“The Chain of Command…Has Done Zilch”

Dear Mr. Weinstein

As you know over the past year I have forwarded you many e-mails regarding the constant bombarding I have received about the harassment we endure during Christian religious observances and holidays. So much so that it disrupts my work and violates my Civil Rights; not to mention it abuses government computer usage as defined in Air Force instructions. There is a huge issue here at the Air Force Personnel Center by leadership distinguishing between religious freedom and religious harassment regarding participation. Just so you know I have an experience level in the military going back to my first memories as a military brat and can distinguish between what id right and wrong – what happens here is wrong!

This past week there was an Easter egg fiasco where everyone was cajoled via e-mail into a long line grabbing plastic eggs from a box that contained prizes. While on the surface this appears fun and unobtrusive. It is not! The leadership in the form of an SES and several GS-15s tolerate and promote forcing religious partying on the work force.

And if you don’t participate you are considered an outsider and singled out via back stabbing gossip and punished through your performance appraisal in that you do not receive equitable assessment compared to your more religious colleagues.

Mr. Jim Hale epitomizes this and has harassed several employees including me because we “don’t get along” or condones his laissez-faire leadership approach to his lackadaisical situational management style here at the Air Force Personnel Center. In fact he has forced people to go to lunch with him, including me, and attempted to coerce people into adopting his laissez faire management style. In my case he would have me violate the Code of Federal Regulations regarding sound merit principles rather rock the boat.

His approach is categorically the same regarding religious tolerance – get along as institutional behavior and participation is sold out over individual rights. I am certain he could be relieved of his position for what he has done via the Office of Special Counsel or the Inspector General. Neither he nor anyone that serves in a leadership capacity here has stepped up to rein in the abuse regarding religious observances. The chain of command knows about what takes place and has done zilch! His secretary and a core of his civilians take their cue from him, a core of who believe, and instigate e-mails and observances that the Air Force Personnel center is the seminary of the “civilian” Air Force.

As in a previous letter these civilians are not fruit cakes. They don’t exaggerate or prevaricate but have institutionalized a system to oust those who don’t follow Jim Hale’s or his minions’ lead. This is an extremely serious problem that needs fixing ASAP! My thanks to you, Mr. Weinstein, and the entire MRFF organization.

(name and rank withheld)