Religious freedoms enshrined in Constitution Published Feb. 5, 2010 By Lt. Col. (Chaplain) William Ziegler Air Force Academy Cadet Wing chaplain U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The American Airmen who comprise your United States Air Force come from diverse backgrounds. However, one thing we all hold in common is that each of us has pledged to "support and defend the Constitution of United States." Rooted in our Constitution's First Amendment is freedom of religion, a right to be protected for all Americans regardless of religious preference. Air Force chaplains serve as caretakers of this right for military members. Throughout our nation's history, the U.S. military has, time and again, paved the way for social progress. Those who have worn and currently wear the uniform understand that mutual respect fuels freedom. To successfully defend freedom for all Americans, we must respect one another's rights. To deny or disrespect the freedom of one is to put at risk the freedom of all. This includes religious freedom. The Air Force remains neutral regarding religious beliefs and will not officially endorse nor disapprove any faith belief or absence of belief. Air Force Instruction 36-2706, "Military Equal Opportunity Program," defines religion as "A personal set or institutionalized system of attitudes, moral or ethical beliefs and practices held with the strength of traditional religious views, characterized by ardor and faith and generally evidenced through specific religious observances." Persons of Earth-centered faith have been meeting at the Air Force Academy for more than 10 years and are included in within this definition. Outdoor worship space is one of their religious requirements. Therefore, persons of all religious affiliations need to recognize and appreciate that the U.S. Air Force Academy outdoor Stone Circle represents the freedoms that all of us as Americans enjoy as well as the freedoms we, as Airmen, have pledged to defend.