BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Air Force Academy Participating in Extremist Fundamentalist Charity
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This post was created on the previous version of the MRFF website, and may not be fully accessible to users of assistive technology. If you need help accessing this content, please reach out via email.Dear MRFF,
Can’t agree with this one. Christian cadets could be supported too…no one is forced to donate.
(name withheld)
Dear (name withheld),
Thank you for contacting the Military Religious Freedom Foundation with your concerns.
We wouldn’t have had a problem with “Operation Christmas Child” if it was presented by the Chaplains under its true name – Samaritan’s Purse – and sent to only those that attend their churches.
I am an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God and a volunteer with MRFF. I have filled and sent many shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse to be distributed to the those poor children.
The problem is that this went academy wide – to Christians, non-Christians and non-believers – endorsed by the Commander and military superiors. This is overstepping the line.
The Commander is responsible for ensuring that soldiers and their families have the opportunity for the free exercise of religion.
The Chaplain is a special staff officer to the Commander and soldiers who want to attend church and receive religious support. It is the Chaplains job to alert his/her parishioners on any church activity.
There is a difference. The Commander’s job is to make sure his soldiers are free to exercise any religion they want or lack thereof. A Chaplains job is to be the religious guide for those seeking it.
MRFF has been trying to stop the Commander from taking on the role of the religious ruler over the academy. He has pushed aside the Chaplains, taken over their duties and speaks for them.
The Gazette –
“The academy, which initially stood by its promotion of the charity, changed its tune Thursday evening, with an email to cadets that retracted an earlier missive asking for help with the program. The academy’s commandant of cadets Brig. Gen. Richard Clark called Weinstein Thursday with an apology.
We agree that it was inappropriate,” said Lt. Col John Bryan, an academy spokesman.
The project has been handed over to the academy’s chaplains, who can legally take part and recruit support for religious endeavors.”
Brig. Gen. Richard Clark even admitted that it was inappropriate (illegal) and the academy’s Chaplains are now in charge, as they should be.
“Commanders have put “religious respect” training in place. In September, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued a memo to commanders that told them to avoid mixing religion with their military roles.
They must refrain from appearing to officially endorse religion generally or any particular religion,” Schwartz wrote.”
General Schwartz even issued a memo that supports our position.
I totally understand your position on supporting the Christian cadets and that no one is forced to donate. But when it comes from the military chain of command, especially with the atmosphere there and against Gen. Schwartz’s orders, there will be pressure put on those who do not donate from their peers and superiors. I just wish this did come from the Chaplains. The word would have gotten out about it and those who wanted to donate, could.
I hope this helps you understand that we are not against the Christmas shoeboxes – just where it originated.
Pastor Joan
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- April 26, 2026 | No comments
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Dear MRFF,
When it comes down to it you are taking away toys from children. Not to mention a much needed morale booster for the kids and families. The fact that it’s a religious org doesn’t mean that you have a right to drag them down. They are there to help with needs of children and for you to insult so many people because it wasn’t brought through the Chaplains Corp is just absolute insanity. I have donated to several religious and non religious groups over the years to benefit children and needy families. Sometimes being solcited through emails through the Chaplains Corp. that I was not/am not a part of. I have never once cared at any point who they were affiliated with as long as it was to benefit somone. For those that do care…Well, I feel bad that you are so petty that you need to only give to children and needy families if it fits your agenda. Life is a sad place if you don’t try and help those who can’t help themselves. Remember that when you’re in a tough spot.
Regarding the email that was sent. You forget it is also the Commanders duty along with FRG leaders and community organizers to pass the word of community events regardless of religious affiliation. It is the soldiers’ right not to attend/participate. Wether or not non-military members agree with the way military life functions is not really their business. Military life is completely different from civilian. If a military member disagrees they know who to contact to complain. For the complaint I know that’s coming off that remark…yes, they will be heard. They just have to complain to the right people. I know, as a spouse, I have done my fair share of combating the military on the ways of military life issues. There are several high ranking officials that know me by first name now. If you believe in something strong enough, of course fight for it, but to do it in a way that doesn’t hurt others especially the most innocent.
I speak for the majority. I’m sorry you were offended, but I’m offended that you would complain. So who’s there to shut you down now that I’ve made a complaint? And where is the apology to the majority of people and also those kids??? It’s not coming. I know that.