By J.M. Phelps | AFN News
According to a September 2 press release by Younts Law, “The (Air Force Inspector General) substantiated Major Schilperoort’s complaint that his commander unlawfully issued a letter of reprimand and refused to process his December 2023 flu shot religious accommodation request.”
American Family News spoke to R. Davis Younts, founder of Younts Law and legal counsel for Maj. Schilperoort. “From a legal standpoint,” the retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer tells AFN, “the substantiation of Major Schilperoort’s complaints by the Air Force Inspector General and MEO (Military Equal Opportunity program) represents a critical breakthrough in the battle to restore Christians who have suffered for their beliefs in the military.”
According to Younts, “This outcome not only vindicates my client after years of perseverance but also sets a precedent that could benefit countless other Airmen facing similar challenges to their religious freedoms.”
The independent reviews confirmed that Maj. Schilperoort’s letter of reprimand was “issued unlawfully, ignoring a pending religious accommodation request.” As his counsel, Younts is “encouraged by the actions of new leaders in the Pentagon and their willingness to use their positions to ensure just outcomes.”
“Public reporting (by J.M. Phelps) was key in triggering this review, but ultimately, it’s the new leadership in the Department of Defense (DoD) and their commitment to justice that prevailed,” the retired Lieutenant Colonel admits.
“Legally, this case underscores the importance of protecting sincerely held beliefs while maintaining operational readiness, and it could positively affect numerous others in uniform who have encountered religious discrimination.”
“With 17 years of honorable service at stake, the (Air Force) Secretary’s pending decision on discharge is pivotal,” Younts points out. “From my perspective as a retired Air Force JAG, restoring Major Schilperoort’s pay and flight status would not only rectify this injustice but also reinforce protections for the broader military community against reprisal.”
Emphasizing his views do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force, Maj. Schilperoort tells AFN the news is “a Godsend.” The C-130 pilot explained, “Of all the things I thought would happen — and that includes possible reinstatement — I never in a million years thought the U.S. Air Force would admit that they wronged me.”
In Maj. Schilperoort’s opinion, “There’s been this entrenchment of the false belief among so many American bureaucracies, and especially in the Department of Defense, that if you admit you’re wrong, it will go worse for you.”
But to the contrary, he says, “the exact opposite is true: people will pledge loyalty to leaders and organizations who are humble and can admit mistakes on their own volition, (adding) this earns trust and avoids much sharper penalties when one is later made to admit them.”
The importance of accountability
It is his prayer that accountability will also be enforced as he was improperly held accountable for “disobeying unlawful orders,” and that it will be applied equitably and without prejudice to all those who infringed on the rights of service members or gave unlawful directives. “If this does not happen, the same abuses that happened to me and so many others will continue unchecked,” he argues.
The C-130 pilot gave praise where praise was due: “Again, I sincerely thank both the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General, Air Force Review Boards Agency Director, and both their teams for the courageous step they took to get to uncover the truth and begin the process of accountability and restoration.”
Maj. Schilperoort also shared a “heartfelt sentiment to his countrymen and women.” For those following his story, he says, “thank you for your prayers and generosity, and for paying attention and caring.” As many doubted this day would arrive for him, he offers, “Know that God is moving in our nation and to Him be the glory.”
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