I Thought The Military Would Protect Individual​s from In-Rank Bigotry and Injustice

Mikey,

I am a proud United States Army Infantry Officer just back in the States (Fort XXXX, state withheld)) from the war zones in the Southwest Asia (Iraq et al). I am both Jewish and African American. I cannot thank you enough for your words of encouragement and for the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) standing so strong by my side. Only a person like you and your foundation, the MRFF, who have been fighting for religious freedom for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines for years now would understand the indescribable pain and mistreatment that individuals are compelled to endure because of inequity, prejudice, bigotry and insularity in their own military chain of command. It is almost impossible for civilians to comprehend.

Mikey, when the military investigated my complaint about the egregious wrongs of my commander and command group, the investigation was fatally, shockingly tainted from the onset. After initially confirming with me that I was indeed Jewish, the investigator, full Colonel (name withheld) unbelievably stated to me, “Well you know that the Jews killed Jesus… and Jews don’t believe in the Messiah…” Mikey, I should not have had to defend my Jewish religious beliefs during my initial interview with Colonel (name withheld) (The officially assigned U.S. Army Investigating Officer). I was literally in shock when he said those horrific, old school, anti-semitic things to me about my Jewish faith. And HE was the senior officer whom the Army picked to “investigate” my claims of terrible mistreatment and wrongdoings?

Mikey, when subordinate white leaders like Lieutenant Colonel (name withheld) of (Battalion number withheld) Battalion, (military unit number withheld) Field Artillery Commander can tell white and black officers to pose in front of a confederate flag because he wanted to send this confederate flag organization a thank you photo for sending his unit some cigars and go unpunished, of course the results of my investigation will not come back in my favor. Soldiers fear for reprisals if they were to make an Equal Opportunity complaint or any complaints. They are right; just look what happened to me

I knew that when I filed my formal complaint, it would be an uphill battle. However, I did not realize how dirty the battle would play out. My statements in my sworn statements I stand by because they are true. I realize now that it doesn’t matter about the truth, it is what you can prove and about people telling the truth and coming forward about the truth.

In light of the significant religious and racial oppression I’m currently faced with, I can barely recall now the euphoria and pride I felt when I won one of the United States Army’s most prestigious awards; the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, just a few years ago. This honor directly led to my White House meeting with then President George W. Bush. I was on top of the world and so loved the Army. But now that is all lost and gone. I feel very defeated. I feel lost and drifting. My career in the military is very limited now. I will not be promoted due to the outcome of the tainted investigation which fed into my poor Officer Evaluation Report. I probably will not be able to serve any more than (number withheld) years. I thought the system would vindicate me, but instead it has failed me. Now, I am considered the evil guy, the bad guy, and the guy who needs to be eliminated from the military. I am light years away from that White House meeting with The President and just a husk of the celebrated Army officer who won that Douglas MacArthur Leadership award. Yet I am still that very same man. Why has this happened to me, Mikey?

I see why people don’t complain. I see why people keep silent. Maybe I should have been that person too, to keep quiet. I know those people did those things to me. I know I am telling the truth. However, if people don’t tell the truth and withhold the truth and information, what can I do? NOTHING!!!! Exactly…

Now, I feel so very alone and helpless. I don’t know about the future for my family since my wife is a full time student. I have (number withheld) children and my wife is pregnant with our (number withheld). I am the sole financial supporter for the family. My future seems so uncertain.

If I would have known the investigation would be so biased from the start and the outcome would have turned out like this, I strongly believe I would not have filed. I would have continued to take the mistreatment and suffering for the benefit of a stable job. Mikey, you reminded me of a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “In the end we remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends. And there comes a time when silence becomes betrayal.” Dr. King was right. You were right to call my attention to his quote. THAT is why I have come forward to fight this tyranny. I will not betray my oath the United States Constitution. I will not be silent in the face of this religious/racial prejudice.

I did not do anything wrong to these people. Why did they not help me? Why did they not support me? Why have they persecuted me so viciously? Because I’m Jewish? Because I’m African American? Both? Why did they LIE! WHY? Like all the other MRFF clients facing this evil bigotry,I have no place left to turn except to you and MRFF for help in my most desperate hour of need. Please help me and my family, Mikey.
Regards,

(U.S. Army Infantry Officer’s name, rank, MOS, combat unit and military installation withheld)

Infantry Officer, United States Army (cell: xxx-xxx-xxxx)