Tuesday Evening, June 28, 2022 |
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MRFF BATTLES ABHORRENT DISPLAY
OF NAZI-GLORIFYING ARTWORK
AT SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
PARTIAL VICTORY HAS BEEN ACHIEVED!
From the initial email of a MRFF client at Sheppard AFB:
"German Air Force colonel, Col Stefan Kleinheyer, who is the commander of the 80th Operations Group, Sheppard AFB, Texas, prominently and proudly displays a framed picture with a prominent swastika outside the door of his office on base. The picture celebrates Nazi war hero Wolfgang Schenck, a highly decorated Luftwaffe fighter ace, and the Messerschmidt Me-262 jet fighter. The painting purports to be signed by Schenck himself."
"This German officer and fan of Nazi fighter aces is in command of USAF officers. They are all offended and intimidated by this display. It discredits the wing and the US Air Force to allow it."
A second MRFF client email reported that there were
MORE similar Nazi-glorifying images hanging in the
hallways of the building where U.S. pilots train
alongside NATO and European pilots.
PARTIAL MRFF VICTORY
MRFF has been informed that the one loathsome image in
Colonel Kleinheyer's office has been taken down, although those in the other building remain on prominent display.
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Artwork celebrating Nazi war hero Wolfgang Schenck with swastika
on tail of plane at entry to Colonel Kleinheyer’s office.
(Photo credit: Military Religious Freedom Foundation)
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Publicly displaying this type of Nazi-glorifying imagery
is illegal in Germany and would result in a three year prison sentence. But it is proudly being displayed
right here in America at Sheppard Air Force Base!
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AIR FORCE TIMES
COVERS MRFF
Head of NATO pilot training in Texas under
fire for showcasing Nazi ace’s portrait
By: Rachel S. Cohen
Monday, June 27, 2022
Air Force Times covers MRFF's advocacy on behalf of current and former airmen who object to the memorabilia, and MRFF's call for Colonel Kleinheyer’s removal, the artwork to be taken down, and for a formal investigation.
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After publishing the above article, Air Force Times reporter Rachel S. Cohen tweeted that the Air Force had told her that displaying this Nazi-glorifying artwork, with its swastika-adorned planes, is not prohibited by the Air Force.
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What the Air Force told Air Force Times reporter
Rachel Cohen is dead wrong! Department of Defense Instruction 1325.06 clearly states (emphasis added below):
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9. COMMAND AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Commanders have the authority and responsibility to prohibit Service members from active participation in extremist activities, and other activities that adversely affect good order and discipline within the command. This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to order the removal of symbols, flags, posters, or other displays from military-controlled areas, to place areas or activities off-limits, and to order Service members not to participate in activities that are contrary to the good order and discipline of the unit, or pose a threat to the health, safety, and security of military personnel or a military installation.
MRFF editorial note: DoD Instructions supersede Air Force Instructions
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JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY (JTA)
COVERS MRFF
NATO office on Texas Air Force Base removes print of storied Nazi combat pilot and his plane
By: Ron Kampeas
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
(Excerpt from JTA article of a Mikey Weinstein quote)
“This ‘art’ triumphantly shows Nazi aircraft emblazoned with the despicable swastika on these aircraft for all to see,” he said in a statement. “MRFF demands that these repulsive paintings be immediately and permanently removed from public display and that this entire sordid matter be aggressively and expeditiously investigated.”
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MRFF Founder and President Mikey Weinstein's
email exchange with 80th Flying Training Wing Commander Colonel Brad Orgeron
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Subject: Repulsive, PROMINENT Nazi Display Under Your New Command at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas
Date: June 24, 2022 at 3:30:06 PM MDT
To: Brad Orgeron
Cc: Robert Haas, Scott Gunn, Charles Brown, Frank Kendall, Mark Milley
Dear Colonel Brad Orgeron,
Welcome to your new Wing Commander job, sir.
Please see the OUTRAGEOUS information regarding our numerous Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) clients now under your direct command at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas.
The E-mail is self-explanatory, Colonel Orgeron. Time for you to take action RIGHT NOW as the new 80th Flying Training Wing Commander!
