In typical fashion, Michael Weinstein recently accused the US Air Force Academy of impropriety when USAFA chaplains published a link to a Jewish website that had traditional explanations of Jewish religious texts.  (The context was a page of upcoming religious holidays, with links to websites with background — arguably an admirable effort at educating cadets on religious liberty and their duties.)

Weinstein’s offense at religion isn’t a surprise.  What is a surprise is General Mark Welsh, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, took the time to pen a personal reply — and promise action:

From: “Welsh, Mark A III Gen MIL USAF AF/CC”
Subject: RE: EXTERNAL: MRFF Demand Letter (Feb. 13, 2013) to USAF Chief of Staff
Date: February 13, 2013 9:03:33 PM MST
To: Mikey Weinstein
Cc: “Harding, Richard C Lt Gen MIL USAF AF/JA” , “Gould, Mike C Lt Gen USAF USAFA USAFA/CC”

Thank you Mr Weinstein. I appreciate you making me aware of this. I will ask USAFA leadership to look into this. My JAG will get back to you when we have more information. r/mark

Though Weinstein’s “bat signal” was last seen in the USAFA trashcan, Weinstein claimed to have worked out a (failed) personal protocol with General Schwartz, the former Air Force Chief of Staff — a degree of special access not available to average citizens, and the propriety of which Congress was asked to investigate.

Weinstein seems to be trying again, though this seems to be the first time Weinstein has publicized such a relationship with senior military leaders, particularly so early on in their tenure.

Wonder why he’s so confident?  He thinks the Air Force has now “blinked” on the issue of “homophobia.”  Expect to see Weinstein use this as an angle to continue to attack religious freedom in the military in the future.  Weinstein himself said

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III has gotten back to MRFF pledging to “look into” the matter.  Does he really think we’re going to let up??

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