Christian Air Force Veteran Relieved of Duties for Refusing to Affirm Homosexual ‘Marriage’

SAN ANTONIO – A Christian Air Force Veteran has been relieved of his duties after declining to affirm homosexual marriage.

Senior Master Sergeant Phillip Monk has served in the Air Force for 19 years, and has been stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. When he recently returned from deployment, he found that he had a new commander, who was a lesbian.

Monk says that in his early communication with the commander, he knew there would be concerns.

“She said she wanted a chaplain but objected to one particular chaplain that she called a ‘bigot’ because he preached that homosexuality is a sin,” he explained to reporters. “She then said, ‘I don’t know what kind of people actually believe that kind of cr**.’ I knew I was going to have a rough time in this unit and I would have to be very careful about what I said.”

Monk was later asked to advise the commander regarding a disciplinary matter involving an Air Force instructor who had expressed his disagreement with homosexual “marriage” in a written presentation.

“Her very first reaction was to say, ‘We need to lop off the head of this guy,’” he recalled. “The commander took the position that his speech was discrimination.”

However, when Monk read the words at issue, he believed that the instructor had not done anything wrong.

“He was trying to essentially say [that] despite our differences, it’s the Air Force core values that unite us, and in that process he made some sort of statement about, ‘I don’t believe in same-sex marriage, but it doesn’t matter. I’m going to train you the same anyway,’” he explained.

But the commander told Monk that he needed to be on the same page as she was, and that if he didn’t do so, he would be moved elsewhere. She then questioned him on whether he believes it is discrimination for a person to state that they disagree with homosexual “marriage.” He replied that he did not wish to answer because of his convictions.

Monk was then relieved of his duties because he would not affirm the commander’s beliefs.

The Liberty Institute, a Christian legal organization in Plano, Texas, is now representing Monk. Attorney Hiram Sasser told reporters that he believes that while homosexuals are coming out of the closet in the military, Christians are getting shoved into it.

“Are we going to have a ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy for Christians so we don’t get harassed for our beliefs?” he asked. “Here’s a guy who wants to have his religious liberty and serve in the military. He shouldn’t have to believe in gay marriage in order to serve.”

Co-counsel Kelly Shackelford told FOX News that the commander’s actions were unlawful.

“What happened here to Sergeant Monk is a violation of Air Force policy; it’s a violation of DOD policy; it’s a violation of the Constitution,” he said. “Our soldiers deserve a lot better. They’ve given service for us to protect [our] freedoms, so I think the least we can do is to stand with them when they are under attack.”

In the AF, 1st Sgt is a job title, not a rank. What he was doing was right in the core of his job description:

8F000 - FIRST SERGEANT

Special Duty Summary: (Note: This is a special duty assignment job. It is not available to new enlistees). Principal advisor to the commander on all issues related to the enlisted force; and exercises general supervision over assigned enlisted personnel. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 521.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides the commander a mission-ready enlisted force to execute the unit mission. Must remain vigilant for, and move to resolve, issues that, left unchecked, would adversely impact the readiness of enlisted members. Prepares enlisted personnel of the organization to deploy in support of mission requirements. Exercise the necessary leadership to provide and sustain a mission-ready workforce for the commander.

Advises the commander on a wide range of topics including the health, esprit de crops, discipline, mentoring, well being, career progression, professional development, and recognition of all assigned enlisted members. Assists the commander in preparation and execution of unit training and information programs (e.g. commander’s call). Attends staff meetings. Represents the commander at base meetings and councils, and when conducting tours through unit areas.

Works with fellow senior noncommissioned officers (SNCO) and supervisory personnel to ensure discipline is equitably maintained, and the health, esprit de crops, discipline, mentoring, and welfare of the enlisted force are met. Ensures supervisors set an appropriate example for the subordinates. Provides leadership and guidance to supervisors and members enabling them to resolve problems or complaints at the lowest level. Coordinates the resolution of complex problems with the supervisor, member, commander, and appropriate base agencies. Maintains liaison with base agencies to ensure availability of services for unit members. Ensures training is provided on matters of leadership, customs and courtesies, dress and personal appearance, self-discipline, adherence to standards, drill and ceremony, safety, hygiene, and sanitation. Supports and promotes profession military education activities. Corrects conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.

Assists enlisted personnel in adapting to military environment and adjusting to the organization and duty assignments. Monitors unit sponsorship programs and conducts orientation for newly assigned personnel. Make frequent contact with unit members at work, housing, and recreation areas.

Manages care and upkeep of unit dormitories and adjacent grounds. Participates in the Quarters Improvement Committee. Inspects dormitories, day rooms, and unit areas as necessary. Initiates corrective action when required. Addresses housing concerns, ensuring personnel are expeditiously housed, accounted for, and issues or conditions, which have the potential to negatively impact readiness, are resolved.

Supervises administrative actions directed by the commander. Coordinates with supervisors of enlisted personnel to schedule unit functions, duties, leave, passes, and other absences from duty. Performs quality force review and ensures timely processing of performances reports, awards, decorations, favorable communications, promotions, demotions, classification actions, quality control actions, and disciplinary actions.

Works closely with the command chief master sergeant to ensure enlisted members understand and are prepared to execute the mission. Develops and executes specific goals, plans, and objectives to address issues related to enlisted members.

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