Atheists in Foxholes, in Cockpits, and on Ships

MAAF maintains a roster of Atheists in Foxholes, just in case there are any rumors that we don't exist. The next time you hear someone repeat that old myth, just send them here to see how atheists have served honorably in combat - always have, always will.
Also view the Monument to Atheists in Foxholes If you would like to have your name listed, Join MAAF for a template and instructions.

The list of Atheist in Foxholes is well over 100. Below are our recent submissions.

Air Force Staff Sergeant Brandon Crilley
Dates of service:17 June, 2003
Tours of duty, with dates: MacDill AFB May 2004 to Present
Specialty: Communications and Navigation Systems engineer on KC-135 Stratotanker Aircraft

Every day I do hear the inanities that people put forth about our country and specifically our military being founded on Christian ideals. This is not only wrong, but specifically singles out everyone who is not "Christian" and sometimes can make us feel like we should not be a part of the defense of our own freedoms. In spite of this, I fight for my country simply for the fact that I can be a part of organizations like this one and support what I believe in (or not believe in).

Army Specialist Brandon Figueroa
Dates of service: April 12th, 2005 - Present
Decorations: Bronze Star w/ Valor, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Service Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman's Badge, NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Global War On Terrorism Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan 2008-2009. Kabul, Nuristan, Kapisa, Kandahar, Logar, Bagram, Darulamon, Jalalabad
Specialty: 11Bravo - Combat Infantryman (MK-19 - 40mm Grenade Machine Gunner)

Air Force 2LT Kyle Sanders
Dates of service: August 2004-Present
Tours of duty, with dates: US Air Force Academy CO, Vance AFB OK, Corpus Christi NAS TX
Specialty: Student Pilot

Marine Corps Lance Corporal Pierce Presley
Dates of service: 1/28/1991-1/27/1996
Decorations: National Defense Service Medal 1991, Good Conduct Medal 1994
Tours of duty, with dates: Maintenance Platoon, Landing Support Equipment Company, 1st Landing Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Camp Del Mar on Camp Pendleton, Calif.) Sept. 1991-Jan. 1996
Specialty: MOS 1341 Engineer Equipment Mechanic

Air Force Captain Ileen Verble
Dates of service: July 2003 to present
Decorations: AF commendation, Army commendation
Tours of duty, with dates: MacDill AFB 2003-2007, Travis AFB 2007 - present, Bagram AF, Afghanistan August - December 2008
Specialty: Operating room nurse

Air Force Major Tina Kinsley
Dates of service: 9/1996 to present
Tours of duty, with dates: stationed Osan AB, ROK in 2002/3
Specialty: Dermatologist

Here's what I don't understand: why we need to open official government functions with a prayer. At my MILTARY residency graduation, there were two separate prayers. A moment of silence? Sure. My Lord JC? No. Also, at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio,TX, the chaplain sent out "daily inspirations" with bible verses to EVERYONE. The JAG decided that we had to opt out of this. However, it seems to me that one should have to opt in. Oh, and the email in question was sent with a CC to the BG who ran the base, implying that the command had approved (and sanctioned) the religious-overtoned communiqués.

Army Private First Class Edgar Valderrama
Dates of service: 2/2/1944 to 4/25/1946
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, WWII Victory Ribbon, EAME Theatre Ribbon with three bronze service stars, Good Conduct, etc
Tours of duty, with dates: EAME 12/9/1944 to 7/20/1945
Specialty: Combat Infantry and Radio Operator

Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Neil Moody III
Dates of service: March 2002-present
Specialty: 68K (Medical Laboratory Specialist)

Navy Commander Jonathan C. Underwood
Dates of service: Feb 12, 1972 to Oct 30, 1994
Decorations: Naval Aviator Wings- Aircraft Carrier Qualified
Specialty: Naval Aviator; LDO/CDR; 1510 designator - Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer, Flying the P3 Orion whose mission is antisubmarine warfare.

An ever increasing number of unchurched citizens are thriving in this Country who believe in thinking freely for themselves, using only science, reason and there own personal observations to guide them, and they refuse to allow the decrees and dogmas of religious authority and holy books in any way to interfere. They come with many tags - skeptics, atheists, unbelievers, humanists and so on. They are generally not well thought of in this Country. The stigma of the disagreeable Mrs. O'Hair, Founder of American Atheists, and the murderous legacy of Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Communist party in Russia are touted by conservatives as obvious examples of what Atheism is all about. This is tragic and undeserved. These do not, and never have represented the contributions and aspirations of the millions of upright free thinkers in this Country, many of whom are veterans and retirees as I am.
Our world views may be at variance with many, but we love this Country. Our allegiance to the United States is steadfast and unwavering in the same tradition as it was with our deist fore-bearers, Benjamin Franklin, Tomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson. It should be recognized that if exemplary citizens can be prejudicially reproached with "guilt by association", then the logical inverse of that progression applies as well, and that is "honor by association".
It is my hope that for the 21st Century an informed Zeitgeist in America will include an awareness that closely held values including Duty, Honor, Country are not the sole domain of any single faction however large, or of any coalition of those who hold popular doctrines and creeds. We are "one Nation," although not under anybody's God, "with liberty and justice for all."

Air Force Captain John Rolsen
Dates of service: Graduated US Air Force Academy 2004, still serving
Tours of duty, with dates: Operation Iraqi Freedom (Sept 09-March 10)
Specialty: B-52 Electronic Warfare Officer

In Iraq I have seen no discrimination based on religion. As for prayer in combat, if someone needs it they are more then welcome. While deployed in the Pacific or at home station there is a lot of prayer at mandatory functions, and that bugs me.

Air Force Senior Airman Greg Russell
Dates of service: 19 July 2004 - 19 July 2008
Decorations: Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Meritorious Unit award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon (with citation for service in a combat zone)
Tours of duty, with dates: Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq; 2006-2007
Specialty: Senior Emergency Actions Controller, 5 level (1C351)
... and to do my part to dispel the no-atheists-in-foxholes adage, I served under fire--numerous times

Army Lieutenant William Bonin
Dates of service: 1987-1993, IRR until 2001.
Decorations: Army Achievement Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Minnesota Army National Guard, Army Reserve
Specialty: Field Artillery

While I did sit through some unit assemblies with the Chaplains (some mandatory, most not), I never had to deal with mandatory prayer. I took the time to read or nap and never faced any adversity for my lack of participation. I was never the only one reading/napping, and once commissioned I made sure that my people knew they didn't have to participate in any religious services even if they had to go. Since my time was effectively all reserve duty, and in peacetime no less, my exposure to military evangelists was limited. I actually had a much harder time dealing with other officers due to the fact I was enlisted first than my lack of belief. Then again it was much easier to avoid the issue as an officer.

Army Sergeant John Gill
Dates of service: April 2005-present
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge
Tours of Duty Nasiriyah/Al-Kut/Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq Aug 2006-Nov 2007
Specialty: Former 82nd Airborne grunt, now Psychological Operations Specialist

My first glimpse of Army belief pushing came when I was standing on a parade field as a brand new private, refusing to bow my head for the chaplains prayer. My platoon sergeant told me afterward that even if I didn't believe in God, I should bow my head out of respect for those around me. I agreed as long he would bow his head with me and pray to some other god he didn't believe in. He wouldn't and since then I've made it a point to stand extra straight with my chin up during every prayer I'm forced to listen to. I don't face too much discrimination, possibly because I'm very outspoken and set in my beliefs.
I find it ironic that grown, educated men and women look down on people who don't believe in fairy tales. I was raised very religious and from as far back as I can remember I couldn't understand how someone could tell me that Santa wasn't real while spouting the Bible in the same breath. People told me that when bullets start flying, I'd find religion real quick. Well, the bullets flew and I'm proud to say that even when I felt fear, not once did I waste time begging imaginary friends to save me. I'm glad there's a group like this. I know a lot of people who would benefit from this as they're very timid about letting on that they're atheist. For me it's a source of pride that I'm not superstitious.
"Born on the 25th of December to a virgin, called the Son of God by his disciples, and risen from the dead three days after he was killed, we wish a happy birthday to Mithras, the mythological Persian god imagined 600 years before that other guy."

Air National Guard Major Rodger Nelson
Dates of service: May 99 - Nov 08 AF Active, Nov 08 - Present ANG
Decorations: Air Medal w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/1 Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon
Tours of duty, with dates: South Korea, Jan 02 - Jan 03; Afghanistan, Apr 04 - Oct 04
Specialty: Pilot

As an Officer, I've found it relatively easy to be a military non- theist, but I imagine it would be quite a different story for a young Enlisted member. I've decided now that I've got over 10 years under my belt I need to make myself available to other service members who may need some help with issues related to being a non-believer in today's military. If anybody out there is reading this and needs help, or simply just wants someone to talk to who can relate, please don't hesitate to contact me. The easiest way to do so is through the MAAF Facebook page - it's a relatively small group on there, and I'm the only Rodger Nelson, so shoot me a message and I'll get right back to you.
Good luck, and don't let the apparent saturation of Christianity through the military get you down - you can serve along side them and continue to defend the country you love. Some of my best friends are Mormons and Southern Baptists, and while we completely disagree on theology, we still live, work, and fight right alongside each other. I personally think we atheists sometimes do ourselves a disservice by distancing ourselves too much from our religious peers - make them like you for who you are and the work you do first, then hit them with your beliefs if it happens to come up.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Laura Six
Dates of service: since Oct. 22 2004
Decorations: 2 Navy Achievement Awards, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: VFA-136: May 2 2005- Dec 10 2008, NAS Fallon: since Feb 9, 2009; Deployed - USS Enterprise: May 2 2006 - Nov 2 2006, July 5 2007 - Dec 15 2007
Specialty: Combat Communications

Air National Guard Master Sergeant Calvin T. Yonamine
Dates of service: July 1977 to Present
Decorations: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, AF Achievement Medal, AF Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Combat Readiness Medal, ARF Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Oct - Nov 2001 Saudi Arabia, Sep 2006 - Jan 2007 Iraq
Specialty: Combat Communications

Army Reserve Major Raymond L. Bradley
Dates of service: 1986 to present
Tours of duty, with dates: Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) 2004-2005
Specialty: Medical Service Corps

It never bothers me to keep my head up in formation while others are praying. And I've noticed over the years that more Soldiers do the same. I doubt there are that many more Atheists today. Most likely, fewer feel afraid to reveal they are not Christian. And though religion is strong and apparent among many in the military. I believe it is the un-bowed heads in the formation that remind the world that we are united by freedom above all else.