**MRFF DEMANDS THAT YOU:
(1) IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THAT NAZI PROPAGANDA PAINTING THIS VERY MINUTE!!
and,
(2) JUST AS IMMEDIATELY REMOVE GERMAN AIR FORCE COLONEL STEFAN KLEINHEYER, CURRENT COMMANDER OF THE 80TH OPERATIONS GROUP, FROM HIS PRESENT COMMAND POSITION AND ORDER AN IMMEDIATE FORMAL INVESTIGATION, COMMAND-DIRECTED AND/OR OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS (OSI)-PROMULGATED, AS TO HOW THE FREAKING HELL THIS WRETCHED SITUATION WAS EVER ALLOWED TO TRANSPIRE AND FESTER IN THE FIRST DAMN PLACE AT SHEPPARD AFB??!!
YOU'RE NOW IN COMMAND, COLONEL ORGERON.
COMPLY WITH MRFF’S DEMANDS TO REMOVE THAT DISGUSTING NAZI-GLORIFYING PAINTING NOW AND THAT EQUALLY ODIOUS NAZI-GLORIFYING COLONEL IN THE GERMAN AIR FORCE WHO PUT IT UP MONTHS AGO WITH UTTER IMPUNITY!!
Sincerely,
Michael L. “Mikey” Weinstein, Esq.
Founder and President
Military Religious Freedom Foundation
505-250-7727
From: (MRFF Client’s E-mail Address Withheld)
Subject: Nazi memorabilia being displayed on USAF base
Date: June 24, 2022 at 1:58:17 PM MDT
Mr. Weinstein,
I am writing to you on behalf of myself, a Christian, and a large number of other concerned Air Force active-duty members from various faith backgrounds, including minority faiths, no faith, and more than six members of the Jewish faith (several of whom are the direct descendants of family members murdered in the Nazi Holocaust), about a highly offensive situation at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you responded to my inquiry in seconds– almost as soon as I sent the email—and that the MRFF will be advocating on our behalf.
Me and those on whose behalf I am writing are very concerned about the prospect of retaliation and do not believe that the Air Force channels would preserve anonymity and would not be effective to resolve the problem.
I am a retired USAF colonel and former USAF JAG, with over 30 years of combined active-duty and reserve service. I graduated from a top ten law school with honors and have been a practicing attorney for more than 25 years.
I recently learned that a German Air Force colonel, Col Stefan Kleinheyer, who is the commander of the 80th Operations Group, Sheppard AFB, Texas, prominently and proudly displays a framed picture with a prominent swastika outside the door of his office on base. The picture celebrates Nazi war hero Wolfgang Schenck, a highly decorated Luftwaffe fighter ace, and the Messerschmidt Me-262 jet fighter. The painting purports to be signed by Schenck himself. I have attached photo of the painting on his wall. The large swastika is on the tail of the Me-262. I understand the painting has been there for at least several months, and likely longer. It appears that no one has complained about it, most likely because people are afraid to complain for fear of retaliation.
It is outrageous that a picture of a Nazi who killed countless allied airmen and others is celebrated on a US Air Force base. It is prominently displayed in a position of honor, higher than all other paintings, so that no one can miss it when they come to Col Kleinheyer’s office. This picture could not be displayed in Germany because it is illegal to display a swastika there – but this officer and his superiors at the 80th Flying Training Wing apparently have no concerns about celebrating the life a Nazi war hero and the airplane that was responsible for the deaths of thousands of US and Allied airmen during World War II. The history of the 80th Operations Group began in World War II—defending the United States and training pilots for combat in World War II. The Me-262 is credited with shooting down 542 Allied aircraft, and Schenck is credited with 18 kills over 400 combat missions. Additionally and of important note, as World War II was coming to its end with an Allied victory, Wolfgang Schenck apparently and cowardly escaped to South Africa with so many other prominent Nazis. That any senior US officer would see this on display and not immediately tear it off the wall is unfathomable to me. This German officer and fan of Nazi fighter aces is in command of USAF officers. They are all offended and intimidated by this display. It discredits the wing and the US Air Force to allow it.
I considered sending this to the IG, but I am concerned that it would not remain anonymous and retaliation would follow. I also know that even if the IG does something about, it will get buried and the public will never know about it. But the public should know about it, and those responsible for this abhorrent display and those who have allowed it to be displayed should have to explain themselves to the public and the taxpayers.
