Airman, partner united in civil union at NJ base

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Erwynn Umali, right, and his partner Will Behrens hold hands during their civil union ceremony held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the military base in Wrightstown, N.J. where Umali is stationed. / AP Photo/Jeff Sheng

(AP) WRIGHTSTOWN, N.J. - An Air Force airman and his partner have been united in a civil union ceremony held at the New Jersey military base where the airman is stationed.

Dozens of friends and family members attended Saturday afternoon's ceremony for Tech. Sgt. Erwynn Umali and Will Behrens. It was presided over by a Navy chaplain with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who also serves at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Among those attending the event held at the base's chapel was Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first U.S. service member seriously injured in the Iraq War. He later revealed that he was gay and became a prominent advocate for ending the military's ban on openly gay service members.

[pbaird2]

These adverse and bigoted comments are the same ones I remember hearing about when the military integrated and broke the color barrier. My step-father was raised in the hills of Alabama but his service in the military allowed him to become one of the most culutrally diverse advocates I ever met. My service also taught me that people are the same regardless of our small differences. We have not erased rascism and it will take time for many to accept Gay unions. I still remember interracial marriage as being considered horrendous...when soldiers returned from WWII with scandalous French brides, and from service in Asia with "those" women of Asian race. We mostly have gotten over that ignorance, thank God.

[vista8635]

You know, I used to feel that way too until I found out that Alexander the Great was a f... Talk about gays in the military!

[Rick03466]

Congratulations to the Happy Couple! That said, it is a sad comment on who we are that this is anymore news worthy than the marriages of any of the other service men and women.

[freeamerica31]

I don't like the new policy because to me it's simply a sexual fetish that is better left to the house and not out in the open.

Having said that...it's done and everyone (adult) should be entitled to whatever they personally desire as long as it victimizes no one.

Now to TSgt Umali's "Military Appearance". Uniform looks good although his tie looks crooked but what bothers me is his "haircut". That doesn't look like a regulation haircut with that little bit of growth up front. That's called a fadish haircut and is illegal. TSgt if you are going to represent your service be sure and pay attention to detail.

[SparkyTNT]

Tie and hair..... his tie probably got messed up by their four children who shared the entire ceremony with them, and uh, if there was something wrong with his haircut, I'm sure President Obama and many other high-level "brass" would have mentioned it when he met them, and congratulated them on their marriage! Have a good day. (26 year AF Retired Vet's spouse)

[SparkyTNT]

These are my dear friends. I am so happy for you. I am happy for the history you have just made in our military. I've long been tired of the hatred, and this is a very big step to helping stop it. Much love!

[onieb]

beginning of the end for the armed forces standards.

[bombdiggity87]

Really? I doubt that. TSgt Umali is one of our military's finest and upholds the highest military standards... To make such a statement merely amplifies your ignorance. Serving with TSgt Umali has been one of the highest honors awarded to me in my military career. So bugger off oieb.

[vista8635]

You know, I used to feel that way too until I found out that Alexander the Great was a f@g. Talk about gays in the military!