Jason Torpy

Queen Mary 2007, more photos below

Mr. Torpy serves as the President of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF), a national non-profit building community for atheists and humanists in the military.

Mr. Torpy has held seats on the boards of the Secular Coalition for America and its Educational Fund, the American Humanist Association and its lobbying affiliates, and the Humanist Society. He also served as the original Endorsing Agent for The Humanist Society’s clergy, chaplain, and lay leader programs and has performed as a Celebrant for Humanist weddings and funerals including a military burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Photos of Jason Torpy for public use (credit militaryatheists.org): Air Force Chaplain Corps College 2011, White House Executive Office Building 2008, US Air Force Academy 2010, National Mall 2005

After joining the military in 1994, Mr. Torpy has been active with the nontheist and humanist communities. He has addressed issues of separation of church and state and equal opportunity for nontheistic service members in Army basic training, Army parachutist training, military academy programs, and in combat situations. Mr. Torpy’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management from West Point and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. He is a Humanist Celebrant recognized by the Humanist Society.

After earning top graduate honors from two intelligence training programs, Mr. Torpy was offered direct admission to the United States Military Academy. Upon graduation, Mr. Torpy was commissioned as an officer and served for five years in Germany, Kuwait, and Iraq with the Army’s 1st Armored Division. He left the service in 2005 at the rank of Captain to pursue an MBA.

Mr. Torpy speaks on a range of issues related to the atheist, humanist, and general nontheist community, especially as these issues relate to the military. Mr. Torpy has spoken to large audiences at national conventions, every national military academy, awards banquets, outdoor events, and press conferences, as well as radio appearances on programs such as BBC World Today, RT Television, and NPR.

Mr Torpy requests a $500 fee for speaking engagements, workshops, and ceremonies (weddings, funerals, retirements, etc). Discounts may be extended for military events, highly-visible appearances, and other special circumstances. Please see the list of Appearances and Presentations below for qualifications.

Presentation Topics and Celebrant Services :: [contact]

  • The Pathway to Equal Rights for Atheists in Foxholes: Historical precedent and current events related to religious privilege in the military, the humanist community, and the role of the chaplaincy in fostering change.
  • Atheists in Foxholes: Past & Present: A virtual tour of religion in war, secular ethics within war, and patriotic sacrifice through the perspective of famous atheists in foxholes
  • The Humanist Perspective: Beliefs, Values, and Ethics for a Better Society: A humanist perspective on understanding the natural world through the lens of science and living a fulfilling life through humanistic values and personal meaning.
  • Facilitating Atheist & Humanist Rights in the Workplace: Perspectives on how management actions can create a climate conducive to or hostile to nontheists in the workplace (military or civilian)
  • Celebrant services, including weddings, funerals, baby welcoming, and other life stage ceremonies
  • Military ceremonies, including enlistments, commissioning, awards, retirements, and funerals with secular or humanistic approach (subject to availability but free of charge in most cases)

Selected Appearances, Performances, and Presentations, