Kirtland Air Force Base guards stop using religious greetings

Gate guards at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have ceased using religious greetings such as ‘Have a blessed day’ or ‘God bless you’ following numerous complaints. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation reported receiving 34 complaints in recent weeks, noting that a majority of the complainants also identify as Christian.

Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and a former Air Force captain, stated that the greetings were unconstitutional and violated Air Force regulations regarding non-discrimination based on faith or lack thereof. Weinstein noted that while the greetings have stopped, the base has not provided formal recognition of the policy change.

The Pentagon has been contacted for comment regarding the matter and indicated it will respond as soon as possible.