![U.S. Army Capt. Russell Rippetoe | First Liberty](https://firstliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Army-R-Rippetoe-B-300-150x150.jpg)
The First Iraq War Soldier Buried in Arlington National Cemetery Wore Shields of Strength
by Jorge Gomez • 5 min read In April 2003, U.S. Army Capt. Russell B. “Rusty” Rippetoe and two other Army Rangers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. While rushing to assist a local pregnant woman crying for help, the three soldiers were killed […]
![Shields of Strength | First Liberty](https://firstliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SOS-300-150x150.jpg)
Anti-Faith Activists Threaten to Rip Away Inspirational Dog Tags from Military Service Members
Shields of Strength are much more than just a chain. For those serving in uniform, these tags are a source of encouragement, a symbol of sacrifice and a tangible reminder of the strength gained through faith.
![Faith in the Navy | First Liberty](https://firstliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/sec-3-Navy-BDAY2-300-150x150.jpg)
The Enduring Role of Faith in America’s Navy
The U.S. Navy is about to celebrate its 244th birthday. Here are three important facts you need to know about how faith and religious freedom continue to be an integral part of Navy tradition.
![First Liberty | Pow Mia Recognition Day](https://firstliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FLI_Insider_Section_1_-POW-MIA_Remembrance_Day_300x300-150x150.jpg)
Remembering Our POW/MIA’s Includes Recognizing Their Faith
On POW/MIA Recognition Day, Americans set aside time to honor the men and women of our armed forces who were prisoners of war and those who never came home. Learn how we continue to defend the constitutional right of all service members, as well as their families, to express and live out their faith.
![VP Mike Pence | The Bible Stays | First Liberty](https://firstliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FLI_Insider_Section_1_The_Bible_Stays_300x300-150x150.jpg)
VP Pence Says “The Bible Stays!” on POW/MIA Remembrance Display in New Hampshire
Watch this exclusive video of Vice President Mike Pence at The American Legion’s recent national convention directly referring to a First Liberty case. We’re defending a POW/MIA Remembrance display in a New Hampshire VA hospital that contains a family Bible donated by a WWII veteran.
![VA Lifts Bible Ban | First Liberty](https://firstliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FLI_Insider_Section_1_VA_Lifts_Bible_Ban_300x300-150x150.jpg)
VA Lifts Ban on Bibles and Helps Protect Religious Freedom for America’s Veterans
The landmark precedent set by the Bladensburg WWI Veterans Memorial case not only helped protect the memory of our fallen heroes – it also played a role in helping the VA update its policies to permit religious literature, symbols and displays across facilities nationwide.