Army Chief Warrant Officer Jacob Krodel
Dates of service: Aug 1994 to Present
Decorations: 3 Army Commendation Medals
Tours of duty, with dates: 3 deployments to the Balkans and an upcoming Deployment to Iraq.
Specialty: 135D UH-60 Black Hawk Pilot

Looking forward to the time when prayer in formations and ceremonies will be seen for the violation of Soldiers civil rights it is.

Marine Corps Master Sergeant (Retired) LeRoy W. Bloom
Dates of service: Sep 1958 to June 1978
Decorations: Navy Commendation with "V", Good Conduct Medal with five stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, Vietnamese Service Medal.
Tours of duty Two Vietnam Tours; June 1966 to June 1967 and November 1968 to December 1969
Specialty: Artillery

I began the road to atheism when I stopped believing in Santa Claus at age five. I told my father there was no way that Santa Claus could deliver to every house in the city where we lived let alone the whole world. After trying to convince me for a while he gave up and asked that I not tell my younger sister. I began to question everything. None of the religious myths I was being taught made any sense. As I got older I read more and found that practically every religion in the world that existed, or had ever existed, included virgin birth, execution of the deity with resurrection, flood and creation stories that resembled each other quite closely.
By the time I joined the Marines at age seventeen I was at least an agnostic , if not yet an atheist. I had no preference for religion on my dog tags and caught grief from the DI for it. We were forced to go to church on Sunday. Either you fell out as a Catholic or a Protestant and were marched to church. In those days I was too intimidated by the DI to attempt refusal to attend Church. By the age of twenty I had become a confirmed atheist, and to this day have seen no reason to change my ideas.
During two combat tours in Vietnam I was under fire my share, but I never thought of praying. Instead I always tried to make a reasonable assessment of the situation, and tried to act accordingly. To have prayed, in my mind, would have been a waste of valuable brain resources better used in ensuring my, and those in my charge, surviving. My first tour was as an adviser to the Vietnamese Army. I was the adviser to a Vietnamese Battery Commander. I got into several close scrapes, but again did not waste my time and mental resources in prayer.
I have read several accounts of the strong religious indoctrination being forced on our troops today. While I was marched to church in boot camp, I don't remember being pushed toward religion in regular Marine units. I believe, from what I have been reading, that the situation with this in the military today is much worse than during my service. I find this particularly abhorrent, especially in view of all the scientific knowledge we have gained since I was a young recruit. I would like to do all that I could, and would volunteer for whatever I'd be capable of, to help stop this religious indoctrination in the military today.
I have never bowed my head when told to in any ceremony, even in boot camp. I don't know if no one noticed, or if they did, did not care to press the issue. To this day, when attending the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, I do not bow my head during any religious invocation or prayer. No one has ever mentioned it, and I don't bring it up. Religious freedom to me means that those who believe have a right to practice their belief, but I would fight to the death before I would be forced into accepting their beliefs for myself, and I would be ready to defend anyone else who did not want to be religious. As another member posted here, "freedom of religion also means freedom from religion".

Army National Guard Sergeant Jordan Sawyer
Date of Service: Around July 2000
Tours: Germany Jul 02 - Feb 03; Iraq Sept 08 - Sept 09
Specialty: Infantry (11B)

I believe prayer in combat is a healthy thing for theistic believers. Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress, hardship etc and I believe religion is a great way to handle that. Though its certainly not for me. I do on occasionally get a little grief when I step out of the room for a chaplain's prayer. My platoon and unit are very accepting of my Atheism. In fact I'll get into some enjoyable debates with some of the Christians here. Usually around Creation vs Evolution.

Army Sergeant Eugene J Miller Jr
Dates of service:Oct 17 67-69
Decorations:Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star with V, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/4 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device 1960, 2 Overseas Bars, Army Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class unit Citation Badge, Expert M-14, M-16

Air Force Senior Airman Adam Ali Aleweidat
United States Air Force - Active Duty (Dyess Air Force Base, Texas)
Dates of service: March 2007 - Present
Achievements: Basic Military Training Honor Graduate and Warhawk, Munitions Systems Apprentice Course Distinguished Graduate, Expert Marksman (M16 and M9), Awarded Senior Airman Below-The-Zone
Tours of duty, with dates: January 2009 - July 2009 (Qatar)
Specialty: Munitions Systems Technician

I joined the Air Force just over two years ago. I was an atheist at the time, and am still an atheist today. The big difference is that in the beginning I wanted nothing more than to rid the world of radical religious chaos. I thought that joining the military would give me the opportunity to serve a country dedicated to rooting out religious fundamentalism. I later realized that I wasn't fighting against the bad guys, I was just joining more religious nuts - a whole bunch of 'em - in fighting other religious nuts. I know that not everyone in the service chooses a dogmatic path, but quite a few do, and that's enough to turn me away from this lifestyle. Lately, I have been reading about Conscientious Objection and am realizing that this pertains to my situation almost exactly. I can't say that I wake up hating my job - I don't. But I do wake up hating the fact that I'm supporting a war fought by two sides that have more in common than they think - religion! Heck, I'm Palestinian but am still much less similar to a radical Muslim guerilla than a blind-believing Christian is. My morality comes from reality, theirs from delusion. I'm ranting. Thanks for reading.

Air Force Sergeant Russell Case
Dates of service: Aug 79 / Feb 82
Decorations: AF training Ribbon, AF Outstanding Unit Award / 1 device, Small Arms Expert Marksman's Ribbon
Tours of duty, with dates: Keesler Medical Center, Biloxi Miss, Multiple TDY assignments - Europe, Japan, Philippines
Specialty: Surgical Operating Room Specialist, Medic

Religious proselytizing by the "Born Agains" during my time serving as a surgical specialist / medic at Keesler AFB was profound and constant. It became intolerable after an officer I trusted found out I was a Atheist and told others in his christian group on base. At first it was the daily knock at my dorm room to "Save my soul" and then the anger and harassment started, ranging from letters to being denied promotion and extra duty. My commander had no shame or hesitation in telling me that I was not fit to wear the uniform and there were no atheists in foxholes, and Christ was my only hope ... after 2 years of this non stop dogma I told them where to stuff there crosses and left the Air Force soon after. I served with good men and women of many beliefs who never once made my atheism an issue, good friends and excellent medics. Our patients then and now were our primary concern, and to see and hear a Chaplain with the surgeon standing in the room say to a patient who was Muslim "you need to repent before surgery... just in case" enough is enough!

Army Staff Sergeant Charles Kane
Dates of service: Oct 2002-current
Tours of duty, with dates: Afghanistan Feb 2006-Dec 2006
Specialty: Infantry Squad Leader

I haven't had to deal with too much discrimination (I know many that have however) though I have had to deal with the proselytizing of colleagues and the Army's annoying religious rituals that occur during every event or ceremony I've had to attend in the military. While deployed to Afghanistan I never once looked to the heavens in prayer nor have I ever acted in a cowardly manner. All the strength and bravery I ever needed I found from within, proving that there are truly "atheist in foxholes".

Army Specialist John Besignano
Dates of service: August 2004 - July 2009
Decorations: Comabt Infantryman Badge, ARCOM, AAM, ICM, GWOT
Tours of duty, with dates: Baghdad Dec 05 - Nov 06, Al Gharraf Jun 08 - Jun 09
Specialty: 11B Infantry

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Theresa Durkee (Syers)
Dates of service: June 1978 to January 83
Tours of duty, with dates: NTC Orlando 1-79 to 3-79, Chanute AFB 3-79 to 6-79 (Aerograher's Mate A School), NAS Miramar (NWSED which changed to NOCD) 6-79 to 1-83 Specialty: AG (Aerographer's Mate)

My experience in the Navy was positive and there was no Christian evangelism or proselytizing going on that I was aware of. We were encouraged to attend a church service of our choice on Sunday mornings while in boot camp, but other than that I do not remember any mention of religion. It is disgusting and appalling to read and hear about what has happened to our armed services over the last decade or so. I can only hope that President Obama re-instates the Separation of church and state, follows the Constitution and returns our nation and our military to their former good standing in the world. Religious zealots, whether Christian, Jewish or Muslim, do not belong in positions of power and have always been (and will certainly continue to be) the most destructive force in the world.

