Network Update: Continuing growth after the Rally and RBB

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Jason Torpy

Army parachutist at Rock Beyond Belief

The last network update was Feb 26th, prior to the Reason Rally. The Naval and Coast Guard Academies were able to set up trips to visit. They had representatives on stage during the MAAF military tribute. Rock Beyond Belief (click for pics and videos) was also a groundbreaking show of support for atheists and humanists in the military and was sponsored by Justin Griffith, organizer of MASH Ft Bragg and Military Director of American Atheists. Thousands of military atheists around the world attended these two events while supporting communities in their local areas.

The Naval Academy made the strongest showing, sending 19 Midshipmen to the event. The Coast Guard Academy had two representatives. Cadets at West Point and the Air Force Academy struggled to make the trip due to lack of funding and official recognition from their Academies.

The MAAF Network continues to grow, with new local affiliates at Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola, FL and at Ft Stewart, Georgia. new Point of Contact Derek Breaux at Lajes Field, Portugal and Jason Wiese at FE Warren AFB, Wyoming. It’s arguable which of these two locations is more remote… Gus Cocarelli at Scott AFB, IL is the newest MAAF Lay Leader. The Air Force has not yet recognized Gus, but we are hopeful that the chaplains will do so. Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Featured, MAAF Operations, Network | Leave a comment

Air Force to remove requirement for hotel Bibles

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Jason Torpy

In early February, a cockpit atheist in Kadena Airbase in Japan contacted MAAF to ask why there was a Bible posted in Air Force lodging. Because the Air Force is a government agency, there should be neutrality toward religion rather than a special privilege for Christianity. After inquiries from the Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers and a legal review, Air Force Services Operations has promised to end their Bible requirement.

Is a Bible provided? – Air Force Lodging Accreditation Checklist

After hearing of the practice, MAAF contacted several lodging operations at major Air Force bases. All confirmed that they, too, had Bibles in their rooms. Lodging managers pointed to their checklist for “accreditation” as the reason the Bibles were in the rooms. It is standard practice for hotels, civilian and military, to have a checklist for the exact contents of a room. It is common practice for hotels to include the ubiquitous Gideon Bible. However, Air Force counsel has recognized that, while private companies may choose to privilege Christianity, Air Force leaders, including Air Force lodging managers, are Constitutionally-bound to avoid entanglement with religion. Including a Bible in every room is a privilege for Christianity. Continue reading →

Posted in Military Policy | 1 Comment

Reason Rally shows patriotism and military support

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Jason Torpy

The Reason Rally recently hosted upwards of 20,000 atheists, humanists, freethinkers, and other nontheists on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The program included opening ceremonies hosted by the Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers. Colonel (Retired) Kirk Lamb oversaw a tribute including a color guard of atheists in foxoles, the national anthem performed by Bad Religion lead-singer Greg Graffin, and a trio of ceremonial oaths from the assembled crowd.

The program began as the US flag, one flag for each branch of service, and the POW flag were carried on stage by current and prior military personnel, all atheists in foxholes. Following the national anthem, Colonel (Retired) Kirk Lamb spoke about the commitment of our movement to to American Liberty and to those who have secured our freedoms. The Reason Rally opening ceremonies began by showing support the Troops and by featuring the military backbone of our community.

The military community will have an encore presentation March 31st at Ft Bragg, NC with Rock Beyond Belief. Civilians and military are encouraged to attend this free event on the main post parade field.

Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Featured | Leave a comment

New Humanist Lay Leader joins others seeking chaplain support

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Jason Torpy

Ryan Jean with wife Christine, older son Lucas and younger son Logan

Army Reserve Captain Ryan Jean has submitted a lay leader application at Ft Meade, Maryland. With support from The Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers and endorsement from the Humanist Society. If approved, this lay leader application will allow Ryan to work with chaplains to help out atheists and humanists on his installation. This would help to extend equal recognition and support humanists and other nontheists at Ft Meade.

Captain Jean joins Major Ray Bradley at Ft Bragg whose packet has been complete and awaiting return for over 30 days. Apparently, this packet has been sent beyond the normal decision authority at the Army’s Installation Management Command all the way to the Army’s Chief of Chaplains. This occurred last year with the original packet from Sergeant Justin Griffith. They have rejected his packet, and he has refocused on the upcoming Rock Beyond Belief event on March 31st. Continue reading →

Posted in Chaplain, Featured, Military Policy | 2 Comments

Atheists in Foxholes News 9 Mar 2012

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Jason Torpy

MAAF has selected 47 recent articles of interest in the areas of atheism & humanism in the military, society, and government, both in the US and internationally.  This month will see the Reason Rally and Rock Beyond Belief. Recent news had a wide range of activities, including featuring of Naval Academy Midshipment, the MAAF care package program, efforts by MAAF to gain official recognition of humanism, and further growth of the MAAF network.

Several atheists were highlighted in the news, including Richard Dawkins (in a “tale of the tape” with the Archbishop), Penn and Emily Jillette in a family review, and an atheist whose daughter is still trying to shoehorn him into her god’s heaven.

Pennsylvania was a hotbed with two stories. The state legislature’s “year of the Bible” inspired atheists to post some less savory Bible verses on billboards. An atheist prading as Mohammed was assaulted and the judge is on record dismissing the case as assault justified due to blasphemy.

Internationally, the UK saw a huge furor over city council prayers. The National Secular Society secured a court ruling banning the practice, and many local councils have vowed to continue the practice. Continue reading →

Posted in News | Leave a comment