Gracious thanks are in order!

Mikey and everyone at MRFF,
I can’t thank you enough for your quick response to the concern I raised with you. I was promoted this morning to O-3, but yesterday I was deeply apprehensive about taking my oath of office, which includes at the end the clause, “So help me God.” As an atheist, it would go completely against my conscience to say those words (and for those that are religious, I think everyone is capable of keeping their word without having to promise it to their deity).
I had done some research on the internet for a few days, reading everything from U.S. Code to Wikipedia. Everything seemed to indicate that I could make an affirmation instead of an oath, allowing me to leave out the words “so help me God.” However, I was fearful that my somewhat Christian command would not take my request for an affirmation at face value. Late in the day, I hoped an email regarding my options would reach you before the promotion ceremony this morning.
Not only did it reach you, but you and your staff replied in a manner that can only be described as lightning quick. You had just gotten out of a taping with CNN, and no sooner than that was over, you called me personally and told me in no uncertain terms that I did not have to say those words. Even more, you told me that if anyone gave me guff, to just call you up so you could “educate” them! Needless to say, I was incredibly relieved when I hung up the phone.
As it turned out, not much drama ensued the following day, and the ceremony went off without a hitch. But without the firm footing you put me on last night, I doubt it would have gone anywhere near as smoothly.
What you and your staff do to take on the big issues like Jesus rifles and Islamophobes being invited to speak at the Pentagon is invaluable. And yet, it is wonderful to know that you not only take on the big issues, but pay attention to the little issues affecting the lives of your members, and handle them with the utmost care and urgency. Like I said, I can’t say enough good things about you and your organization!
It was a pleasure to speak with you on the phone and I look forward to seeing MRFF in the news even more.
Respectfully,
(name withheld), LT, USCG