Army Sergeant Chester Callahan
Dates of service: April 1961 - April 1967
Decorations: National service, Vietnam Service, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device
Tours of Duty: Germany 1961- 1966, Vietnam 1965 - 1966, Ft Gordon Signal School 1966 - 1967
Specialty: Communications Center Operations

Army Specialist Joni K. Cromwell
Dates of Service: 12 Jul 05 - 11 Jul 09
Decorations: Overseas Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge (50 Cal. gunner), Marksmen Badge (M-16), Driver's Badge
Tours of Duty: Korea Oct '06-Oct '07
Specialty: 14E, PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer

Army Sergeant Christopher P. Wilson
Dates of service: September 2005- Current
Decorations: Purple Heart (1), ARCOM with Valor (1), ARCOM (3), AAM (3)
Tours of duty, with dates: July 06- February 07 (Iraq), July 07- July 08 (Afghanistan)
Specialty: 19D Cavalry Scout

Army Sergeant KJ Kendall
Dates of service: 2000-present
Decorations: 5 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Mosul/Nineveh '04-'05, Baghdad/Diyala '07-'08
Specialty: Electrician, former Artilleryman

I have devoted a great deal of pondering and marveling about the natural order of things. This has gone on for years, and I don't see any end in sight. I feel that this is a healthy practice. The absence of theism fosters explorative, objective thought without the emotional constraints that religion imposes. People have a tendency, Americans especially, to live out their days in a socio-psychological bubble that they are comfortable with. And understandably so, since it is much easier to live this way. "That's how Mom/Dad always do it", or "Pastor Dan says...", or "I dunno, Judge Bob gave his verdict... it must be so" - it is always easier to fall in line, rather than go against the grain. When I was young, I felt the ubiquitous power of the cross and stood in awe before the eloquence of Holy Scripture, yet at the same time was puzzled by group rituals and the idiosyncrasies of its followers. Then I waded through the turbulent waters of teenhood, and solutions to my questions became even more muddled, but ironically, the more confusing it got, the more clear the answer became. There I sat on the fence without a religious preference as I joined the military at the age of 22. It was the Army that steeled my atheism. New experiences and all the exposure to other cultures popped my "bubble". I always give solid credit to the military for my personal revelations... thank you, Uncle Sam. In basic training, a fellow Private "tattled" to our Drill Sergeant that I (oh-my-gosh) didn't believe in God. A lot of embarrassment ensued, and I was given "special" treatment by him for the rest of my training. In leader development training, I got severely dehydrated during land-navigation... some flunkie failed to stick an IV needle in my arm five or six times then volunteered to escort me to the hospital. During the entire 1-2 hours that he was with me, he vehemently tried to proselytize me. He had a very creepy approach... I wish I was armed with the information and resolve that I have today. Similar occurences happen every day to some level or degree. The problems with military religiosity, or society as a whole are beyond the scope of my humble statements. I feel though, that the eventual extinction of human superstition and religion are inevitable... I only wish that I could see the day. As for combat operations, at no time did I feel it necessary to call upon prayer... for me, that's natural. But for those that it provides solace... more power to them. It would be nice if religion didn't permeate everything that we do, but unfortunately that is the current state of our reality.

Army National Guard Captain Benjamin Tupper
Dates of service: Sep 93 to current
Decorations: Bronze Star, Combat Infantrymen Badge
Tours of duty, with dates: May 06- May 07
Specialty: Infantry

My only comment would be that while I was in Afghanistan, I was embedded in the Afghan National army, and the biggest impediment they have to development is their religious fervor. They will neglect training, because in their logic, it's a waste of time because their god will decide if they live or die. In their mind, training is pointless. It's all "insh'allah" (if god wills it). Its a classic example of how fundamentalism, of any stripe,retards human growth and progress...

Army Sergeant Aaron Couture
Dates of service: 2004-Present
Decorations: Joint-Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Afghanistan, March-September 2005
Specialty: Intelligence

Upon first entering the military, I was dismayed to be required to attend Easter services during Basic Training. Although I have not experienced direct discrimination due to my open Atheism, I experience on a daily basis the culture of ignorance and closed-mindedness that is the US Military. The broadcast of Pro-Christian media on government television overseas, without a single Atheist or even non-christian broadcast is troublesome. When speaking out about such issues, I am told that this is the way the Military is, and that if I don't like it, I don't have to stay in. I did not experience much direct fire while deployed, but never once did I ever have the slightest notion that I would need or want "God's" protection.

Air Force Captain Stefan Hamelin
Dates of service: Jul 94 to present
Tours of duty, with dates: ADAF Enlisted 94-01, ADAF Officer 01-present
Specialty: Physician

Fortunately, I've only had to endure the prostlytizing of colleagues and the mild annoyance of having imaginary men thanked and praised for my hard work during various ceremonies. Still, the military hospital can be a lonely place for an atheist, as deism has often been a part of armies through the centuries and my belief in God is almost implicitly accepted by many who view the the physician as a healing tool of divine power. I am grateful for groups like this that not only enable atheists to connect with each other, but also allow other to see that we are alive and well in all areas of the military.

Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Timothy Cathers
Dates of service: Feb 1980 - May 2004
Decorations: Meritorious Service Medal with 4 devices, Southwest Asian Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal with two devices, Air Force Achievement medal, Navy/Marine Achievement medal
Tours: One tour during Desert Storm, one during Northern Watch. Deployed twice to South America for Justice III and Justice IV. After retiring, went to Solerno FOB, Afghanistan supporting Enduring Freedom and the 25 ID and 3/6 Marines.

I took small arms fire in Colombia, and my Atheism never wavered. While in Afghanistan, our site took incoming of over a dozen Taliban rockets, killing and wounding many. During the attacks, I was lucky to be in bunkers with other Atheists. Later after we returned, we talked about our feelings. None of us even thought about a god or gods during the attacks. We did hear a lot of praying in them bunkers. In the 90s, I requested "Atheist" on my dog tags. I was told it had to read "No Rel Pref". After going up the chain of command, I got my Atheist tags. When I applied for First Sergeant duty, the Command Chief noticed I was an Atheist and asked my how I could lead young Christians if I did not believe in a God. I let him know I was led by Christians as a young troop and did not see the difference. I did get the job. As a First Sergeant, from 1996-2004, I was denied one job because the commander found out I was an Atheist. I had an interview set up with the Colonel. He called off the interview the day before. I asked his retiring First Sergeant why he did that. The First Sergeant said he looked at my records and saw I was an Atheist. I didn't complain. I didn't want to work for him anyway. I had two other Commanders try to convert me.

Army Major Stephen Murphy
Dates of service: May 14, 1994 to Present
Decorations: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon
Tours of duty, with dates: Iraqi Freedom Dec 05 - Nov 06
Specialty: Engineer/Space Operations

I currently work in a 3-Star command and about 90% of my coworkers are DA Civilians or Contractors. I immediately noticed the proliferations of religious (Christian) artifacts, religious quotes, bumper sticks, etc. that surrounded me. It pushed me further into my non-belief. After having recently completed my master's degree, I have taken to studies of Atheism, Evolution, and Christianity in an attempt to understand the "virus of the mind" that has taken such a strong hold in the United States. As I read more and more, I increasingly consider the possibility of retiring to England or Northern Europe.

Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joseph Reilly
Dates of service: 10-15-94 to 10-16-00
Decorations: Good Conduct Medal, 2 Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals
Tours of duty: 8th Marine Regiment Headquarters Company Communications Platoon
Specialty:2531/Field Radio Operator

New York Army National Guard Private Louis Altman
Dates of service: 1959-1960
Specialty: clerk typist (court recorder for special court martials)

No combat experience, so I am not qualified to comment on prayer in combat with any certainty. As a Jew I experienced no religious discrimination at all. During my 8 weeks of basic training Jewish soldiers at Fort Dix were excused from cleaning the barracks on Friday nights to attend sabbath services on base.

Army National Guard Specialist Charles A. Shinaberry
Tours of Duty: currently at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan on first deployment
Specialty: 19D(cav scout), 11B(infantry)

Air Force Staff Sergeant Fredric Schmeelk
Dates of Service: 1993-2001
Tours of Duty: Griffiss AFB, NY, Oct. '93 - Aug. '94, Charleston AFB, SC, Aug. '94 - Sep. '01
Specialty: Communication/Navigation Systems Specialist 2A1X3(93-97), Avionics Integrated Systems Specialist 2A0X1B (97-01)

Comments: I was pretty weak in my atheism when I first joined and had the "No religious pref" on my dog tags. The longer I was in, the stronger my atheism got. I found fellow atheists through the internet in late 2000, and that really helped me figure things out. I resent the idea that we are not as patriotic as anyone else in this country. If I had to do it over, the only thing I'd change is asking to put "Atheist" on my dog tags. Otherwise, I'd serve just as honorably.

Army/Air Force Reserve Colonel Ariel J. Thomann
Decorations: Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, others
Tours of duty: Army Senior Medical Student Program 1962-63, Army Reserve during Internship 1963-64, US Army Dispensary, Ft. Clayton, Canal Zone 1964-65, USARSO Surgeons Office, Ft. Amador, Canal Zone 1965-67, 614 Tactical Fighter Squadron and USAF Hospital, Torrejsn Air Base, Spain 1979-83, USAF Regional Hospital, Sheppard AFB, Texas 1983-86, 147 USAF Clinic, Ellington ANGB, Houston, Texas 1986-90, IMA USAF Reserve, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas 1991-96
Specialty: Army General Medicine Officer, Air Force Flight Surgeon

While bored, at age 10-12, I happened to read a hymnal and found that the hymns I had parroted for years were absurd. In high school, the father of a classmate said he was not bound by the ideas of bronze-age desert nomads, and that reactivated my thinking. I flirted with religion in college but realized the absurdity of the "leap of faith" I was being asked to take. I still have an American Atheists certificate of membership signed by Madalyn Murray O?Hair. I also still have my last set of military dog-tags, and they say ATHEIST. For about 10 years I have studied our Revolutionary period and the Founding Fathers, with emphasis on the 1787 Constitutional Convention. This was NOT meant to be a "Christian Nation."

