MRFF Client Numbers Top 85,000 as Individual Clients Inspired to Stand for Their Own Religious Freedoms (…and those of all others) With MRFF Backing

The total number of clients served since MRFF’s establishment in 2005 reached 85,007 on September 12, 2023.  MRFF was founded in December 2005 to assist active duty, civilian, and veteran members of the U.S. Military stand up for their religious freedoms and protections granted under the U.S. Constitution.   

MRFF is extremely proud of the personal and professional courage exhibited by our 85,000+ clients (95% being practicing Christians themselves) who have chosen to stand up for their religious freedoms and against religious tests as they honorably serve their nation.  Of particular note among the many victories our clients have achieved in support of their own civil rights while standing up against unconstitutional sectarian religious interests and actions with the U.S. Military are those victories inspired by MRFF but achieved solely at the client’s initiative!  Two such remarkable examples were recently relayed to MRFF via email:

From: (MRFF client’s name withheld)
Date: September 29, 2023 at 12:18:22 PM MDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: MRFF is awesome!

I have been following the brave men and women at MRFF for over a decade. The articles detailing the amazing work they have done is just outstanding. The fact that they have gotten so much good work done in the face of hateful and threatening emails from religious extremists just kicks things up another notch on how amazing they are.

I have always found the articles to be well thought out and very informational, but never applied to me directly … until recently. I saw a situation at my local VA that was a blatant violation that the MRFF had dealt with at another location. Knowing how busy the great people at MRFF are, and being inspired by their example, I spoke up and sent an email to the local VA Public Relations office, carefully explaining the problem, and why it was a problem. Unfortunately, there were no other email addresses I could find, but I figured PR would know who to talk to before this became a PR problem. I will admit that I cheated and used sterling examples from Mikey Weinstein when drafting my letter so it would sound much better and more professional. The good news is that the Chief of Chaplain Services at the local VA contacted me within 24 hours and said “I appreciate you bringing this to our attention, we will take care this matter immediately.”

Not only was I able to follow in the very competent footsteps of MRFF, I was able to get a reaction from a top level at the local VA so the chance of this reoccurring is slim.

In summary, I was motivated to get a problem solved, inspired by the great work MRFF does to try and solve this myself, didn’t add to their work load, and feel better about myself for having spoken up. Not bad for a disabled junior enlisted. Mind you, if this is not resolved when I check at my next appointment, I have no problem handing off the situation to the wonderful people at MRFF, having laid the groundwork for them.

Sincerely,

(MRFF client’s name withheld)

From: (Long-time MRFF client’s name withheld)
Subject: Letter to MRFF
Date: October 5, 2023 at 11:19:38 AM MDT
To: Michael L Weinstein <[email protected]>

Mikey, and the rest of the MRFF,

I wanted to thank you, once again, for helping me with yet another church-state separation issue with the U.S. Military. As you know, I’m a longtime MRFF client, and you’ve provided me advice and counsel before. I mean both of those things, advice AND counsel. 

In the past, you have written letters on my behalf to accomplish change at my former postings where command has given preferential treatment to members of certain religions. When I didn’t know precisely what my rights were, not to be evangelized or mistreated because of my religion, you were there to show my leadership how to be neutral stewards of their command. Without your counsel, I would have continued to be treated unequally, and as always I am thankful.

But this time, I’m thankful for your advice, not your counsel. Let me explain. 

A month or two ago, I reached out to you. It was (unfortunately) a conversation we have had before: Some evangelical organization leaving proselytizing materials all over the post I was stationed at. I figured the materials were a violation of the Establishment Clause and after showing you a photo, you confirmed that. I asked you what to do. You told me. And to be honest, I sat on your advice. Did I really want to go through all the hullabaloo all over again, involving chains of command and legal letters.

Then, today, a chance meeting occurred. The base-wide director of public facilities happened to be sitting just across from my table in the very building where the evangelical materials were posted. I took a chance. I told him “You know that poster over there is a violation of church-state separation, right?” What followed was a conversation very much like the ones you and I have had, only now I was in your shoes. 

At the end of our discussion, he walked over, removed the material and tossed it in the trash. He thanked me for informing him, and moreso, for preventing him from catching heat from the materials’ presence. He didn’t want to provide an inequitable environment for the troops, and didn’t want to expose himself to accusations of bias. We didn’t need letters and phone calls, just a talk. 

That conversation would not have been possible without your efforts. The deputy director knew of MRFF, he knew what your organization stood for. For so long, your organization has been a sword and shield for those of us who serve, and because of your reputation, now, when people like me advocate for ourselves, we are taken seriously instead of being dismissed. 

So, thank you for building that reputation. For spending so long fighting your fight so we can fight ours. But also, thank you for teaching me, empowering me to fight for myself. It felt good today to make a change – not totally on my own – but knowing you had my back.

Warmest Regards,

Longtime client 

MRFF President/Founder Mikey Weinstein and everyone at MRFF commend the exemplary initiative shown among our clients that greatly benefits the strength of our constitutional mandate for the religious freedom of every citizen and against sectarian religious inspired criteria and/or expectations for national service.