The commander of the 80th Flying Training Wing until today was Col Robert J. Haas, when command was transferred to Col Brad E. Orgeron. The 80th Flying Training Wing vice commander is Col Scott A. Gunn.
I hereby transfer all rights, title and interest to the attached photographs to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
(MRFF Client’s name and all other ID data withheld)
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From: "ORGERON, BRAD E Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CC"
Subject: Response to Mr. Weinstein
Date: June 27, 2022 at 3:52:23 PM MDT
Cc: "HAAS, ROBERT F Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CC", "GUNN, SCOTT A Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CV", Charles Brown, Frank Kendall, Mark Milley, Kathleen Hicks
Mr. Weinstein,
Thank you for bringing your concern to my attention.
Ensuring a professional environment is a top priority for me as I take command. To that end, I have directed a full review of all artwork and other artifacts throughout the wing to ensure we are promoting an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion for all our members. The lithograph you referenced has been conferred to our wing historian pending this review.
Thank you again for your inquiry.
Kindest Regards,
Col Brad Orgeron
Commander, 80th Flying Training Wing
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training
Sheppard AFB, TX
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Subject: Response to Mr. Weinstein
Date: June 27, 2022 at 4:26:56 PM MDT
To: "ORGERON, BRAD E Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CC"
Cc: "HAAS, ROBERT F Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CC", "GUNN, SCOTT A Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CV", Charles Brown, Frank Kendall, Mark Milley, Kathleen Hicks
….Col. Orgeron, thx for responding…..MRFF and our many USAF clients under your direct command will anxiously await the results of that “investigation” to be sure!…. you can expect a full FOIA request from MRFF shortly Colonel…..one key question, of course, is why did this official USAF investigatory action have to await MRFF’s demand and complaints on behalf of our USAF clients at Sheppard AFB to even ensue in the first place??!!….those noxious paintings have been on full display for quite a while we are assured….likely YEARS!!….just HOW toxic IS the command climate there at Sheppard AFB??......we realize that you just took command last Friday, but the query is still quite rationale and reasonable…..finally, Colonel, we presume that your key phrase in your e-mail below to us, "The lithograph you referenced has been conferred to our wing historian pending this review.” means that it has been taken down and is presently not on public display but in the non-public display custody of your wing historian?…Is that right, Colonel??…please confirm ASAP…thank you, Mikey Weinstein/MRFF….standing by 505-250-7727
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Email from MRFF client reporting that there are
more Nazi-glorifying artwork hanging in another
building at Sheppard Air Force Base
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From: (MRFF Client’s E-mail Address Withheld)
Subject: More Nazi-glorifying art on display at Sheppard AFB
Date: June 27, 2022 at 11:53:16 AM MDT
Mr. Weinstein,
I am writing to you on behalf of myself, a Christian, and a large number of other concerned Air Force active-duty members from various faith backgrounds, including minority faiths, no faith, and more than six members of the Jewish faith, about a highly offensive situation at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Thank you for responding to my inquiring so quickly. We are all very pleased that the MRFF will be advocating on our behalf.
Me and those on whose behalf I am writing are very concerned about the prospect of retaliation and do not believe that the Air Force channels would preserve anonymity and would not be effective to resolve the problem.
Just after we learned that a German Air Force colonel, Col Stefan Kleinheyer, commander of the 80th Operations Group, Sheppard AFB, Texas, prominently and proudly displays a framed picture celebrating a Nazi war hero with a prominent swastika in his office on base, we were shocked and astounded to learn that there are similar highly offensive pictures around the 80th Flying Training Wing that glorify and celebrate Nazi Luftwaffe aircraft and their pilots. I have attached three pictures as examples. These three pictures are on display in the hallways of the ENJJPT building (Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training), where US pilots train alongside NATO and European pilots.
The first picture, entitled “Defiant But Doomed” celebrates an aerial kill by Nazi ace Adolf Galland, who is depicted in his ME-109 (prominent swastika on the tail) shooting down an RAF Defiant near Dover. Galland was not only one of the most highly decorated Nazi Luftwaffe pilots, he was a member of the Nazi High Command! He is credited with over 100 confirmed kills of Allied aircraft. He cowardly fled to Argentina after the war and flew for Argentina’s air force.