Army Sergeant First Class (ret.) Steven Ledbetter
Dates of service: Sep 1977 - Mar 1996 Decorations: Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (4), Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Army Parachutist Badge
Tours of duty, with dates: Frankfurt, Ger 1982-1885, Berlin, Ger 1992-Aug 1994, Bamberg, Ger Sep 94 - Nov 95
Specialty: Fire Directoin (13E), Musician (02N)

Prayer is a personal thing; silly in my view. However, since many people feel better doing this, then go for it. However, I do not wish to be forced to be around such nonsense. While I was a midshipman at the US Naval Academy, we were required to attend religious services on Sundays. It was during this time that I started to define myself as an atheist. I did not suffer any religious discrimination while on active duty. Although I was unable to get dog tags saying atheist, that has changed recently. When I took the oath of reenlistment, I spoke with the officer reading the oath prior and had him delete the phrase "...so help me, god." I haven't been so lucky in my civilian career. I believe my Atheism affected my position as a teacher while in Harlingen, TX. Although I cannot prove it, I believe that when I left, recommendations from my previous administration were less than stellar due to my open atheism and challenges to School Policy.

Army Staff Sergeant Maurice Ivy
Dates of service: June 1996 - Present
Tours of duty, with dates: Germany 2000 - 2002, Recruiting Duty 2002 - 2006
Specialty: Ammunition Specialist

Army Sergeant/CW2 Steven C. Freund
Dates of service: 5 Jan 99 to present
Decorations: ASR, OSR, GWOTS, NDSM, AGCM, AAM, NCOPDR, ARCOM
Tours of duty, with dates: Iraq: April 03-July 03
Specialty: Chemical Operations Specialist; UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot

Comments: I haven't had too many bad experiences with discrimination. In fact, I tend to seek out the Christian fundamentalists in each unit that I go to and try to befriend them so that we can have "lively discussions" on religion. However, a few instances of minor discrimination come to mind. While I was in WOCS school, my wife came to get some info from the commander in charge of the school. When he sat my wife down to explain how she could visit me during church, my wife politely informed him that we do not go to church. He said something to the effect of "May God have mercy on your soul" while giving her a look of shock. My wife was also in the Army (we have been together since before the military), and in basic training her drill sergeants ignored the fact that she didn't want to pray in formation. Other than that, the only thing that I have a problem with is the organized prayer before any ceremony. I refuse to bow my head. I have also been fairly lucky to find at least one non-believer in most units that I have been in.

Air National Guard Senior Airman Conor Jensen
Dates of service: Active Duty 05/18/2004-05/03/2007; Guard 05/03/2007-Present
Decorations: AF Achievment Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, AF Basic Training Honor Graduate
Specialty: Active Duty-Weather Forecaster, Guard-Emergency Management

Navy Petty Officer First Class William B Friday
Dates of service: Aug 1976 - Aug 1996
Decorations: Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Services Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Battle Efficiency "E"
Tours of duty, with dates: USS Jason AR-8 (Repair Tender) Feb 1977 - Apr 1980; VFP-63 Photo-Reconnaissance F-8 Squadron, Miramar Naval Air Station, Jul 1980 - Jan 1982, Naval Security Group Activity, Fort Meade, MD Oct 1983 - Aug 1987; Naval Security Group Activity, Homestead FL Aug 1987 - Aug 1990; Naval Security Group Activity, Fort Meade, MD Sep 1990 - Dec 1994; Naval Communications Station, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory Jan 1995 - Jan 1996
Specialty: Photographer's Mate (PH) 1977-1982; Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) Russian Language 1983-1996

I was not an atheist when I joined the Navy but I was when left. My military experiences had some influence on my decision to discard God and religion but I don't want to overstate this. The prejudice I experienced both as a believer in a minority religion and later as a non-believer had something to do with it. I never experienced incoming fire but I saw shipmates die. I know some of my shipmates prayed or attended services and most declared a religion, I never saw the desperate, fearful praying during life threatening crises as that you sometimes see in war movies. What they did was focus on the job at hand and pull together as a team to get everyone through safely. There was an unspoken agreement that irrational panic and appeals to magic were out of place and unwelcome. While they may have believed, on some level, that a God exists, they treated the world as the metaphysical reality and system of natural laws that it is because that is the only thing that could achieve our goals and keep us safe. The biggest concession to superstition that I saw was the wearing of religious symbols. My perception was that there were fewer devout believers in the military than in civilian life. I speculate that this is because acting in accordance with religious fantasies is much less dangerous in the protective bubble of civilian life.

Army Lt Colonel (Ret) Richard M. Renfro
Dates of Service: Enlisted in the National Guard, 1948; Regular Army 1949. Commissioned from West Point, 1954. Retired, 1979.
Decorations: Combat Infantryman's Badge
Tours of Duty: RVN, 1966-67, XO, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, Other overseas assignments: Korea (2 tours), Japan, England.
Speciality: Infantry Unit Leader & Operations Officer

I guess I was fortunate in that I never ran in to any blatant religious discrimination or intolerance. That is why I am so appalled at what is going on in the Armed Forces today. It ain't your daddy's army.

Army Private First Class Adam Gardner
Dates of service: April 1, 1006-Present
Specialty: Infantrymen / Javelin anti-tank

All I have to say about Religions is one thing. Religions are all alike - founded upon fables and mythologies.

Air Force Reserve Captain Jason Renner
Dates of service: 2002-2007
Decorations: Commendation Medal

There is a strong Christian presence in day to day military operations. The judeo-christian god is referenced in oaths of re-enlistment, commission oaths, promotion ceremonies, retirement ceremonies, and even large squadron outings. I have nothing against Christians or any other religious person, but the idea of a creator being looking over us like a puppet on a string is kind of silly. There has to be more to life than spending eternity in Club Med with Jesus or breaking rocks in hell with Satan.

Navy Petty Officer Third Class Joseph Davies
Dates of service: January 04 - Current
Decorations: Seaservice deployment, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Operation Iraqi Freedom 3/4, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Specialty: Field Medical Service Technician (Corpsman)

Navy Seaman Justin Allen
Dates of service: March 8th 06 - current
Decorations: Global War on Terrorism, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Sea Service, National Defense, Battle "E"
Tours of duty, with dates: 1 Jan 06 to 16 Jul 06 and 27 Jan 07 to 20 Apr 07 - USS Ronald Reagan CVN76
Specialty: Deck Seaman

My job can be dangerous, heavy steel lines can break and the flailing can take a limb off or just knock someone into a wall and kill them. A line can get caught on your foot and pull your body through a 1 sqft hole. Nasty stuff, balanced by the vast majority of our training being about safety. There is nightly prayer while underway. Depending on the chaplain praying, its either a morale rally bit about sticking it through and some genuine positive commentary or it's a guy who drones on about how blessed the christian faith is. It gets particularly preachy near holidays. I've had nothing like atheist beatings or anything, just occasional yelling and angry escalation.

Canadian Army Sergeant and Canadian Air Force Captain Michael Huntingford
Dates of service: Mar 74 - Apr 04
Decorations: Order of Military Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, United Nations Emergency Force II, Canadian Forces Peacekeeping Service Medal, Deputy CINC NORAD Commendation, Canadian Forces Decoration with clasp, Air Force Commendation Medal with 4 devices, Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal, others
Tours of duty: Tours of duty, with dates: Many locations over 30 years including CFB Edmonton, Gagetown, and North Bay, as well as Egypt and NORAD.
Specialties: 031 - Infantryman, 64 - Air Weapons Controller, 39 - Aerospace Controller

During my service as a Regimental Policeman in Egypt (May - Nov 1979), I had several events that were life-threatening. One was the apprehension, arrest and detention of two knife-welding Egyptian Nationals that penetrated the UN camp. The other more significant event was a sniping and small arms fire fight with an unknown number of aggressors that were intent of forcing the UN to move out of Eygpt. Later, they were identified as elements of Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya (same group behind the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981). Although the sniping and the follow-on fire fight were of short duration, it was intense nonetheless. Although stressful, there was no praying that I recall - at least not from me.

Air Force Major Gary Welch
Dates of service: Jun 62 - Jun 84
Tours of duty: Included Maryland, Vietnam, England, Texas, and Nebraska
Specialty: Weather

Army Sergeant Major Gene Wesley
Dates of service: 1984 to present

Army Specialist Daniel Rabalais
Dates of service: 15 AUG 04 - 15 AUG 08
Decorations: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Global War on Terror Ribbon, Army Service Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Ft. Knox 23 Feb 05, current
Specialty: 68X Mental Health Specialist

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Josh Kaminoff
Dates of service: June 1996 - December 2003
Specialty: Intelligence Analyst

While discrimination against Atheists in the military is rarely demonstrable, there is a definite feel of state-sponsored Christianity. Every retirement ceremony has a chaplain, and I've seen more than one held in a church. There were many times I was in formation and we would all bow our heads at once when the Chaplain began his sermon. A couple of times I simply didn't bow my head, and hoped that someone would try to make a big deal out of it later (which never happened, unfortunately). I had several other service members tell me I would go to hell because I was an Atheist. I ended up getting a new set of dog tags made just before I got out that said Strong Atheist instead of the No Religious Preference ones I was given in boot camp. It made me feel better, if nothing else.

