Thank You Note from Muslim US Air Force Academy Cadet
From: (Muslim U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet/MRFF Client’s e-mail address withheld)
Date: February 24, 2025 at 3:07:38 PM MST
To: Michael L Weinstein <[email protected]>
Cc: Information Weinstein <[email protected]>
Subject: Thank You Note from Muslim US Air Force Academy Cadet
Dear Mr. Weinstein and Military Religious Freedom Foundation,
Thank you for your prompt response and for the work the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) does in protecting the religious rights of all military personnel—including enlisted members, officers, cadets, midshipmen, Coast Guard Academy cadets, and those in ROTC. This clearly emphasizes you concern for justice. MRFF’s dedication to ensuring religious freedom within the armed forces is critical in holding leadership accountable and preventing systemic discrimination within the military. By advocating for service members of all faiths, MRFF helps maintain the constitutional rights and dignity of those who serve, regardless of rank, branch, or commissioning source.
As a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, I am deeply concerned about USAFA’s refusal to accommodate Muslim cadets during CULEX, which directly conflicts with our religious obligation to fast during Ramadan. Our chaplain has advised us not to fast because leadership has refused to grant accommodations, effectively coercing us into violating a core pillar of our faith. Additionally, USAFA has failed to explore alternative accommodations—such as modified physical requirements or adjusted schedules—despite Air Force policies requiring religious accommodations unless a compelling reason exists. The Muslim community at USAFA is disappointed by this decision, which sends the message that our religious practices are an afterthought rather than a fundamental right. At an institution that prides itself on leadership and integrity, this failure to uphold religious freedom is troubling.
I appreciate MRFF’s commitment to holding military leadership accountable and ensuring that all service members are treated fairly, regardless of faith. MRFF’s history of holding military leadership accountable, challenging religious discrimination, and ensuring that service members of all faiths are treated with dignity and respect gives me hope that this issue can be addressed. Your organization has consistently fought for the constitutional rights of military personnel, ensuring that no one is forced to compromise their faith due to institutional neglect or bias. I appreciate the advocacy and support from yourself and MRFF.
Thank You,
Cadet, USAFA
Recent Posts
2 Comments
Comments are closed.
“Additionally, USAFA has failed to explore alternative accommodations—such as modified physical requirements or adjusted schedules—despite Air Force policies requiring religious accommodations unless a compelling reason exists.”
So, exactly what kind of accommodation are you going to ask for during combat? “Sorry, can’t take that mission, you know, Ramadan!”
Special pleading imo. So, you get to sit out the CULEX while everyone else fully participates? During a “Culminating Exercise?” A “crucible” test of your endurance and leadership abilities, ability to think and lead under pressure?
I’m thinking he should have joined the Peace Corps!
Would you want this knucklehead leading your sons or daughters?
Sounds like he’s afraid he’s not going to be able to keep up and is trying hard to find a reason not to have to participate.
I don’t buy it.
I want you, “Cadet”, to know that your service and sacrifice is appreciated by an old, cold war, Army MP vet. Without a doubt, I will look you and your brothers and sisters in the eye and thank you for your dedication to our Oath to the Constitution and I will know that you will show up – locked and loaded – when duty calls. As a veteran, let me say, we’ve sacrificed many a long hour on watch guarding our Constitution to ensure you receive the respect you are due today – and I recognize that you are likely facing unwarranted hostilities from this misguided, theocratic and opportunistically kleptocratic U.S. political regime that has aligned itself with a white christian nationalism that is fully unaligned with our constitution.
If you, can bear it long enough, I promise that those of us defending democracy, defending our Constitution, far removed from the front lines today, will continue to do what we can to ensure that your service will NEVER be for naught.