Mikey Weinstein, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Please Help Me!

I am a soldier in the United States Army. I was raised as a Southern Baptist. Today I was attending graduation practice for my AIT graduation. When we arrived at the chapel where the ceremony is taking place in, I saw the plan for graduation included a prayer. When we reached that part, we were told we were required to bow our heads and cross our hands in front of us. I immediately pointed out that not only is a prayer at a public ceremony unconstitutional, but to force someone to give the illusion of religion when the individual does not believe in any religion is blatantly wrong and very illegal. Instantly the rest of my platoon groaned and said to suck it up, stop complaining, etc. I stood my ground while the sergeant in charge said the same thing, albeit more politely. When I sat down, I immediately e-mailed Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation about the incident. He quickly responded to my email with his phone number. I went into the bathroom to make the call. However, partway through a sergeant came in and told me to get off and come outside the bathroom. My call remained connected, and the sergeants berated me for jumping the chain of command, although where consulting a lawyer violates the chain of command was never pointed out. I was then sent to see my company commander and 1st SG. I told them my issue and was again told it was unfounded. I was told that if I did not bow my head and clasp my hands that I would be subject to UCMJ punitive action. As I refuse to compromise on my beliefs, the idea that my military career could be cut short due to standing up for my beliefs frightened me. I was told I could do it or call the inspector general. When I returned to the chapel, I asked my cadre if I could call IG. He told me to wait until after practice. I was then again ridiculed by my peers, however I stood my ground. Shortly thereafter, my commander came to me and told me that bowing was now suddenly “optional” and that I could remain at attention. Mr. Weinstein moved remarkably fast on this, and I believe that my cadre’s knowledge that I already had a lawyer from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation in the loop is what caused them to change their blatantly unconstitutional order. My fear of punishment for standing up for my beliefs is gone, and knowing how quickly the MRFF can move to help soldier’s whose rights are violated gives me a high level of confidence. Their work to get the numerous promotions of religion in the military out is a great service to the entire armed forces.

(U.S. Army Soldier’s name, rank, military unit and military installation withheld)