Army Specialist Christopher Watkins
Dates of service: Jan 03 - Present
Decorations: Army Achievement Medal x2, Good conduct medal, overseas service ribbon, global war on terrorism, global war on terrorism expeditionary, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defence Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon
Tours of duty, with dates: South Afghanistan Dec 2003 - June 2004
Specialty: Infantry Personal Security Detachment specialist

Army Captain Marcus D. Byrne
Dates of service: Enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1999 decided I wanted to go active duty, so I went to college and received my commission in 2004.
Decorations:Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Overseas Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, GWOT Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutists Badge
Tours of duty, with dates: Tall Afar, Nineveh Prov., Iraq January-May 2006; Ramadi, Al Anbar Province, Iraq, June 2006 to March 2007. Assignments: 417th Quartermaser Company, USAR, Cp. Atterbery Indiana; 1/330th IN REGT, 84th DIV (IT), USAR, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ball State University ROTC. Ft. Sill for Field Artillery Officers Basic Course (May to Nov 2004); Giessen, Germany 2d Battalion 3rd Field Artillery Regiment as a Fire Support Officer for 1-37 Armor, Battery Fire Direction Officer, and Motorized Rifle Platoon Leader (Nov 2004 to Present).
Specialty: Enlisted: Petoleum Supply/Infantry Officer: Field Artillery/Quartermaster

Even thought I think religion is idiotic brainwashing I'm very libertarian about it. People can do whatever they want as long as they don't expect me to join in their idiocy. It would be like me going and getting a lobotamy and telling everyone to join in. Every formal function in the military is started with a prayer. Always by a Christian and mostly Protestant Chaplain. I know for a fact the same people that are bowing their heads and earnestly praying to their imaginary friend would be in an uproar if they sent a Wiccan priestess up to the podium to give the Benediction. I mean it's equal opportunity right? But that would be just silly, because the Wiccan goddess isn't real, only their imaginary friend is real. I've been to many functions and everytime it irks me when they do the benediction, because it's this sort of unstated arogance and entitlement of the tyrannical majority. But I've also noticed over the years as I stand up and look around, the number not participating does seem to be getting larger. I've never really noticed anyone praying before we've gone on missions. But we all have our lucky charms and mini-rituals. Even I had them and I'm the biggest skeptic out there. But if it makes people feel better as long as they dont expect me to buy into their BS, I dont care what they do.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Zenas Van Slyck
Dates of service: 5/13/74 - 5/12/78
Decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Navy "E" Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: NAS Guam 10/74-1/76, USS Grapple (ARS-7) 2/76-11/77, USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) 12/77-5/78
Specialty: Engineman

There were times in rough weather, in mid Pacific when I had my fingers crossed, but I didn't and wouldn't resort to prayer. I had no negative experience of religious intolerance or discrimination while in the Navy.

Air Force Captain Charles Smith
Dates of Service: January 1962-June 1986
Decorations: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal
Specialty: Special Agent AFOSI; Flight Commander AF Officer Training School

Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Andrew O. Hunstock
Dates of Service: 14 August 2005 - current
Tours of Duty: NAS Whiting Field, Milton FL
Specialty: Student Pilot

I have been lucky enough not to have had any personal conflicts with religion or with the people I work with. I do feel that it is a shame that a secular nation founded by enlightenment thinkers is so open to bending over backwards to support any and every religion's request.

Navy Machinist's Mate Second Class Joel Wheeler
Dates of service: Served 4/01 - 3/07
Decorations: 2 Naval Unit Commendations, Global war on terrorism service and expeditionary medals, National Defense Ribbon
Tours of duty, with dates: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) 1/03 to 3/07
Specialty: Nuclear Qualified Mechanic (Machinist's Mate)

A friend of mine was on a ten month deployment ( I arrived in the middle) and it was a common practice to have certain members of the crew read the "evening prayer". I'm not a big fan of this activity, since there's no way to escape it unless you're asleep (They even stop the movies that are playing on the TV network and put up a splash screen saying "Standby for the evening prayer"). My friend happened to be Wiccan. Her request was denied and she was told that not only was she not allowed to read the evening prayer (because only the Chaplain(s) were allowed to do so) but that her group could no longer meet in the chapel because the Xtians had to purify the sanctuary after every time the Wiccans met. It's a shame really, that those people are so closed minded. I've been lucky and only had a few run ins with particularly religious persons, and not been discriminated against on a general basis. As for prayer in combat, whatever floats your boat. As long as you're still paying attention! You can't glorify your god if you get killed with your head down, sniveling for protection. That's what your training was for.

Navy Petty Officer First Class Kenneth Mark Northrup
Dates of service:3 June, 1983 - 30 Sept., 2003
Decorations: National Defense, Navy Unit Commendation, SW Asia Serv. Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medals
Tours of duty, with dates: Attack Squadron 65, Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana May, 5/84-6/87, Advanced Avionics School Class C7 (AVIC7), NATTC Memphis, 7/87-5/88 Attack Squadron 128, NAS Whidbey Island, 6/88-6/91, Attack Squadron 196, NAS Whidbey Island, 6/91-5/95, Attack Squadron 196, 6/91-5/95, Naval Air Maintenance Training Group, NAS Whidbey Island 6/95-7/96, Enlisted Educational Advancement Program (EEAP) Western Washington, University, Bellingham, WA 8/96-11/97, Electronic Attack Squadron 139, NAS Whidbey Island, 12/97-12/01, Electronic Attack Squadron 137, NAS Whidbey Island, 01/02-09/03
Specialty: Aviation Electronics and all-around geek

I was on one of the first aircraft carriers to start dropping bombs on Afghanistan in October of 2001 (USS Theodore Roosevelt). One night, during our daily dose of "state sponsored religion" (the evening prayer) the chaplain was beseeching Yahweh's (the Judeo-Christian god) blessing on our efforts, proclaiming that we were on the side of righteousness. I remember saying to one of my shipmates that I was quite sure that the folks on whom our bombs were falling were praying the exact same prayers, just with Allah (essentially the same as the god of the old testament) substituted for Yahweh, adding that this belief that WE had a lock on the absolute TRUTH, and THEY were irredeemably WRONG and therefore EVIL, is the sort of attitude that got the planet into this mess in the first place.

Navy Petty Officer Third Class Jarick J Cammarato
Dates of service, as appropriate: Jul 04 - present
Specialty: Nuclear Field Electronics Technician

I am in a "fairly" technical rate, one that requires high entrance exam scores, but still i frequently encounter people who believe the world is 10,000 years old and that evolution is bogus! I did not even know such people existed till i joined the navy (outside of the few Jehovah's witnesses i know). I recently got a tattoo of the Brights logo on my arm, while I expected some criticism i did not expect the amount or the casual nature they decided that my ideas about the world were childish and that i would grow out of them and regret what i had done. I believe i have been told by no less than 1/4 of my command that i am going to go to hell for not believing in god. I just hope that through awareness raising atheists as a whole can become more respected as people and less marginalized by outdated irrational prejudices instilled by religion at a young age.

Army Reserve Captain Laurel Williams
Dates of service, as appropriate: Oct 1985 to present
Decorations: Army Achievement Medal 2x, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, German Army Shutzenschnur in Bronze
Tours of duty, with dates: Active Duty: 86 to 88 - Nuremberg, Germany, 2000 to 2002, Southcom, Miami, FL, 2003 to 2004, Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, Reserves: 88 to 91 Washington DC, 91 to 97 IRR, 97 to 2000 Pittsburgh, PA, 2004 to present Orlando, FL
Specialty: Military Intelligence Officer

I am on the verge of testing new ground with a request for new dogtags with Atheist, since "no religious preference" is not synonymous. I have been an atheist since 1976 when I decided to cease going to the Baptist church. After 1976, the last time I regulary attended church was in Basic Training because they always had Dunkin donuts and hot chocolate. Back then basic was segregated by sex so we could also talk to guys at church during the reception after the service. I presently live in Orlando where I am beseiged daily by Jesus via fish emblems, and all variety of christian bumper stickers, window decals on cars plus all the religious knick knacks, and constant religious references of people at work. I have been reading a little about Buddihism lately because that seems to be close to my actual viewpoint if I disregard the portion of Buddhism that regards Buddha as a diety. I also got a license plate holder that says Godless American so it is just a matter of time before one of my co-workers sees that and comments about it. I feel like I am coming out of the closet!

