The Cartmills began their journey as a dual-military family in 2013. Since then, they’ve had four assignments, including a remote and even a cross-training, the same trials and tribulations any other dual-military couple would endure. In the five years since their marriage, Sarah and Kelsey Cartmill have become closer due to directly facing the adversity they experienced as a same-sex couple. Getting married took some time as the freedom to marry was not in effect across the country, and it took the couple three trips to Washington, D.C., just to make their marriage official. That determination to be a couple outweighed any resistance they would face.

“Our experience in the Air Force since we’ve married has been flawless,” Sarah said. “Everyone has accepted Kelsey and me and that has made our journey so much easier.”