Christian music being played at MEPS Milwaukee

Published On: February 8, 2021|Categories: MRFF's Inbox|0 Comments|

Accessibility Notice

This post was created on the previous version of the MRFF website, and may not be fully accessible to users of assistive technology. If you need help accessing this content, please reach out via email.

Good afternoon,
I’m currently in the process of applying to join the (military branch name withheld).  For that purpose, I went to the Military Entrance Processing Station in Milwaukee, WI for a physical on the 25th of January of this year.
While on the bus which transported applicants from the hotel to the MEPS, I quickly realized that the radio was tuned to a Christian radio station, due to the repeated speaking of the name Jesus.  Being half asleep, I didn’t think anything of it at first but roughly around 6 AM (I do not recall exact time down to the minute), I realized just how inappropriate that was – While I am a (name of Christian denomination withheld), matters spiritual are intensely personal and private, and as I’m seeking to take an oath to support and defend the Constitution which prohibits establishment of a religion on the part of the Government, I was taken aback that this occurred on the very first morning I ever was in the care of the Department of Defense.  While I can’t claim offense, fidelity to the Law forces us to speak up lest somebody else be silent due to fear of retaliation.
I understand the Commander’s intent to not have music that could be construed as sexist or racist playing (though given that it’s radio, that job is already supposed to be accomplished by the FCC, but I digress) – there are ways to do that without violating the Establishment Clause, such as by tuning the radio to NPR, with it’s apolitical news coverage and playing of orchestral music or just not having the radio on so the applicants can get a few minutes more sleep.
I try to apply the principle of charity in life, and as such hope that this is an innocent mistake that can be easily rectified just with a simple letter and perhaps a clarification of the commander’s intent to whoever set the radio dial that morning.
Adjutant General of the State of Wisconsin is Maj. Gen. Paul E. Knapp, WIANG
WI Dept. of Military Affairs office is 2400 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53708
Email address to reach out to the WI Dept. of Military Affairs: [email protected] < Caution-mailto:[email protected] >
Milwaukee MEPS physical address: 11050 W Liberty Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53224
Milwaukee MEPS website: Caution-https://www.mepcom.army.mil/Units/Eastern-Sector/6th-Battalion/Milwaukee/ < Caution-https://www.mepcom.army.mil/Units/Eastern-Sector/6th-Battalion/Milwaukee/ >
Sincerely,
(MRFF Client’s name withheld)
C. (608) xxx-xxxx


 
 
 
 
 

Share This Story

Leave A Comment