Air Force Staff Sergeant Joe Suders
Dates of service, as appropriate: Enlisted 4 Sep 00
Decorations: . AF Outstanding Unit Award - 1 oak leaf cluster, AF Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon Short, AF Overseas Ribbon Long
Tours of duty, with dates: 2000 - tech school - Shepherd AFB, 01-03 - Kadena AB, Japan, 03-04 - Hill AFB, UT, 04-05 - Kunsan AB, South Korea, 05- current - RAF Fairford, U.K.
Specialty: Munitions Systems

Army Reserve Captain Neil F. Moody Jr.
Dates of service, as appropriate: 1984-Present; prior Army SFC
Decorations: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" and "2" devices, Reserve Achievement Medal, NATO Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Stars, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Liberation of Kuwait (Saudi) and Liberation of Kuwait (Kuwait)
Tours of duty, with dates: Germany 1985-1987, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-1991, Operation Joint Guard (Bosnia-Herzegovina) 1996-1997, Operation Noble Eagle 2004-2005
Specialty: Physician Assistant. Previous specialties include Pershing Missile Tech, Combat Medic and Practical Nurse.
I have served in two distinct hazardous duty zones, in addition to Cold War service working with nuclear weapons. There is an interesting culture of religion in the Army, wherein the entire mission is stated in terms of service to the US and god, the implication being that the two are one and the same, or at least inextricably linked. Those who do not believe are actively berated, left out of social functions, etc. We are "too intellectual," and just not seeing things the right way. Most official functions are opened and closed with prayers from Army Chaplains. If you go to the PX, the book section is full of spiritual guides (all Christian, by the way, no Muslim or other faiths represented).
I don't participate in unit prayer. When the benediction is given, I am upright, with head high and eyes open. This has gotten me a few comments from other soldiers who reflexively bow their heads when asked to do so. I tell them, "I choose not to bow to anything or anyone," which will usually end the conversation. I am fortunate to work with medical personnel, who are usually a little more rational, or at least discreet enough to keep their faith to themselves when accomplishing the mission at hand. I have, however, reminded more than one chaplain (one in particular while in Bosnia) that atheists can be evangelical, and bet that, of the two of us, he was more likely to have a crisis of faith in a combat zone than I.

Navy Lieutenant Rick J Sarmento
Dates of service, as appropriate: March 1998 - present
Tours of duty, with dates: Jan - Mar 2005, Balad, Iraq
Specialty: Aviation Intelligence
The level of religious influence in our government is truly frightening. This is not rhetoric, but fact supported by the latest polls that show atheists to be the least trusted group in society. As for religious practice in the military - I personally find its influence far too pervasive. I have regularly been 'preached at' by fellow service men trying to "save" me. Although I don't mind a good discussion, the simple fact that I don't believe makes me an outsider in my own unit -- to a certain degree. This nation needs to reawaken -- it needs another enlightenment by which people realize that rational thought, evidence and reason are the tools that lay the foundation of morality and happiness. Religions false promises and contradictory message have done enough harm -- it's time we abandon them.

Army Sergeant Steven L Secor
Dates of service, as appropriate: Jan 03-Present
Tours of duty, with dates: OIF Jan 04-May 04, OIF Sep 05-Jan 06, OIF Oct 06-Oct 07 (Upcoming)
Specialty: Airborne Infantry

Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Geoff Slater
Dates of Service: 31 May 2006 - current
Tours: Air Force Academy, Awaiting Intelligence training at Goodfellow AFB

Army National Guard Specialist Thomas Millard
Dates of service, as appropriate:Sep 01 - Mar 06 Active, Mar 05 - current NG
Decorations: ARCOM (2), AAM, Iraq campaign medals
Tours of duty, with dates: OIF1 Mar 03-Jul 03, OIF3 Jan 05 - Jan 06
Specialty: 44B Welder

Army Corporal Richard McNulty
Dates of service, as appropriate:Jan 12 2002 to present
Specialty: Military Police / Special Reaction team

Army Private James E Hughes
Date of Enlistment: 20060228
Specialty: 14JQ3 Air Defense Command Control Communications Computers and Intelligence tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator and Maintainer with additional skill modifier for High Meduim Air Defense (HIMAD)

I am still horrified at the amount of influence religion exerts over the Army of a secular republic. There is the Soldiers Code which says "I will trust in my god..." there is the Pledge of Allegience which says "One Nation, Under God." There is the Army song which says "faith in god, then we're right." There is the fact that every ceremony I have attended was prefaced with a christian prayer including "rites of passage" and "graduation." The drill sergeants at basic allowed soldiers to have bibles, but did not allow me to have a copy of 'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand, which represents my particular philosophy (Objectivism), but since it was 'only a philosophy' and not a religion, it was not allowed. At Fort Leonard Wood, MO we were required to go to the church building for a briefing by the Chaplain. We were required to go on a "free day away" which was held at a church and ended in an evangelical salvation sermon.
As an atheist who loves America and wants to fight for the freedoms that this country represents I am appalled at so blatent an establishment of religion, no particular religion, but religion as such, in our Army.

Army Reserve Sergeant Andrew Gotcher
Dates of service, as appropriate: 2004 - Present
Tours of duty, with dates: OIF 03/06 to 03/07
Specialty: 96B - Intelligence Analyst

Prayer should be 100% optional, and I have never seen an instance where someone was "ordered" to pray in the military. All in all, the army is fairly indiscriminate in my experience. I was told in Basic Training to go to services or I would have to hang around the barracks and clean all day. I found this very offensive at the time, and I cleaned with pleasure. But I realize now, that my Drill Sergeants were only trying to get out of having anyone to babysit.

Army Colonel (Ret) Bobby R. Lang
Dates of Service: Enlisted 1946, commissioned Army of the US 1947, commissioned Regular Army 1960, retired 1972
Decorations: Legion of Merit w/star, foreign citations Korea and Vietnam
Tours: Korea 1953-1954, Vietnam 1965-1966 Non-combat tours omitted Intelligence

The religious nonsense used to brain wash persons from birth to death conditions them to look elsewhere for the responsibilities of life and to believe in an afterlife. Both sides in combat pray to the same nonentity, so neither should lose if there is an all powerful force guiding the outcome. Might makes right according to clerics and politicians; why then did we lose in Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, and are fairing no better in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Religiosity was stronger in some units than others. I was not discriminated against, I kept my convictions to myself. In the mess when asked to lead a prayer, I confined it to a plea for the deliverance and protection of women, children and the infirm without recourse to god. I was raised a southern baptist, in college I was astute enough to recognize the dichotomy religion/science and opted for science.

Navy Petty Officer Jim Garn
Dates of service, as appropriate: 1957 through 1966
Decorations: Primarily Vietnam related
Tours of duty, with dates: USS Ault (destroyer), USS Bainbridge (first nuclear powered surface ship), USS Galant (Minesweeper), US Navy SEAL training
Specialty: SEAL Sniper/Navigation specialist - Vietnam '65-'66

I became an open or out of the closet Atheist during my combat tour in Vietnam, I used to debate with a Navy Chaplain that I was assigned to from time to time as his personal bodyguard. There is more to the story but I'm not ready to discuss it at this point.

Marine Corps Sergeant Richard A. Dixon
Dates of service:3 Jan 1995 - 3 Feb 2000

From Bootcamp where I had to listen to the sheep pray twice every night before lights out, and getting my balls broke for having NoReligiousPreference on my dog tags, I always wondered why there weren't more open minded Marines. I have always taken freedom of religion to include freedom from it. I don't have a problem with services being made available to people in need, but it shouldn't be in my face, and when it's wearing the cloak of a millitary officer, there's a forced subserviance to their ideals. It's just wrong. I know that there are thousands of soldiers, sailors Marines and airmen that feel the religious pressure from the Bush on down as we fight Islam, I mean terrorism, which was it again? There are always positive stories as well, and there should be more posted on your site, our site. Around the beginning of the 3rd month of bootcamp, one of our more aggressive drill instructors, nameless for the sake of what I hope is a rewarding career sent all the religious groups off to church. After all the other religious preferences had gone off to bow before their respective allmighties, the few, the proud, the Marines that were left in the squadbay actually got some time to hang out and relax. It was about 45 minutes, but there was no god in our midst, and it was a relief. I would like to thank him, and I will if I ever run into him.

Army Captain Gary Jones
Dates of service: Enlisted 28 August 1974 to 28 August 1978; Judge Advocate General's Corps, July 1988 - June 1995; Civilian employee April 1996 - Present
Tours of duty, with dates: Grafenwoehr Germany 76-77; Neu Ulm, Germany, 88-90; Vilseck, Germany, 90-92; Sinop, Turkey 92-93; Vilseck, Germany 93-94; 1995; Vilseck, Germany 96-02; Bamberg, Germany November 2002 to Present.
Specialty: Legal Advisor

Our office Hail and Farewells, which are social occasions, were customarily opened with a prayer by a layperson. Usually these prayers are made "in the name of Jesus." Objections are met with scornful looks. I attended a memorial service commemorating the terrorist attacks of 9/11. I was looking for some kind of closure but instead had to listen to Chaplains pray to their Christian gods and church music. This spoiled the ceremony for me because I do not believe in a god and because I know many Muslims praise "Allah" for the great victory of 9/11. I can think of no greater "blasphemy" than offering empty prayers to a lie to commemorate an event that is consecrated by the blood of innocent victims. I know of one company commander who requested that there be no prayers at his change of command ceremony but he was ordered to have a Chaplain lead a prayer. My office overlooks the parade field where most of the change of command ceremonies take place. I hear the Chaplains turn these events into occasions to proselytize for their faith via their prayers. One is left with the impression that the Army has become a Christian Army. I do not go to church because I do not believe in any god. I dislike being exposed to religious lies at secular government functions. If I wanted to listen to prayers and testimony, I would go to church.

Army Specialist Randall Knapke
Date of Service:03/00-12-05
Decorations: 2 Army Acheviement Metal, 2 Joint Service Acheviement Medal, Global War on Terror
Tours of Duty: Guantanomo Bay, Cuba 05-03-06-04
Specialty: Mechanic

Comments: I am a Global War on Terrorism Veteran. I just came across this organization. I which I knew more about this group when I was in the service because I never felt comfortable during events/prayers. Also, I was never able to get agnostic on my dogtags which always disturbted me because if I died I didn't want to be mistaken for something I never was.

