Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Senior Advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett and acting Air Force Secretary Eric Fanning all highlighted the importance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members of the military at an LGBT pride event at the Pentagon on Tuesday. “All of us are created equal,” said Hagel in his opening speech, which emphasized the efforts DOD has made to secure equal rights for its employees. Hagel noted that allowing LGBT service members to serve openly makes “our nation and our military…much stronger.” Jarrett echoed Hagel’s comments, commending him for the emphasis he has placed on eliminating sexual harassment and discrimination within DOD. “Being honest about your sexual orientation should not disqualify you from proudly serving our country,” she said. The event capped off with a speech by Fanning, the highest-ranking openly gay person in the Defense Department. “Your presence here today means more than you could possibly understand,” Fanning told Hagel during his speech. He added, “Events like this give voice not just to us, but to those who support us.” This is the first time a Defense Secretary has spoken at a Pentagon pride event since the Clinton-era don’t ask, don’t tell law, which banned LGBT service members from openly serving, was repealed in 2010. (Hagel transcript)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
