Foxholes

Dear Mikey,

I’m not sure you have ever been in a hot LZ or cleared a house in Iraq, but it has been my experience that everyone who I’ve been around who was injured in the combat zone, called out to God. Your position against free speech runs counter to the oath I swore to defend the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC!

Your fight against the chaplain’s article is intolerant and really holds no weight. I hope the commander lends no credence to you request for punishment for the chaplain.

(name withheld)

Hello (name withheld),

My name is Rick Baker and I am a former Air Force Officer and Rescue Pilkot, having served two combat tours in Vietnam. I am also an MRFF Volunteer.

I mention this only to qualify myself to answer your questions.
As a rescue pilot I have landed in many a hot LZ, hoping that my FAC has directed enough effective fire on it to give us a chance to evacuate the dead and wounded.
I have witnessed countless young men and women in dire situations and suffered several wounds to myself and battle damage to my beloved old Jolly Green Giant.

I can’t speak for every rescue unit but with few exceptions, such as OMG!, did I hear anyone calling for God. Mothers, Fathers and other family members seem to be the priority calls.

MRFF has no position against free speech. We do take exception to command centered and coercive proselytizing which is not considered free speech under both Constitutional and UCMJ provision.

I can assure you, MRFF’s primary mission is to ensure that each member of the armed forces receives the freedom of religion guaranteed by the US onstitution. This includes those who profess no religious belief.

Our disagreement with the Chaplain is that he forgot that Atheists are soldiers too, with a great service record. By reconciling them to ones who would not be in foxholes was an insult and misdirected religious guesswork.

Thank you for your service to America and I hope I have assuaged your concerns.

Rick Baker
Capt. USAF (Ret)
MRFF Volunteer.