Army Captain Jeffrey J. Kugele
Service Components: US Army, Hawaii Army National Guard, US Navy
Dates of Service: May 06 - current, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, CA Apr 04 - May 06, Hawaii Army National Guard Dec 87 - Feb 02, US Navy, USS Worden CG-18 (Dec 87 - Feb 92), Aviation Officer Candidate School (Feb 92 - Jun 92) , VFA-94 (Sep 92 - Sep 95), USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 (Sep 92 - Sep 95), NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii (Sep 95 - Sep 98), USS Nimitz CVN-68 (Sep 98 - Aug 01), USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76 (Aug 02 - Feb 02)
Decorations: Army Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action, Southwest Achievement Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal Quartermaster, Physical Massage Therapist, Aviation Maintenance Officer, Power Plant Engineer Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom

Prayer in combat is talking to imaginary friends. I had a department head boss on the USS Nimitz who whould insist on flaunting WWJD memorabilia. He would use his position illegally to advance his beliefs, making claims such as E=MC 2 and Einstein are wrong, Intelligent Design is correct, George Bush is great.

Air Force Staff Sergeant Phil Smith
Dates of Service: 1987-1991/1992-1998
Decorations: Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal w/oak leaf cluster
Lackland AFB (1987), Chanute AFB (1987), Minot AFB (1988-1991), Desert Storm (1990-1991), Offutt AFB (1992-1998)
Specialty: Air Force - Cruise Missile Maintenance, Air Force Reserve - Medical effects of weapons of mass destruction

I am an atheist, and never experienced any discrimination as a member of the military or as a civilian. However, I am becoming increasingly alarmed by the movement away from our nation's secular foundations. Too many believe this is a nation founded on Christian principles, rather than principles discovered during the European Enlightenment. Prayer and other religious services should absolutely be provided to soldiers during peace and wartime. I will never, ever, kneel before the supernatural; however, as a soldier and as an American citizen, the Constitution is the supreme word, not religious texts. I also support the notion that the Constitution can be scrapped if the people find it cannot serve their needs, so I do not see the supreme law of the land as sacred.

Air Force Major Kenton R. Brown
Dates of service, as appropriate: AUG 1969 - approx. SEP 95 (?)
Tours of duty, with dates: Too many to name - CONUS, Germany, Panama, etc.
Specialty: Aviation, Supply Services Opns, Engineering (FEMA), Military Parachutist, Special Ops, Intel (Humint), Recruiting, Instructor.

I never had any anxiety or fear during para-ops. My confidence was not religion-based. I just had great "faith" in my equipment, the jumpmasters & riggers, and my peers. My safety depended on risk factors which I understood & accepted, yet mitigated by the competence of my comrades and my application of training & techniques. I never bowed my head during any religious rite or prayer, nor have I on the rare occasions that the Pledge of Allegiance was recited said "...under god..." While I never proclaimed my atheism, I never denied it either, just as I rarely discussed politics and remain a registered Independent. All of my ID/dog tags have been embossed either "NONE" or "NO PREFERENCE" where the religion info would normally be found. I don't put "ATHEIST" there, since trying to pigeonhole atheism, "no faith at all," or "superstitionless" as a religion is just a silly notion proposed by the religious. It's tantamount to trying to measure zero. As a CO, OIC, or other leader, I would never have tolerated any such discrimination, if experienced by my peers or subordinates, any more than I would have tolerated racial or gender bias. PERIOD. I believe in the American dream and I fully support the Constitution's freedom of religion aspects, which clearly means freedom from religion, too.

Navy Petty Officer Andrew Ashmore
Dates of service: August 12, 1997 to Present
Decorations: Navy and Marine Corp Achievment Medal (3 Awards), Navy Good Conduct (3 Awards), Battle Effeciency "E" Award (5 Awards), National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, Submarine Warfare, Deep Submergence Insignia, Trident Patrol Pin
Tours of duty, with dates: USS Michigan SSBN 727 (Gold Crew) - August 18, 1998 to March 17, 2003, USS Dolphin AGSS 555 - March 27, 2003 to March 5, 2005, Michigan SSGN 727 (Conversion Crew) April 5, 2005 to Present.
Specialty: Sonar Technician Submarines 1st Class

Army Sergeant Ernesto Haibi
Dates of service: 1986-1991 Air Force, 1991-Present Army
Decorations: Army Commendation w/cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service, Reserve Overseas Training, Florida Service Medal, Korean Defense Medal, Non-Commisioned Officers Professional Development, Army Service
Tours of duty, with dates: B Co 1-23 In March 2004 to October 2004 Mosul, Iraq
Specialty: Medic

If there is one place you should depend on training and not the invisible man it's combat. There you need to depend on the tangible world and it's aid in survival. Instead of praying I just pay attention during training. The Christian religion is dug in like a tick in the Army. I have Muslims, Hindu's, and Budhists as well as more atheists than you might think in my unit that act like they don't care but it's hard to hear that they feel alienated during every ceremony and training event that talks of "God" when we all know it means the Christian god.

Air Force Staff Sergeant Carol S. Proctor
Dates of service: 16 Jun 93 to present/2 May 05 to present (civil service)
Decorations: AFAM 2 oakleaf clusters
Tours of duty, with dates Active Duty - Plattsburg AFB 16 Jun 03 to 17 Mar 05, Nellis AFB 17 Mar 05 to 28 Oct 00, Wright Patterson AFB 28 Oct 00 to 29 Nov 00 USAFR - Wright Patterson AFB 1 Jan 03 to Sep 3 05. USAFR at Peterson AFB 1 Oct 00 to present and Civil Service at the USAF Academy from 2 May 05 to present Specialty Health Service Management (4A051) 16 Jun 03 to 01 May 97 and Personnel Management (3S071) 02 May 97 to present

I only had one discriminating experience as a nonbeliever that effected my career. It was at Wright Patt and I thought my supervisor accepted my beliefs as she was a "good Christian". She never spoke negative and always listened to why I didn't believe and explained why she was a Christian and seemed sincere, but of course when my annual EPR was due, a month before it was due she became secretive and wouldn't let me see my OPR before she completed it and she in the process moved to another position. (I handled all EPR's/OPR's and decorations so it should have come across my desk). When you go from the last 3 years getting "firewall 5's" and go down to a 4 it's a big let down. Plus she had the new commander sign it instead of the commander I worked under (she waited for him to PCS) and after she moved offices when she saw me she would avoid me at all costs - although I couldn't prove it I know in my heart it was because I wasn't Christian. I feel prayer in combat has it's place in the Chapels on base only, if someone wants a prayer at their retirement or promotion that should be allowed but not a Holiday Parties, in the office or at group promotions. Religion should be private and not forced on anyone. My husband and I sponsor non-religious, atheists, agnostic and freethinking Cadets here at the USAF Academy so they can have a break from the military environment and be around other non-believers.

Air Force Master Sergeant Paul Bailey
Dates of service, as appropriate: July 87 to Present
Decorations: AF, Joint Service Achievement, AF Commendation (3), AF Meritorious Service Medal
Tours of duty, with dates: Korea 89-90, 95-98, 01-02
Specialty: Intelligence

I'm fighting my own little battle in the Air Force at the moment. Our higher headquarters commander mandated that everyone must wear an "Airman's Badge", with a list of things that each of us is supposed to pledge. The badge includes the text, "I pledge...to be spiritually ready." I have taken issue with this line, as all references to "spiritual" I can find invoke religion or the supernatural. I refuse to make this "pledge".

Army Specialist Carl Webb
Dates of service: Off and on from 1982 until now.
Specialty: medic

Most of the time they refused to put atheist on my dog tags or any official documents. In boot camp while the other recruits got the day off to go to the chapel I had to stay in the barracks and clean. http://carlwebb.net/militarycareer.html

Navy Seaman Michael V. Des Armo
Dates of service: 13 OCT 2004 - present
Decorations: Battle "e", Global War, Global War on terrorism, Global War on terrorism expeditionary, National Defense, Sea Service Deployment
Tours of duty, with dates: US Combat Deployment 12JAN2005-31JUL2005. With tour in Middle East during Maritime operation from March 2005 to July 2005.
Specialty: Aviation Boatswains Mate- Aviation Launch and recovery Equipment Unit specialty/ Aviation Warfare qualification

Army National Guard Private Evgeny Zolotarev
Dates of service: May 2005 - current
Specialty: 11B, Infantry

I'm about to get deployed in Kosovo. I went to some religious services during Basic. I can't remember exactly what the chaplain told us about those who do not admit these ceremonies, but basically it was something like they are going to hell. Another thing, when I asked him about other religions - he said, why bother, if we KNOW that our faith is true. The other guys around me looked at me like as if I asked something so ridiculously stupid. I had doubts about Christianity at that time, but not anymore. I chose to live with no gods. I can't know for sure that there is no god. I choose not to believe in god, as long as there is not enough evidence of his existence. Christianity gives no answers, but feeling of guilt. I realize now that it actually does spread hatred among people. Now that I studied Christianity a little, I just can't believe that there was time when I actually accepted it.

