Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers

MAAF News

The following is a running list of "news shorts" as some publications call them. Here will be posted short news stories about MAAF activism, member activities, or website improvements. Also see the MAAF Watch List - Issues of concern to MAAFers including relevant videos, reports, and commentary.

MAAF Letters to Members: Current Issue
Prior Issues:

[Volume 3 Issue 1]
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[Volume 2 Issue 1]
Volume 1 Issue 2 [pg 1]
Volume 1 Issue 1 [pg 1] [pg 2]

Columbus, OH, 9 Aug 09 - MAAF and the Secular Student Alliance are partnering to provide a leadership grant for educational purposes to students who display both military and nontheist leadership. Details and an application can be found at http://www.maaf.info/leadergrant.html
Madison, WI, 24 Jan 09 - MAAF President Jason Torpy was featured on the Freethought Radio broadcast of the Freedom From Religion Foundation on Air America. Access the replay.
Farmington Hills, MI, Autumn 2008 - MAAF President Jason Torpy's article "Man Must Remake Religion" was published in the Journal of Humanistic Judaism, a publication of the Society for Humanistic Judaism.
Washington, DC, 12 Jan 09 - MAAF joined the American Humanist Association in asking President-elect Obama to reject the title of honorary president of the Boy Scouts - press release.
Washington, DC, 10 Nov 08 - The Secular Coalition for America with MAAF presented recommendations to the new administration at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. This has gained wide press in stories listed below.

2008 Year-end recap of MAAF news and notes

www.secularleft.us, 11/18/2008, [article] Should the Military be More Open to Nonbelievers?
www.pr.com, 5/23/2008, [article] Alive Mind Partners with the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers on "The Atheism Tapes" DVD to Support Specialist Jeremy Hall and His Constitutional Rights
www.democraticunderground.com, 5/23/2008, [article] Alive Mind Partners with the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
www.secular.org, 11/10/2008, [article] Atheists in Foxholes: Preventing Religious Discrimination in the Military under an Obama Administration
www.commondreams.org, 11/10/2008, [article] Atheists in Foxholes: Preventing Religious Discrimination in the Military under an Obama Administration
www.blog.newsok.com, 11/10/2008, [article] Atheists make requests of president-elect
www.stripes.com, 11/12/2008, [article] Military atheists want new rules on prayer
www.npc.press.org, 11/10/2008, [article] Atheists in Foxholes and the New Administration: A Briefing on Religious Discrimination in the Military
www.nytimes.com, 4/26/2008, [article] Soldier sues Army, saying his atheism led to threats
www.eventful.com, 11/10/2008, [article] Atheists in Foxholes and the New Administration: A Briefing on Religious Discrimination in the Military
www.iarnuocon.newsvine.com, 11/19/2008, [article] Military atheists want new rules on prayer
www.prnewsnow.com, 5/22/2008, [article] Alive Mind Partners with the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers on The Atheism Tapes DVD to Support Specialist Jeremy Hall and his Constitutional Rights
www.armytimes.com, 11/17/2008, [article] Group: Protect military's nonbelievers
www.secular.org, 11/10/2008, [article] RE: SECULAR COALITION URGES CHANGES TO RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION PRACTICES IN THE MILITARY
www.mnatheists.org, 11/9/2008, [article] Atheists in the military - Atheists Talk # 044
www.huffingtonpost.com, 12/8/2008, [article] The Future of Secularism in American Politics
www.washingtonindependent.com, 11/17/2008, [article] Faith and the Uniform: Should the Military be more Open to Nonbelievers
www.wmnf.org, 11/25/2008, [article] Do Nonbelievers Need a Lobbyist in D.C.
www.stripes.com, 11/15/2008, [article] Readers React to Complaints from Atheists
www.online.wsj.com, 11/18/2008, [article] Atheists Reach Out - Just Don't Call it Proselytizing
www.huffingtonpost.com, 7/15/2008, [article] CNN Segment Dramatically Shifts Opinion on MRFF Lawsuit Among Both Non-Christians and Christians
www.undergroundunbeliever.blogspot.com, 9/29/2008, [article] MRFF Files Another Lawsuit
www.pubrecord.org, 11/15/2008, [article] ADL's Handling of Fort Benning Anti-Semitism Case Under Fire
www.scienceblogs.com, 12/1/2008, [article] Military Proselytizers Target 'Darwin'
www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org, 11/17/2008, [article] MRFF Letter to Defense Secretary Demands DOD Investigation into LCDR Waite and Revival Fire Ministries
www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org, 11/10/2008, [article] MRFF Receives Interim Letter of Response from US Army Chief of Chaplains
www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org, 9/8/2008, [article] Atheist at Fort Riley Reports Death Threat
www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org, 9/5/2008, [article] California Christian Organization Endorses Military Religious Freedom Foundation

