The US Army recently highlighted how Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Regiment continue to support the Holy Family Home out of Japan — a relationship that began during the American occupation at the end of World War II. As described by a unit commander,

“Today, as we begin the 59th visit of the children to Hawaii, we look forward on building on the tradition of love and friendship begun so many years ago,” said Lt. Col. Glen T. Helberg, commander, 2-27th Inf. Regt., 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

The relationship between the US Army and the Catholic orphanage began when a Red Cross representative introduced members of the 27th Infantry Regiment to the orphanage — and discovered it in dire shape:

The soldiers were touched by the conditions the orphans were forced to live under, due largely to a severe lack of funds. On the regiment’s next payday, the soldiers took up a collection, proceeds of which were donated to the orphanage on New Year’s morning.

The plight of the orphans quickly became common knowledge to all the soldiers of the regiment…The soldiers came to know the children well and began collecting funds for Holy Family Home on a regular basis.

The unit’s support was led by Master Sergeant Hugh O’Reilly, whose initial collection amounted to $143 in World War II era funds.

Hidden in this story is a bit of nostalgia, however — and almost a feeling of longing. Why do the stories of these relationships among the US military and orphanages and charities become exceedingly rare after the Korean conflict? Can’t we still do this today?

Absolutely — if you can find right leadership who will stand up to politically correct objections.

For example, in 2011, Michael “Mikey” Weinstein attacked US Air Force Academy cadets for doing even less than what MSgt Hugh O’Reilly did — they merely told their peers about an opportunity to donate school supplies, personal items, and toys to disadvantaged children through Operation Christmas Child. It wasn’t even a request for money.

To Weinstein, that was the US military supporting “one religion” with “arrogance beyond measure.”

Presumably, if Weinstein had known MSgt O’Reilly, he would have demanded his court-martial and blasted the US Army for violating the Constitution.

Or would he?

You see, it turns out the US military does support many organizations like that already, and it does so without criticism or complaint. For example, neither Mikey Weinstein nor anyone else has ever complained about the US military’s ongoing support of the explicitly-religious Marian House Soup Kitchen in Colorado Springs. It turns out Weinstein only wants the military to restrict the liberties of those associated with certain Christian beliefs — beliefs of which he does not approve. More to the point, Mikey Weinstein really, really dislikes Franklin Graham, whose Samaritan’s Purse operates Operation Christmas Child — because Mikey Weinstein doesn’t believe Franklin Graham is the right kind of Christian, one that is worthy of the human liberty of religious freedom.

Mikey Weinstein was relatively unfazed at being criticized for interfering with kids getting toys for Christmas. (In 2015, though, he threatened to sue over being called a “Grinch,” claiming it was libel.  He was right — he’s not the Grinch.  He’s Scut Farkus.)  Of course, sometimes it seems Mikey Weinstein would steal a lollipop from a baby if it came from Samaritan’s Purse.

Despite the presence of one loud-mouthed critic, it is good that the US military continues to have these kinds of community relationships with local charities, orphanages, and similar organizations — regardless of their religious beliefs. That’s a reasonable policy that favors and discriminates against no one.  “Equal treatment,” right?

The fact the US military does support these groups, though, might be worth remembering the next time Mikey Weinstein calls up and demands that support be banned for a group that he doesn’t personally approve of, because they’re not the MRFF-approved Right Kind of Christians^TM.

Isn’t “freedom for all” so much simpler than “freedom for all that Mikey Weinstein likes?”

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