Thank You and MRFF For Your Help

Mr. Weinstein,

I would like to thank you and your fine organization for your help in resolving a situation here at (military installation, City and State withheld). During the past 6-7 months a unit commander, who is now the Deputy Group Commander decided to send mass e-mails to the wing regarding bible study sessions. These are sessions that were led by the individual sending the e-mails…a person in a command position, clearly a conflict of interest. A lot of us expressed concern about the perception that leadership is endorsing what should clearly be a chaplain endorsed and led activity.

Just imagine the following scenario…. if you were a young Airman wanting to look good for a Below the Zone package, the Deputy Group Commander is leading a bible study, a young impressionable person might show up to be visible to leadership and seeing the example of the Deputy Group Commander might decide to encourage others to do so as well. This kind of activity is in the purview of the Chaplain Corps, not people in leadership positions. Some of us were told to just delete the e-mails. Being a religious (religious denomination withheld), and an NCO I could not stand idly by as the latest e-mail, from a person in a command position NOT the Chaplain, showed up in my inbox. Being in fear of possible retribution for speaking out through the channels normally available, I decided to contact MRFF. As MRFF will aggressively defend those that decide to take the brave step to submit information of an incident to them.  MRFF and Mr. Weinstein took aggressive action, the same day I e-mailed them to end this situation, action that made it up to the highest levels of leadership. This kind of action and attention is something that could not be achieved through existing channels available to us service members.  I am fully confident that through the actions of the MRFF and Mr. Weinstein that situations like this will not occur again.

Once again, I would like to thank MRFF and Mr. Weinstein for their attention in this matter. MRFF is the last bastion of defense that ensures religious freedom and toleration for all…believers and non-believers. I encourage anyone who has benefitted from the assistance that the MRFF provides to donate to the cause, any contribution can help ensure that MRFF can continue to help us who wear the uniform.

(Please keep my name, rank, squadron and duty station anonymous.)

V/R,

(name, rank, USAF Specialty Code, Position and Military Unit Withheld)

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The response letter received by MRFF regarding the above email:

From: “See, Stephen E LtCol USAF AFMC AFNWC/JA”
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011
To: [email protected]
Subject: 58 SOW Email Concern

Mr. Weinstein,

On behalf of the 58th Special Operations Wing (58 SOW) Commander, Col Cardoso, thank you for contacting us about Lt Col Waters’ 4 April 2011 email. Lt Col Waters is the Deputy Commander of the 58 Operations Group, and a member of Col Cardoso’s command.

The 58 SOW is committed to protecting the religious freedom of its service members. Likewise, the wing is committed to protecting its personnel from coercion to engage or not to engage in religious activities and the appearance that any religion or absence of religion is endorsed or favored. Because of these concerns, we agree that Lt Col Water’s email was inappropriate. As you know, less than 24 hours from receipt of your complaint, Lt Col Waters sent a follow-up email to the entire 58 SOW apologizing to those offended, informing the wing it was not his intent to pressure anyone to attend the Bible study, reiterating that attendance was voluntary, and assuring the wing that future invitations would not be sent from him, but from the Chapel. Additionally, later that same day, the Commander of the 58 SOW sent his own email reiterating that “the 58 SOW does not endorse or favor any religious faith or absence of faith.” He further stated that participation in religious activities is an individual choice and that “no authority within this wing has the right to use command influence to shape an individual’s religious choices.”

We believe these actions are adequate to correct any misperceptions that may have been created by Lt Col Waters’ email. The 58 SOW Commander has directed that the Bible study not be referred to as a “58 SOW” Bible study and that future invitations come only through the Chaplain’s office. Additionally, the 58 SOW Commander has reviewed Lt Col Waters’ conduct related to this situation and has appropriately dealt with the situation. The Commander’s action is protected by the Privacy Act hence we cannot disclose any details. In light of the above, we consider this matter to be closed.

I relayed your request for a meeting with installation leadership. To determine if a meeting is appropriate and if so, with whom, please provide the specific subjects you would like to discuss. I look forward to your reply.

Very Respectfully,

Stephen Edward See
STEPHEN EDWARD SEE, Lt Col, USAF
AFNWC Deputy SJA // 377 ABW SJA
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM

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Reactions from MRFF supporters in the Air Force:

From: USAF Member’s E-Mail Address Withheld
Date: April 8, 2011
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: 58 SOW Email Concern

Mikey,

Glad to hear you are back in town safe, the e-mail you forwarded to me is a PRIME example of the effectiveness of your organization and the action that your efforts provide for us service members. This kind of action would either (A) never occurred or (B) taken an excessive amount of time and politicking to resolve if official channels were used. Additionally, as I have said, there is always the fear of having potentially career ending repercussions, especially if the complaint involves someone in a command position. After seeing firsthand the way your organization defends our rights, I would love to volunteer some of my time (that I’m available) to help your cause. Take care and see you around town sometime.

V/R,

(name withheld)

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From: USAF Officer’s E-Mail Address Withheld
Date: April 8, 2011
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Fwd: 58 SOW Email Concern

“Additionally, the 58 SOW Commander has reviewed Lt Col Waters’ conduct related to this situation and has appropriately dealt with the situation.”
…..So basically he bought him some pink cupcakes with sprinkles and a cherry on top.

//SIGNED//
USAF Officer’s Name, Rank and Unit Witheld, USAF