Original Complaint From MRFF Client(s)

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From: [MRFF client(s) name(s) withheld]
Date: July 18, 2018
To: Mikey Weinstein/MRFF
Subject: VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY POW/MIA take

I truly appreciate the excellent care I receive at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. However, the POW/MIA table display is improper.

I recall that last year I sent MRFF a picture of the POW/MIA table in their entrance lobby area which included a bible located on the table. I recently was there and there were two additions to the display:   A 2nd bible and also a instruction plaque with how to "Set [the table] with pride" -- note that a bible is not included in the table setting guide.

This display does not acknowledge our fellow non-Christian countrymen and women who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms.

I don't know if you have received any other complaints regarding this matter, but I submit this picture for your consideration regarding contacting the medical center administration to request/demand removal of bibles from this display.

Respectfully,

[MRFF client(s) name(s) withheld]

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Email Exchange Between Mikey and VA Medical Center's Executive Secretary to the Director in Buffalo, NY:

*Below emphasis, links, added by MRFF editor; Email subject lines altered for clarity*

From: Michael L. Weinstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 12:00 PM
To: Clark, Margaret M.
Subject: Email Exchange Between Mikey and VA Medical Center's Executive Secretary to the Director in Buffalo, NY
 
...Peggy, this is Mikey Weinstein... Thank you for being so courteous, patient and professional on the phone call we just had... I thought you might like to see our latest press release from early this morning regarding a similar situation at an Air Force Base in Wyoming... I am sure we can correct the situation with your facility right away... Please kindly get back to me, or someone else associated with your VA facility, as early as possible on this matter regarding the illicit Bible displays On the POW/MIA table near the entrance of your facility... Again with respect and gratitude... Mikey... Standing by at 505-250-7727...

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On Jul 18, 2018, at 11:01 AM, Clark, Margaret M. wrote:

Mr. Weinstein,
 
In response to your inquiry, the Bibles had already been moved, as we monitor the area on a regular basis.  We appreciate your interest in letting us know that the Bibles were there.  Have a good day! 
 
V/r,
 
Peggy Clark
Secretary to the Director
VA Western New York Healthcare System
3495 Bailey Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215

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From: Michael L. Weinstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 1:07 PM
To: Clark, Margaret M.
Subject: Re: Email Exchange Between Mikey and VA Medical Center's Executive Secretary to the Director in Buffalo, NY
 
Thank you so much, Peggy for your prompt response... I will pass this information onto our clients at your facility as staff and/or patients right away... Should any more Bibles appear or any related problems along the same lines, I trust you will have no problem if I contact you again To seek your intervention and assistance?... Gratefully, Mikey Weinstein,  Founder and President , Military Religious Freedom Foundation... 505-250-7727

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From: Clark, Margaret M.
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 2:45 PM
To: Michael L Weinstein
Subject: Re: Email Exchange Between Mikey and VA Medical Center's Executive Secretary to the Director in Buffalo, NY

Mikey,

We are aware the Bibles should not be there, and we do check on a regular basis and take them away.
They are not supposed to be there, are not put there by the Agency; employees and Vets are free to remove them. We will set up a spot to turn them in.

[...]

**The Bibles can be turned in to the Greeters' Desk at the Veterans entrance.

V/r,

Peggy Clark
Secretary to the Director
VA Western New York Healthcare System
3495 Bailey Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215

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*Above emphasis, links, added by MRFF editor; email subject lines altered for clarity*

**This line, in the above section below the brackets, was sent after the first as a follow up email. MRFF editor has combined Peggy's two emails here for clarity.

*Emphasis added by MRFF editor*

From: [Buffalo VA MRFF Client(s) Name(s) Withheld]
Date: July 18, 2018 at 4:04:57 PM MDT
To: Mikey Weinstein
Subject: POW/MIA table at VA Buffalo

Mikey,

I'd like to thank you and the MRFF for your immediate response to my note to you regarding the placement of two bibles on the POW/MIA table at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY.  Those who suffered and endured the hellish hardships of being a prisoner of war and those who have died in captivity and are still missing are rightly remembered and honored by this meaningful display -- may it be a comfort to their families to know that we all share their loss and sorrow and will keep their memory alive. 

The men and women who have served our country reflect the great diversity and strength our our democracy. POWs/MIAs are from those of all faiths and those who have no religious beliefs.  Placing a bible  on the table denies the sacrifice of those of all other faiths or of no faith.  To me it seems to say to those of other or of no faiths, "Your sacrifice doesn't count;" or, "it is of lesser or no value compared to those of our faith."
Or perhaps those who place a bible on this display are indifferent to the sacrifice made by non-Christians.

I have had the honor of serving my country of nearly 40 years, serving as a [names, titles, ranks withheld] I have repeatedly seen the dedication and patriotism to our country of persons of multiple religious faiths and those having no specific religious faith -- their willingness to dedicate their lives and endure family separation and physical hardships for our freedoms—indeed, to "support and defend the constitution of the United States."  Over one year ago, when I saw the bible on the POW/MIA table I felt both hurt and angry -- but I said nothing.  At my last visit to the Buffalo, VA medical center, there were two bibles on the table!  One was quite large and nearly dominated the entire display.  I felt obligated to contact the MRFF.

After writing to the MRFF, I received a call within hours!  The MRFF had contacted the medical center and noted that over 24 individuals had contacted them regarding this egregious display. I was not alone! Other patients and/or staff had expressed concerns about this display—concerns expressed by Christians, Jews, Muslims, agnostics and atheists.  The VA administration stated that the bibles were not placed there by any authorized group and would be immediately removed.

I want to thank you again for your amazing and immediate response.  Your actions will help assure that all our POWs/MIAs will be remembered and their families honored.

Respectfully,

[MRFF client(s) name(s) withheld]

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