I am pleased to present a new installment of the letter to members. You will see that this letter provides actionable information. I have ensured that this is not just a fund-raising request or recap of old news; rather, this communication has information about MAAF activities and resources that you can use today to improve the lives and careers of MAAF members like you. Iraq and our combat-engaged members are the theme for this letter.
This program continues MAAF's increased outreach to members. As noted in the last letter, it is important that you continue to update your contact information so we do not waste funds to contact a member who has moved. Please update your contact information through the join form or the MAAF contact form.
Also note that MAAF has moved. We are now located near Boston, Massachusetts. No other contact information has changed. Enjoy the letter, and, as always, please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Jason Torpy
President, MAAF
Jeremy Hall, a MAAF member currently deployed to Iraq, has begun a chapter of MAAF in Iraq. We are highlighting his efforts and applaud his ability to serve the nation while still upholding his own strong values. In addition, this new chapter shows that MAAF is active throughout the world. We encourage those of you who are deployed to reach out through the MAAF network to this new chapter. The chapter is currently based in Tikrit; however, we have members throughout theater. You will also see information in this letter showing how you can be more involved in their support.
Jeremy has already held his first meeting. Unfortunately, a senior officer disrupted the meeting by using his rank to hold attendees at attention while abusing them with derogatory comments. MAAF Friendly organizations around the country have passed this story and are supporting MAAF in ensuring this officer is disciplined for his actions.
In addition, this officer's actions will be an example of the discrimination still prevalent in theater. We will use this to educate and strengthen our community. We are taking steps to ensure that in the future MAAF can meet in peace without fear of oppression by senior officers.
This issue's featured program is our Deployment Support program. The hardships service members face overseas is well known, but I can assure you it is almost invariably worse than that which can be communicated through standard media. In addition, MAAFers overseas often face the additional hardship of passive and active discrimination for their beliefs. Through this program, you can partner with MAAF friendly organizations to send care packages and messages of support to deployed MAAFers. If you are deployed, you can work through MAAF to receive support. On the MAAF Network page, participants of the program are marked with [DSP]. Clicking on the link will provide further information. Whether you can send products or just a letter of support, deployed members will appreciate it.
MAAF affiliates are also rising to this challenge. American Atheists has reached out to MAAF to assist with funding and management of our internal programs. In response to Jeremy's problems in Iraq, MAAF member and American Atheists Alabama State Director Blair Scott commissioned Operation Foxhole Atheists. Yvonne Muniz volunteered to run the program. The program is currently located at http://www.alabamaatheist.org/operationfoxholeatheists.htm . Information on providing goods, funding, and letters are on that page. OFA is MAAF's preferred deployment support program. Watch the MAAF website, the OFA site, and foxholeatheists.org for more information.
This section focuses on the messages and talking points that you can refer to when speaking to friends, strangers, and the media. Refer to these talking points in particular when you are writing letters to the editor, comments on blogs, or other official communications.
The MAAF motto is "Fighting for the Freedoms We Defend.” This motto highlights our military service throughout history and around the world. Although MAAF is just 10 years old, atheists, freethinkers, and other nontheists have served honorably throughout history. In addition, we must reiterate the importance of diversity within our military. To meet the challenges of the 21st Century, the military needs the participation of Americans from all religious and philosophical backgrounds. If the military services are seriously committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and qualified force, then the integrity of atheists/Freethinkers must be respected. As we noted in our last letter to members, we must be tenacious in ensuring that no one doubts that there are atheists in foxholes. We have the right and duty to serve our country, just as theists do. We have done our duty throughout history and throughout the world. These messages of service both strengthen our community and overcome military and civilian stereotypes.
Atheist Alliance International Annual Conference, 27 Sep 07
Freedom From Religion Foundation, 12 Oct 07
Center for Inquiry (NY) Annual Conference, 9 Nov 07
Note: This list is not comprehensive. Provide other events for inclusion if desired.
The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers an independent 501(c)3 project of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs. Donations are tax-deductible. Contact information and references mentioned in this letter can be found at the MAAF website: http://www.militaryatheists.org