The military mission is to defend our diverse nation against its enemies – not promote a religion. The sworn military service oath is to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States...and bear true faith and allegiance to the same” – not to a religion or its writings. The Constitution 1st Amendment prohibits our government or its representatives (which includes the military) from publicly “respecting” a religion. Religion is private, military service and pay are public. Military personnel may privately practice a religion or no religion of their choice, but they may not lawfully use their public service, office or position to promote private religious beliefs or impose them on fellow Americans. [...]

From: Active Duty U.S. Army Soldier’s E-Mail Address Withheld
Date: September 28, 2016 at 11:15:12 AM MDT
To: Mikey Weinstein

Subject: Assistance

In thanks for the incomprehensibly fast response and overwhelming support I have received from the MRFF, I would like to take a moment of your time to let you know that there are organizations that exist to help you in your time of need. As a (religious or nonreligious affiliation withheld) in the United States Army I face daily challenges with explaining my religious beliefs to others or defending them if need be.

I was flagged and placed under investigation almost as soon my brigade arrived in (military assignment location withheld) as the rotational unit in (month withheld) of 2016. Since March of this year, I have been looking for a place to reach out to for help with where my situation was leading my career and the outcome of this investigation. In July, I received a (category of discipline withheld) Reprimand based on findings by an investigating officer that withheld Soldier statements from his findings in order to make me look worse to the chain of command.

While waiting on the (senior ranking officer rank withheld) who issued the (reprimand) to respond to my rebuttal I read an article in the military times that spoke about the work that MRFF has done in helping military personnel in all flavors of service deal with religious injustice, and separation of church from the government. As soon as I finished the article I found militaryreligiousfreedom.org with a simple Google search for the name of the foundation and emailed Mikey Weinstein about my situation.

I cannot speak to how busy Mikey is or to the volume of correspondence that passes through his organization daily, but despite those things as soon I pressed the send button a response came to me with a direct invitation to call and speak about my issue. This alone speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment that Mikey and his crew have to their cause and to yours. I cannot express in words, how relieved I am to have finally found an organization that understands my side of the story and is willing to help and I want to make damn sure that any Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coastguardsman knows that this organization does exist to help you and they will definitely have my gratitude and support for years to come.

So to Mikey and the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, here's to you and the gallant, expedient service you provide to help those in need. Thanks soo much and keep it up!!

Sincerely ,

(Active Duty U.S. Army Soldier’s name, rank, MOS, unit and installation all withheld)