MADISON, Wis. -- A trio of University of Wisconsin-Madison students said they will try to enlist in the military and not hide the fact they are openly gay.

Derek House and two others said they want to serve their country but want to challenge the 13-year-old Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

"It's really a culture, it's part of where we come from for me. My family is a huge motivation; my father was in the Air Force after Vietnam and just to be able to share those stories, to hear my brother come back … I wish I could be part," said House, a UW-Madison sophomore.

House said he does not want to serve and keep his personal life a secret.

If the military rejects their attempt to enlist, the three plan to join a sit-in to protest the policy.

Madison is among 30 cities where openly gay students will attempt to enlist in the military.