I've been in the Marine Corps since 2002, when I enlisted after the attacks on 9/11 out of a desire to serve my country. I served first as a Marine musician until 2005, when I commissioned as a logistics officer. I deployed to Iraq in 2007-2008, served as a company commander in San Diego, and am currently attending Marine Corps University. Ben has most recently worked for a non-profit Washington, D.C. before going back to school to pursue a degree in nursing.

What's the response been like? Positive?

The responses have been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, I think the only negative comments have been critiques of our wardrobe selection. If the worst thing anyone has to say is that they don't like my tie, I think we have come quite a long way.

How's it feel to be a gay-rights symbol?

I don't feel like a gay-rights symbol. I feel like a Marine, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and now a fiancé. I'll soon learn how it feels to be a husband to an amazing man. I believe in my service, I believe in love, and I believe in equality. That doesn't make me a symbol, that makes me human.

Is there anything you want to tell gay couples who want to marry?

We recently attended the marriage of two women at the U.S. Military Academy's Cadet Chapel in West Point, New York, former Army captain Brenda "Sue" Fulton and Penelope Gnesin. The Army chaplain officiating the ceremony said it isn't about gay marriage, it's just about marriage. I think marriage is about love and the commitment two people make to each other in front of their families and friends. Surround yourself with people who love you and make your own way in the world. Pay no attention to the people who tell you no or that you can't have that special relationship. Of course you can!

Did you think the proposal was going to make a statement?

Honestly, no. I wanted to propose to Ben that night at the White House because that's where we went for our first date six months earlier. The only reason we were there was because the Military Partners and Families Coalition offered us tickets for the holiday tour and it happened to be that night. It wasn't until the photos started showing up and people started talking online that we realized it may have been a first. It turns out it wasn't the first LGBT proposal — a transgender man proposed to his parter at the LGBT Pride Month Reception on June 15, but may have been the first between two men. If there is any statement to be made, it's that our marriage will not be recognized by the Department of Defense because of the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA). As long as DOMA is in effect, Ben won't be recognized as my spouse, and therefore won't have access to any of the benefits that opposite-sex married couples have, including health coverage, base housing, or even unaccompanied access to base. This will really complicate things if I am stationed overseas beginning next summer, as I'm expecting.