finally over and we’re going to be stationed at the same location.”
An Air Force Personnel Center spokesman said the office has received three assignment requests from same-sex couples.
Stars and Stripes said it is not clear whether the other services have received or granted joint assignments for same-sex couples.
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