6 August 08 - The Freedom From Religion Foundation is now listed on the Combined Federal Campaign. Make sure to consider them #32519 for your donations. View the MAAF policy on CFC
4 August 08 - MAAF has received assurances through Congress and the Secretary of the Army that secular personal time will be offered whenever activities sponsored by religious organizations are offered. MAAF has collected this new memo, MAAF's response, and other documents related ongoing efforts to counteract Free Day Away.
talk2action.org, 1 Jun 08 - Service members have been identified handing out evangelistic coins to civilians in Iraq. This makes a bad situation in Iraq even worse and goes against our values of Separation of Church and State. It's important there be investigation and action.
dogmafreeamerica, 25 May 07 - MAAF is featured in the Memorial Day episode of Dogma Free America
OpEdNews, 22 May 07 - Jayne Lyn Stahl provides perspectives of MAAF on discrimination within the military.
Washington DC, Feb 07 - MAAF has become an official member of the Secular Coalition for America. SCA has been a strong ally for State/Church separation and the rights of nontheistic service members. MAAF is proud to officially join coalition. View press release
Washington DC, 11 Dec 06 - The Military Religious Freedom Foundation held a press conference outlining its successes against unconstitutional Christian evangelism within our military. They also presented video evidence of evangelism at the highest level of the military.
Colorado Springs, 06 Sept 06 - Cadets and local freethinkers have teamed up to establish safe haven for freethought at the Air Force Academy. SPIRE, Special Programs In Religious Education, is an Academy program that has received intense scrutiny from State/Church Separation groups due to its apparent Christian bias. Months of dilligence by local personnel and public scrutiny have led to a new Freethinkers SPIRE group. SPIRE is still a questionable establishment of religion at the academy, but it has at least become open to all cadets. View Air Force Times Article.
San Diego, 02 Sept 06 - A packed house with the leaders of more then ten local and national freethought organizations came together on Labor Day weekend to honor Phillip Paulson, a veteran and a hero of the atheist community. Phil has worked for 17 years to remove a 23-foot high cross on public land overlooking San Diego. At the outset of his suit, Christians came together to affix placards commemorating Korean war veterans. They attempted to use the service of veterans for their own political purposes. Attendees included senior officials of MAAF, Secular Coalition for America, American Humanist Association, Internet Infidels, Freedom Freom Religion Foundation, American Atheists, and several organizations local to San Diego.
Newsweek, Aug 21-28 issue - MAAF and foxhole atheists were featured in Newsweek and Beliefnet. The article showed the problems atheists face as well as our resolve in overcoming the issues.
Washington, 19 Jul 06 - In a recent Defenselink article, National Guard Bureau Chief Lt General Blum is quoted as having lumped atheists and agnostics together with bigots. MAAF is investigating these statements to secure a retraction, apology, and further action if necessary.
New York, NY, 5 Apr 06 - Katie Couric, formerly of the Today Show, and future anchor at NBC, claimed that there are 'no atheists in foxholes'. Dispute this discriminatory and untrue statement at today@nbc.com or NBC NEWS ATTN: The Today Show, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112. View AA Press Release
Chicago, IL, 5 Apr 06 - Prominent religious leaders ask federal court to end extraordinary funding for boy scout jamboree hosted at military bases. ACLU Press Release ; ACLU Legal brief
Washington, DC, 6 Feb 06 - The Air Force has released Revised Interim Guidelines concerning religion in the Air Force. The Air Force must recognize that chaplains have a responsibility to all service members, that all service members have a right to exclude themselves from military events, that the Chaplain's Corps must be held accountable for establishment violations, and that 'inclusive prayer' isn't. Also read MAAF's policy on chaplains.
Colorado Springs, CO, 12 Jan 06 - MAAF is in contact with Air Force Academy representatives to join a task force to repair the Air Force Academy climate of religious education.
Chesterton, IN, 19 Nov 05 - MAAF member Frank Cress has just published "Damned If I Do...Damned If I Don't: Reflections of a Conservative Atheist". This book is available at major retailers and the publisher.
Washington, DC, 11 Nov 05 - Atheists in Foxholes from all over the world met on Veteran's Day on the Mall in Washington DC. Veterans and supporters from locations as far away as India and the Phillipines arrived to honor military atheists. In addition, leaders from nearly every atheist, humanist, and freethought organization were in attendance to honor our veterans. The event showcased the ability of the nonreligious community to come together in support of a common truth - atheists are in foxholes, and always have been. view pictures:

