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Air Force Academy Coach's Statement
Statement By
Fisher DeBerry
Head Football Coach
United States Air Force Academy
June 22, 2005
Posted: June 22, 2005
I am a Christian. Everything in my life is centered around my faith. It is who I am. I am neither shy nor embarrassed about telling others about my God. I apologize to no one for what I believe.
However, my Air Force Academy is under the microscope for religious respect issues, and I seem to be a central figure in many of the reports and allegations. Since I’ve been a part of this great institution for over 25 years and the last thing I want to do is tarnish its image, I feel it necessary to make a statement.
While I have a strong Christian faith, I have never intentionally set out to pressure, offend or upset anyone who might not agree with me. I have never purposely set out to impose my beliefs on others nor have I discriminated against any player, coach or cadet for not believing the way I do.
As well as everyone else at the Academy, I’m scheduled to attend one of the mandatory RSVP training seminars and join in the discussions about how, where and when it’s appropriate to share one’s religious beliefs on a military installation. However, even before I go to RSVP training, it’s apparent to me that my locker room prayers to the “Master Coach” and hanging the FCA Competitors Creed banner crossed the line of acceptable practices. Because of my position as a senior leader and role model here, I understand how those actions could have been misconstrued. That won’t happen again.
I’m fully on board to help turn the tide on this issue, and do my part to educate all of Team USAFA on the need for all of us to respect what each of us believes, even when we don’t always agree.
This is the last I will say on this issue. Now, let’s talk some Falcon Football!
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