Army Reserve Major Joseph Gerstein
Dates of service: 1965-71
Specialty:Medical

Army Reserve First Lieutenant James Johnson
Dates of service, as appropriate: 1987-1998 (Active) 1998-present (Reserve)
Decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (5) National Defense Service Medal (2), Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon
Tours of duty, with dates:Nov 1987-Mar 1988 E 2-58 INF (T) Ft Benning, Mar 1988-Sep 1990 A Co 4-17 INF, 7 ID(L) Ft Ord, Sep 1990-Dec 1990 40th MP BN (AIT), Ft McClellan, Dec 1990-May 1992 HQ & A Co, 9-1 ASB, Katterbach, GE (Desert Storm), May 1992-Mar 1998 3d MP Co/1st MP Co, Wuerzburg, GE, Mar 1998-Present 309th SC (RAOC), Hanau/Wiesbaden, GE (OIF)

I am proud to say I did not invoke the name of their god one time while I was in Iraq. Yelled goddam (as in "GODDAM! THAT WAS CLOSE!") a lot though....

Air National Guard Tech Sergeant Kirk England
Dates of service, as appropriate: 01 AUG 86 - Present
Decorations: Commendation, Acheivement, NATO, War on Terror
Tours of duty, with dates: RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge Feb. '87 - Jun, '90, Ohio ANG '90-Jul '92, AZANG Jul '92 - Present
Specialty: Aerospace Ground Equipment

I have volunteered for Iraq and Afganistan. I click my pen repeatedly and loudly during prayers at the start of meetings. The last time I had to do that was in 2002. I believe I was passed over for a promotion in 2000 because my supervisor at that time was a big-time Catholic and he knew I was a big-time Atheist. This is a quote from him, nothing religious, but see if it makes sense to you: "Kirk you've got two college degrees, you've done all of your Professional Military Education In-Residence (very rare in the Guard) and you are currently teaching PME part-time at DM (Davis-Monthan AFB). So, for what it's worth, you have an unfair promotional advantage and it is my job to level the playing field. Therefore, I am not going to select you to go before the State Promotion Board." The two guys selected didn't do anything other than kiss his butt and show up to work, so maybe the butt-kissing had more to do with it. I never said to anybody at work how much of an idiot he seemed walking around all day on Ash Wednesdays with a cross smeared on his forehead.

Army Captain Jay Allen Williams
Dates of service, as appropriate 1990-present
Decorations: 4 Army Commendation Medals, 4 Army Achievement Medals, 2 Army Service Ribbons, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numerical device (2), 2 Overseas Ribbons, 2 National Defense Service Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal. Member of Audie Murphy and Sergeant Morals Clubs.
Specialty: Personnel

As an atheist I accept death as a natural part of life. Therefore, I have no irrational fears of dying that require the help of a supernatural being to soothe; this will not change in combat. I have found the military decidedly biased towards christianity and have suffered discrimination and been forced to endure religious experiences against my will. The army is primarily protestant christian and for all its lip service to equality and equal opportunity, it really only applies if you tow the line and act like a good christian. Mounting a serious challenge to the religious majority would surely result in being severely ostracized and very likely end your career. Contrary to their claims, military religionists are no more tolerant of opposing view points than religionists elsewhere.

Army Master Sergeant (Ret) James Schweizer
Dates of service: Nov 1962-Dec 1984
Decorations: Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement (Vietnam Aug 66-Aug 68)3 awards of Meritorious Service Medal, 2 awards Army Commendation Medal, 1 award Army Achievement medal award , Vietnam service medals, good conduct medals
Tours of duty: C Co 2nd Bn 35th Inf 25th Inf Div Hawaii 63-65, 525th MI, Vietnam (An Loc) Aug 66-Aug 68 1St SFG, Okinawa, with duty in Jakarta 70-71, 115th MI Gp, SF CA 71-74, Brooke Army Medical Center, SA TX 74-77 Ft Jackson SC (Drill Sgt)77-79, 2nd Gen Hosp, Landstuhl Germany 79-83, Brooke Army Medical Center, SA TX 83-85
Specialty: Light Weapons Inf (62-65), Area Intelligence Spec (66-74), Behavioral Science Spec (74-85), with interim duty as Basic Training drill sgt 77-79

Had Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Korean language training with close association with asian cultures. Wife is Chinese Buddhist. Served in small province capital in Vietnam for 2 years, while no where to the extend of those in direct combat arms, did come under fire frequently. Cannot remeber ever "praying". Served as NCOIC for outpatient psychiatry and psychology service in Landstuhl and BAMC, deling with wide range of behavioral problems, saw clearly non-religious basis for human behavior.

Army Private First Class Kevin Snyder
Dates of service: 28 SEP 2004
Decorations: Several COR's, Global War on terrorisim, OIF Ribbon, 1st coscom combat patch
Tours of duty, with dates: 11 SEP 05 to present OIF
Specialty: Transportation

Navy Petty Officer Andrew Ashmore

Army Sergeant Steven Rinestine

Air Force Tech Sergeant Kevin Wood

Army Sergeant Ernesto Haibi

Air Force Staff Sergeant Carol Proctor

Air Force Master Sergeant Paul Bailey

Marine Corps Sergeant Christopher Sean Lowry

Navy Petty Officer First Class Ben Dreidel

Army Specialist Carl Webb

Navy Seaman Michael Des Armo

Army National Guard Private Evgeny Zolotarev

Army Reserve Major Joseph Gerstein

Army Reserve 1st Lieutenant James Johnson

Air National Guard Tech Sergeant Kirk England

Army Specialist Chris Thomas Jackson

Army Captain Jay Williams

Army Master Sergeant James Schweizer

Army Sergeant Jonnie Bentz

Army Private First Class Kevin Snyder

Air Force Master Sergeant Jillian Looman

Army Sergeant Jack Pollard

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Mancuso

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sam Klein

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dan Opfer

Army Sergeant John Travise

Army Sergeant Brent Slensker

Air Force Staff Sergeant Justin Buchholz

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Shawn Fazio

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Douglas Truman

Army Specialist Wayne Moore

Army Sergeant Robert Niles

Army Civilian Kevin Rohm

Army Major Carlos Bertha

Air Force Staff Sergeant Mark Plante

Army 1st Lieutenant Doug Hoffman

Air Force Captain Jeff Pixley

Air Force Staff Sergeant Ryan Cooper

Air Force Master Sergeant Jeffery Talbot

Air Force Airman Adam Snyder

Air Force Senior Airman Gary Egelston

Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Keith Krejci

Army Staff Sergeant Jonathan Kantor

Air Force Lieutenant Bryce Batchman

Air Force Major (sel) Jeremy Kotkin

Navy Petty Officer First Class Brian Lallatin

Air Force Senior Airman Leta McCabe

Air Force Staff Sergeant Nathan Meyer

Army Specialist Cory Ann Ellis

Air Force Senior Airman Geoffrey Gould

Army Specialist Travis Ova

Army Staff Sergeant Chris Anderson

Air Force Major Eric Lewan

Navy Avionics Technician 1st Class Hank Shiver

Army Captain Jason Torpy

Army Corporal John Crowhurst

Army 1st Sergeant Kathleen Johnson

Air Force Major Todd Dart

Army Specialist St Clair Mellard

Navy Master Chief Larry Bucher

Air Force Captain Tom Wiggins

Army 1st Lieutenant Aimee Jaskot

Marine Lance Corporal Patricia Gaskins

Navy Electricians Mate Chief Petty Officer (Submarine Service) Andy Prescott

Senior Airman Edward Clint

Navy Lieutenant Commander Jim Heldberg
Dates of service: 1959 - 1978, my ship landed the first US troops into Vietnam
Decorations: Vietnam combat ribbon

Coast Guard Senior Chief Radioman Rajah Grady

Navy Machinists Mate 2nd Class (Submarine

Service) Mike Rice

Navy Reserve Lieutenant Junior Grade David Miles

Navy Fire Controlman 2nd Class Tony Irwin

Air Force Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Simmons

Army Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Challans

Civil Air Patrol Captain Timothy Smith
Dates of service: As Cadet Nov 1995-Feb 2001, As Officer Feb 2001-Current
Decorations: Loening Award Medal, NCC Medal (earned as cadet), Red Service Medal (2 clasps), Mitchell Award, CAC Ribbon, Encampment Medal (1 clasp), Leadership Medal, Senior-level Search&Rescue Ground Team Badge, others.
Duty Assignments: Cadet 1995-2001, Aerospace Education Officer 2001-2002, Unit Historian 2001-2004, DDR Officer 2002-2003, Leadership Officer 2003-current. OIC for multiple activities including NCO Academy and Drill Teams.
Specialty: Plans&Programs, Historian, Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education.

As a member of the Auxiliary, I train cadets and participate in Search&Rescue. In my duties, not once have I sought the assistance of any power beyond that of myself and my staff. I do get quite upset however when event coordinators or activity commanders ask "which" sunday service I will be attending, rather than "if" ....

Navy Command Master Chief Estes Morrow

Air Force Staff Sergeant Jared Ozvath

Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Richard Brown

Army Captain Chad Hetman

Air Force Airman 1st Class Tom Ebacher

Army Major Peter Barber

Army Private First Class John Gruhn

Navy Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Kenneth Perry

Army Captain Jim Corey

Army Sergeant Rich Goranson

Army Sergeant Jon Knutson

Army Specialist Nic Jordan

Air Force Staff Sergeant Michael Mccoy Jr

Air Force Colonel Claudia Ziebis

Air Force Staff Sergeant Steven Parradee

Air Force Staff Sergeant Joe Odom

Air Force Staff Sergeant Fredric Schmeelk

Air Force Staff Sergeant Ray Robinson

Army Specialist-5 Thomas Riddering

Army Specialist Brad Stuckey

Air Force Tech Sergeant Jeffrey Huffman

Army 2nd Lieutenant Wayne Adkins

Air Force Staff Sergeant Paula Honeycutt

Army Staff Sergeant Ronald Sims