The second picture is entitled “Special Duties” and depicts a JU-52 transport with a prominent swastika on the tail. There is even a Nazi Luftwaffe “war eagle” swastika seal in the bottom corner of the frame! The painting commemorates a special mission in which the JU-52 successfully transported a conference of Nazi High Command officers over the Dolomites during World War II. It is signed by several former Nazi Luftwaffe pilots.
The third picture is entitled ‘Alpine Thunder” and also depicts a mission by Nazi ace Adolf Galland in late April 1945. It celebrates Galland’s decision to flee the advancing Allied forces with his precious ME-262 fighter jets to Salzburg, deep in the mountains. Later that day, one of Galland’s pilots downed an American P-47. This offensive painting is signed by three decorated Nazi Luftwaffe pilots who flew the ME-262 in combat.
These outrageously offensive painting have been displayed for months, perhaps years, and no one seems to have complained about them until now, which shows a toxic culture that discourages anyone from coming forward because of fear of retaliation.
It is outrageous that there are multiple pictures celebrating Nazis who killed countless allied airmen on a US Air Force base. Such displays would never be allowed in a German Air Force squadron now, but the commanders of the 80thFlying Training Wing apparently have no concerns about celebrating Nazi war heroes and aircraft responsible for the deaths of thousands of US and Allied airmen during World War II. No US commanding officer should have ever allowed these offensive paintings to be displayed. These inappropriate and extraordinarily abhorrent glorifications of the Nazi Luftwaffe discredit not only the wing and but the US Air Force.
The public should know about it, and those responsible for this abhorrent display and those who have allowed it to be displayed should have to explain themselves to the public and the taxpayers.
I hereby transfer all rights, title and interest to the attached photographs to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. (MRFF Client’s name and all other ID data withheld)
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MRFF Founder and President Mikey Weinstein's
email exchange with 1st Lt Daniel Lindstrom,
which resulted in the Nazi art in Colonel Kleinheyer's office being taken down, although the images
in the other building remain on display
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On Jun 28, 2022, at 10:32 AM, LINDSTROM, DANIEL J 1st Lt USAF AETC 80 FTW/PA wrote:
Mr. Weinstein,
In response to your recent inquiry, at present the historical artwork in question has been relocated from the Operations Group building pending the 80 FTW/CC-directed wing-wide art and artifact review. Please direct future inquiries through 80 FTW/PA.
Respectfully,
DANIEL J. LINDSTROM, 1st Lt, USAF
Public Affairs Advisor, 80th Flying Training Wing
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT)
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Subject: 80 FTW Inquiry
Date: June 28, 2022 at 10:42:02 AM MDT
To: "LINDSTROM, DANIEL J 1st Lt USAF AETC 80 FTW/PA"
Cc: "ORGERON, BRAD E Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CC", Craig Wills, Robert Haas, "GUNN, SCOTT A Col USAF AETC 80 FTW/CV", Charles Brown, Frank Kendall, Mark Milley, Kathleen Hicks
……sorry, your answer is not even reMOTELY good enough, 1Lt. Daniel Lindstrom..!!….WHERE has it been “relocated” to and is it STILL on public display there???!!!…enough nuanced deliberate wordplay!!….we demand substantive answers!!!…NOW!!!…Mikey W./MRFF 505-250-7727
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On Jun 28, 2022, at 12:53 PM, LINDSTROM, DANIEL J 1st Lt USAF AETC 80 FTW/PA wrote:
It is not on display.
Respectfully,
DANIEL J. LINDSTROM, 1st Lt, USAF
Public Affairs Advisor, 80th Flying Training Wing
Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT)
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Date: June 28, 2022 at 1:00:39 PM MDT
To: "LINDSTROM, DANIEL J 1st Lt USAF AETC 80 FTW/PA"
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] 80 FTW Inquiry
Thank you… Obviously please keep it that way and provide us timely updates should that status change, Lieutenant…
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Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America letter in support of MRFF's battle to get the vile,
Nazi-glorifying artwork removed
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PLEASE MAKE A
100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
MRFF is a 501C3 Nonprofit
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MRFF Information/Contact:
(505) 250-7727
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