Steve Blake's Page

Update:  My agency processed the paperwork submitted my the Osan Civilian Personnel Office for post allowance (PA).  They are recognizing Tim as my dependent, at least for PA and living quarters allowance (LQA) ceiling.  This is all more symbolic than anything, in my circumstances.  The PA increased by $21 per pay period.  And for my housing, I was not spending the full LQA anyway (we are reimbursed for actual expenses, up to a cap, dependent on your GS level).



But Tim is still…

So, my civilian personnel office believed my partner/spouse should be recognized as my dependant here in Korea. But when we tried to get him a base civilian dependant ID card, the commander over that section wanted to get a legal reading from the base legal office.  They did their research for a week, and came back to say the Air Force cannot issue the ID card because the regulations covering ID cards and related benefits does not include "domestic partner", and the only other category that…

I went down and spoke with my local civilian personnel office.  they were very receptive and responsive.  It was news to them that the JTR had changed.  I presented my still valid marriage license from California which they accepted as proof of the relationship.  They gave me a new verification of employment letter (I think this is unique to Pacific locations, by the local SOFA) showing Tim as my domestic partner, and sent in paperwork to increase my post allowance and living quarters…

Were you aware that the General Services Administration finalized changes to the Federal Travel Regulation to add "domestic partner" to the definition of immediate family for travel benefits.  This took effect 1 April 2011.  I am now trying to get the Air Force to amend my PCS orders to Korea to include my partner.  He is already here with me in Korea, but he has no status to stay in the country.  He has to leave the country and return every 90 days to re-set his tourist visa for Korea.  My…