From inside the Crowd.
Disabled vets in the march.
Arriving at the stage.
Atheists in Foxholes at the Capitol.
MAAF President presenting opening remarks.
Also view pictures at atheistfoxholes.org

Washington, DC, 29 Aug 05 - The Air Force recently published new guidance on beliefs within the air force.
Salt Lake City, UT, 8 Sep 05 - 4,332 Active Duty Atheists & 112,166 with no religious affliation reported in the military (Salt Lake Tribune). The article itself lays out a new argument by evangelicals that religious tolerance should be foregone because proselytism is such an important tenant of Christianity.
Washington, DC, 18 Aug 05 - The Air Force has officially distanced itself from the religious flag folding ceremony commonly attributed to the academy.
Columbus, OH, 17 Aug 05 - MAAF ships is Fall 2005 Newsletter to registered members
Washington, DC, 28 Jun 05 - Air Force Chief of Staff General John Jumper recently released a message emphasizing service before self. GEN Jumper advocated the view that representatives of the government agree, especially when acting in their official capacity, to advocate official values, "core values", over personal values they may have. They do this because agreed-upon core values are common to the entire service, and other personal values that are different between individuals can cause division within a team. This divisive effect is evident from the recent uproar over religious discrimination at the Air Force Academy.
Army Times - The Army Times recently ran an add claiming there are no atheists on the battlefield. MAAF is contacting Times officials and Mr. Mansfield to encourage them to run a retraction of the untrue and discriminatory statement.
Colorado Springs, CO - New accusations were leveled by an Air Force task force against the Air Force Academy. The task force accused the Academy of not fully investigating the scope of the problem.
Chicago, 2 April 05 - The Department of Defense has notified a federal court in Chicago that it will support this summer's Boy Scout Jamboree. The DoD support of the BSA will continue, despite a ruling last month that the department's usual aid to the national scout meeting is unconstitutional. The DoD must not support an organization that discriminates.
Philadelphia, 25-27 Mar 05 - MAAF held a meeting on Sunday, 27 March at the American Atheists Convention 25-28 Mar in Philadelphia. See reports about the convention: Penn Live
Washington DC, 15 Jan 05 - American Atheists is hosting a Veteran's Day ceremony on the Mall in Washington DC. Mark your calendars. http://www.atheistfoxholes.org
Washington DC, 15 Dec 04 - As a result of recent inquires, The Air Force published interim guidance on Flag Folding Ceremonies (new AFI 34-12XX) stating that the AF endorses no flag folding ceremony. This refers to religious ceremonies and shows that the Air Force is recognizing the diversity of its force.
Vancouver, Canada, 10 Dec 04 - LT (N) Darryl Scott refused to remove his hat during a public military prayer in Canada. He was court-martialed for disobedience. The Canadian military appeals court rightly overturned this decision creating a positive precedent for freedom of conscience. Read the Story.
Colorado Springs, 20 Nov 04 - The day after the airing of a story in which Air Force leaders committed themselves to improving the equal opportunity for cadets by addressing insensitive religious practices, the Air Force football coach posted a banner in his locker room that stated "I am a member of Team Jesus".
Colorado Springs, 15 Nov 04 - In response to internal surveys and continuing complaints from cadets and local groups, Air Force Academy leadership has recognized a problem with discrimination of nonreligious groups within the Academy. Indications are that benefits are withheld for Christians and cadets suffer discrimination if they do not participate in religious events. Information is reported from interviews with Academy officials by the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Chicago, 15 Nov 04 - The pentagon agreed to stop its military bases from chartering Boy Scout units due to their god-belief requirements: http://www.aclu-il.org/news/press/000220.shtml. Veterans group American Legion wants the pentagon and the president to stand up for religious discrimination against atheists and violate the constitution: http://www.legion.org/?section=pub_relations&subsection=pr_listreleases&content=pr_press_release&id=249 Send your support to the ACLU of Illinois, and send your objections to the American Legion.
Internet, 23 Sep 04 - 09/24/04 @ 8PM ET on Infidelguy Radio: Kathleen Johnson, founder of Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers and the Military Director for American Atheists. She is a First Sergeant in the Army and her husband is a gulf war veteran now a State Trooper. Kathleen will be speaking about discrimination against Atheists in the military and some of the action she took as Military Director for American Atheists.
New York, 26 Aug 04 - New York Times OpEd reports on the current state of investigations of Lt General Boykin, a senior intelligence officer who told religious groups that the war on terror was a religious crusade.
Internet, 25 Aug 04 - Atheist encyclopedia entry talks about atheists in foxholes and MAAF. The encyclopedia is free edit for anyone, so the content may change.
Washington DC, 11 Aug 04 - the Department of Veteran's Affairs announced the appointment of Jewish Air Force Veteran Darin S. Selnick as director of the new Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The purpose of the position is to identify and eliminate barriers to support of veterans by "faith-based and other community organizations". The barrier to government entanglement with religion is the Constitution, and Secretary Principi must stop his efforts to "eliminate" the Constitution.
Washington DC, 17 Jul 04 - Lifelines Services Network, a division of the US Navy Personnel Development Command, offers a training program for Casualty Assistance Calls Officers, recommends the use of the statement "no atheists in foxholes." In a continuing effort to eliminate this myth, MAAF notified the organization, and CAPT Jamie Barnett / jamie.barnett@navy.mil, director of the program, removed the film until the statement can be deleted. MAAF encourages all members to contact CAPT Barnett and request elimination of the statement.
Washington DC, 30 Apr 04 - Representative Jim McDermott didn't say "Under God" when leading Congress in the Pledge of Allegiance. He says he simply forgot and stated the allegiance he learned prior to 1954. Read the story on FoxNews
New Jersey, 30 Apr 04 - Joe Beck, of the Council for Secular Humanism, provides counseling services for servicemembers who prefer not to work with priest-chaplains. MAAF appreciates his work and provide details on the service.
San Diego, 9-11 Apr 04

