ARMY STRONG

Cancer-Stricken Soldier On The Frontlines Of Battle Against DOMA

Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan is a paragon of bravery: Not only was she deployed in the Middle East to support ongoing military intervention in Iraq, but she’s battling incurable stage-four breast cancer.

Adding more heartbreak is the fact that should Morgan not recover, her wife, Karen, and 5-year-old daughter Casey, won’t be eligible for survivors’ benefits because of the Defense of Marriage Act—even though Charlie and Karen were legally wed in New Hampshire.

You can thank DOMA for that.

“In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life,” recalls Morgan, who is a plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October.  “In 2010—declared cancer free by my oncologist—I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn.  I faithfully fulfilled my duty and returned home to my wife and our then four-year old daughter.  But last September, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned.  It is metastatic and incurable.  We don’t know how long I have.”

Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) released this new online video spotlighting the Morgans’ dilemma. Wouldn’t it be great if we could tie up Republican congressmen, Clockwork Orange-style and make them watch it over and over?

 

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated