Retired Army Soldier Thanks MRFF for Defending Religious Freedom in the Military

From: (Name withheld)
Date: March 10, 2026 at 11:42:52 AM MDT
To: Michael L Weinstein <[email protected]>, Mike Farrell (email withheld)
Subject: Re: Sincere thanks for the kind email!

Good morning Mr. Weinstein, and Mr. Farrell:

I have recently left the Army after 15 years. Who knew that the fight for freedom FROM religion would be even more important today, than when I contacted your organization years ago. Thanks to you both for your efforts in this ongoing battle.

I wanted to send you both a Challenge coin I had made up for my retirement. I gave one to all the members of my unit, and want to send one to you both with sincere gratitude. The communication I have had with you both, and the MRFF has been one of the highlights of my career. The response by the MRFF to my concerns years ago, was the first time, and the last time that I felt ‘heard’ as a soldier in the Army.

In more recent years, the Christian incursion into the wiring of the Army has become more open and unapologetic. On a recent deployment, a Christian ‘call to prayer’ was played over the PA every morning. My challenge of this practice was met with, veiled threats about ‘meeting with the Commander’. It was on that deployment that I discovered that Army Chaplains actually are not, ‘non denominational’. They have permission to inflict their particular denomination’s bigotry on soldiers as they choose when it comes down to it. 

So thank you for all you have done for me and so many others! You both continue to inspire.

I will send the coins to the Albuquerque address unless you instruct otherwise. 

You may recall I was deeply inspired by the MASH cast, and if possible would like to send a coin to other MASH cast that Mr. Farrell is in touch with. 

So anything you can help me with in that regard is appreciated as well.

Thank you!

(Name and contact information withheld)

Response from MRFF Advisory Board Member Mike Farrell

From: Mike Farrell
Subject: Re: Sincere thanks for the kind email!
Date: March 10, 2026 at 6:09:38 PM MDT

Hi (Name withheld),

It’s wonderful to think something we said or did on “M*A*S*H” helped move you in the direction toward which you’ve obviously succeeded at and, I suspect, done so much good. 

Thanks for your kind words and thanks for your support for the MRFF.

Best,

Mike Farrell