Thank you for your service

Published On: December 14, 2020|Categories: MRFF's Inbox, Top News|4 Comments on Thank you for your service|

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Mr. Weinstein,

When I was in Army basic and failing miserably (early 1971), my chaplain was a source of help and counsel. From what I read far too often these days, that has changed dramatically, especially, it seems, in the Air Force.

So I want to thank you and your colleagues for taking up the battle for poor troopies who have jerk superiors like the guy with the “Make Christmas Great Again” hats. As I’m sure you know, there is no position in life where one can feel more alone and desperate than to be at odds with your first kick or CO on politics and/or, religion.

I’m retired and living on Social Security so I don’t have a lot of extra cash. But I’m due some bucks in the near future and at that time, I will donate to the MRFF.

Please, keep up your important work. I, for one, appreciate your efforts and the amount of pushback you must receive from the morons out there.

Oh, my outcome in the Army? I spent two years in Hawaii. If you’d like the story, let me know.

Best regards,

(Name withheld)

Response from MRFF Advisory Board Member Lawrence Wilkerson

(Name withheld),

Your kind note to Mikey and the foundation was copied to me by Mikey. I entered service in the army about the same time as you, 1966 to be exact. I sympathize and empathize with what you say. Frankly, it is unconscionable that an environment exists, such as today, where men and women are preached to and proselyted 24/7. About all I had to contend with were womanizing NCOs and others who wanted to train pure killers rather than good soldiers — not atypical for an army. “Preachers for Jesus”, coming at me from every direction — including the chain of command — did not exist in my units. Sadly, it does today and we welcome your support to combat it. Its influence, in every way, is profoundly pernicious and dangerous.

Col LB Wilkerson, USA (Ret)
MRFF Advisory Board Member

 

This problem has metastasized throughout our country. When we have SCOTUS judges who believe the US should be run from the bible instead of the constitution, we realize the scope of the problem. This ideology also seems to be fueling trumpism (and vice-versa).

I was lucky. Went into the USAF in 1976 for 4 years out of HS. Got great training, used the GI bill to go to college and get a great career/life. I didn’t have to put up with the current religious atmosphere (at least I didn’t notice it). I hate that our young people are exposed to it.
I do appreciate what you are doing and will continue to support your mission as long as I’m living (and who knows, maybe beyond).
Thank you, Mikey and MRFF.
(name withheld)

 

 

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4 Comments

  1. Raymond Thomson December 15, 2020 at 9:47 pm

    The great disservice you do to American servicemen is unforgivable. The constitution does NOT guaranty freedom “from” religion, only the free exercise thereof. My faith in Almighty God preserved me throughout my military career and I feel nothing bu contempt for anyone who would attempt to derive me of the support of the chaplains and their prayers on my behalf.

  2. G December 16, 2020 at 7:42 am

    Yeah, Thomson, how many military people didn’t believe that there was a person named God after going through a thing called war or after being harass, bully, or even rape in the military? They didn’t see God coming down to protect them from the horrors of war and/or protecting them from other military personnel

  3. Tom O December 16, 2020 at 10:19 am

    Raymond Thompson writes “The constitution does NOT guaranty freedom ‘from’ religion, only the free exercise thereof. WRONG!!! The First Amendment says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” That means that NO government employee can do anything to promote ANY religious belief while performing the duties of their government employment.
    MRFF actions to prevent military commanders from pushing their religious beliefs on their subordinates against their will IS NOT an attempt to deprive you (or anyone else who WANTS IT) “of the support of the chaplains and their prayers.”

  4. Ironmoped December 17, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Raymond,
    Just because you believe in the Invisible Man in the Clouds doesn’t give you the right to force that belief on others! The same applies to military Chaplains and other military members, especially those in positions of “leadership.” In many respects, “military leadership is to leadership as mIlitary music is to music!” Particularly when it comes from a prosletizing Chaplain or other military leader! Your faith sustained you – good for you. But it doesn’t mean it’s sustenance for everyone! You know the “good book” says to do unto others as you would have them do unto you? I say don’t, they may not like it!

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