From: Martin France
Subject: Sincerest Thanks!
Date: January 31, 2023 at 4:43:11 PM MST
Dear Mikey & Bonnie,
Even though we speak by telephone often, it’s almost always on the “tactical” level, discussing the day-to-day issues that the MRFF confronts for its clients. With this new year, I’ve made a resolution to send some well-deserved thank you notes to those that really made a profound difference in my life and those of others—a more personal and in-depth way to recognize good deeds in a world that often seems bereft of the same.
When we first met back in 2004, I never would’ve guessed that our foundational conversations would lead towards you two founding a leading, nationally recognized and awarded organization that would directly defend the rights of over 82,000 clients, while representing the rights of millions—our military and their families, past, present, and future.
It may have started with the defense of our kids and their classmates at the US Air Force Academy, subjected to gross examples of bias and ridicule, but the MRFF is now THE organization that ALL members of the military turn to first when they see religious bias in their profession. You’ve been so successful that even veterans, first responders, and others in our society have turned to you for advice and support.
That you’ve allowed me to play a role in that progress and contribute along the way with my writing, words, and advice has meant so much to my family and me. Even with more than 40 years in uniform, many of the small triumphs we’ve had supporting USAFA cadets, junior officers and enlisted personnel have been among the most satisfying of my life.
And the BIG accomplishments! Pushing for regulations like Air Force Instruction 1-1 that codifies religious behavior and limitations thereof throughout the Department of the Air Force, your congressional testimony, the MANY reversals of bone-headed decisions made by offending commanders world-wide that affect our military every day—there are just too many to count. The fact is, no other civil rights organization in the nation knows the military better. None can do what you do.
What I think many don’t appreciate are the personnel letters of thanks we receive from our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and guardians. They KNOW you and the MRFF have their backs and their notes reflect that reassurance. These thousands of letters could form another whole book for Bonnie and serve as an appropriate counterweight to the hateful bile, threats, and invective spewed at you by those that promote the theistic takeover of our military and republic.
For what you’ve done, what you do every day, and what I know you’re committed to do in the future, I thank you. Our Air & Space forces, military, and nation are better, fairer, and freer because of what you do.
Sincerely
Martin E.B. France, PhD
Brigadier General, USAF (Retired)
Professor Emeritus, USAF Academy
MRFF Advisory Board Member
PS – Feel free to share my thanks and testimonial–you deserve it!