- MAAF Member Chad Hetman will be hosting a MAAF Meeting at the annual American Atheists convention. Details are to be published. We invite all MAAF members to attend the AA convention. Read the report here.
USA Weekend, 14 MAR 04 - USA Weekend ran an article about experiences of faith in combat. The made the obligatory mention of the myth that there are no atheists in combat. However, USA Weekend distinguished themselves by pointing out that the myth is incorrect. Not only that, but they used MAAF as the case-in-point. View the Article

MAAF, 24 JAN 04 - MAAF has seen its VFW campaign to a successful conclusion. there is no long any reference to God on the VFW membership application. Atheist veterans can now join with a clear conscience. We thank the VFW and hope they will continue to serve all veterans honorably. http://www.vfw.org

MAAF, 24 Jan 04 - MAAF members throughout the world, including Germany, Afghanistan, and Iraq are voicing concerns to chaplains and commanders who conduct prayers in conjunction with military briefings and meetings. When presented with the divisive and discriminatory message that a command-sanctioned office prayer sends, chaplains and commanders have both been very open to change. Chaplains have adjusted practices and in some cases promised to provide no prayers during these meetings. The truth is, chaplains want to increase morale and ethics within the organization and there are countless sources that meet that criteria without offending those of no religion. All good chaplains conduct dedicated religious services, one-on-one meetings, and scheduled study sessions where they can increase the faith of those with faith. Chaplains are realizing more and more that sectarian speeches and prayers at command-sponsored events alienate a growing population of secular soldiers, and this does far more harm to the command than good.

Sacremento, 6 Dec 03 - Larry Judkins, openly atheist columnist of the Sacremento Valley Mirror published comments of MAAF President Jason Torpy in a 6 December article about religious symbols on headstones. Read the MAAF Policy on headstone markers.

AFN Europe, 13 Nov 03 - AFN Europe has offered a radio interview to MAAF Founder Kathleen Johnson. It will be aired on Sunday Morning Praise Patrol. Her comments will air today, 16 Nov, from 8am to 10am on AM and 1pm to 3 pm on FM, find exact frequencies at http://www.afneurope.army.mil

Observer International, 2 Nov 03 - Christian author Stephen Mansfield has published The Faith of George W. Bush. This book chronicles the religious life of the President and will fuel the fire of religious conflict in both domestic and foreign policy

Pentagon, 16 OCT 03 - Yahoo News reports of a general who, in uniform, has clearly stated his belief that the US is waging a war of Christianity versus Islam. This is directly contrary to many statements made by his chain of command, and it is severely detrimental to already strained relations between Christians and Muslims in this country and around the world. Moreover, the general has betrayed the trust of nonchristian and especially Muslim soldiers under his command by involving them in his personal religious crusade. This officer has violated Constitutional Separation of Church and State and Army Command Policy by promoting his personal beliefs in the uniform of a US Military official. He should be reprimanded immediately and warned that further violations will result in his separation from the service for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, beginning with Article 92 (failure to follow written regulations). // 18 Oct // The general has offered an apology. In his apology, he does not retract his comments, he offers a very questionable clarification of his statements, and he makes no assurances that he will stop preaching in uniform. // 20 Oct // New information shows that LTG Boykin's original apology included both a a promise to no longer speak at religious events and even more extreme views about the involvement of religion and government policy. // 26 Oct // President Bush has distanced himself from LTG Boykin's comments, saying "the government just doesn't think that way" - strory

MAAF, 10 OCT 03 - In conjunction with the Secular Coalition for America, MAAF is opening a campaign to promote membership of nonreligious veterans in the VFW. The purpose of this campaign is to change the discriminatory and unnecessary practice of the VFW of include a profession of faith in its membership application. Read the official MAAF Policy on the VFW and other Congressionally Chartered Organizations. Read one example letter and response by a MAAF member.

Manhattan, New York, 25 SEP 03 - MAAF Members Richard Cotter and Jack Pollard spoke on behalf of MAAF at a recent meeting of the NY Atheists. Read Rich's report.

Tikrit, Iraq, 14 Sep 03 - Lt Col Steve Russell of 1/22 Infantry Regiment is reportedly taking unnecessary risks with his soldiers' lives because of his belief that God will protect him from bullets. One of his soldiers, Specialist Ian Maestro, trusts Army tactics over wreckless faith and has spoken out. MAAF is working with other organizations to investigate the situation.

Annapolis, MD, 01 Sep 03 - American Atheists has issued a press release condemning continuing prayer at the US Naval Academy. press release :: CNS News Story

Manhattan, NY, 01 Sep 03 - MAAF Member Richard Cotter will be speaking at the NYC Atheists meeting Thursday 25 September. Richard will be speaking on why "There are Atheists in Foxholes." NYC Atheists choose their meeting places by vote. See detials on their website.

CBS, 27 Aug 03 - Bob Shieffer offers a public apology for remarking that there are no atheists in foxholes. He did so because we took the time to voice our objections. Now we should take time to thank him for his apology.

The Citadel, South Carolina, 16 Aug 03 - Military Academies, The Citadel and VMI, back down on the passive discrimation of mealtime prayer

Washington DC, 16 Aug 03 - Humanist logo now approved for the headstones of deceased vets :: story

AP, 5 Jul 03 - Chaplain misconduct. The regular officers had a discipline rate of two per 1,000, while the rate for chaplains was 45 per 1,000, other Navy memos said.

Camp Bushmaster, Iraq -In case you're wondering what we object to, check out this prime example at the Miami Herald / MAAF Press Release / public outcry / official investigation

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, 29 Apr 03 - BG Weida, Acting USAFA Superintendant released an excessively religious message urging students and faculty to support the May 1st prayer activities. Read the following MAAF press release. MAAF has presented this message as an example of what is a serious problem across the nation.
Katterbach, Germany, 28 Apr 03 - After being notified of a "God Bless America sign at the Katterbach (Germany) PX, MAAF officials contact the store manager and General Manager to ask that the sign be removed on the basis that it was a individual's belief misrepresented as corporate-sponsored religion. Moreover, AAFES client base and operations are as much consistent with a government organization as with a private corporation, so it must be even more sensitive to personal or religious sponsorship. The General Manager was surprised at the complaint, but understood the objection and had the sign removed after only a short inquiry.

Dexheim, Germany, 24 Apr 03 - MAAF President Jason Torpy recently received a deployment date of 2-4 May in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He will stay on as MAAF President, but Kathleen Johnson will act on his behalf in his absence. Dana Hall, Chris Anderson, and Jared Ozvath also volunteered to provide support for MAAF operations. Jason expects to be out of contact for several weeks and he will nto fully return to duty for as much as two months. However, he looks forward to the opportunity to see military atheism and the treatment of military atheists first hand. In particular, he hopes to visit Camp Bushmaster to investigate allegations of Chaplain misconduct.

Chicago, Illinois, 19 Apr 03 - MAAF Members gathered at the American Atheists convention in Chicago Illinois this weekend. AA provided MAAF a scheduled location and time block due to the coordination of MAAF Founder and newly appointed AA Military Director Kathleen Johnson.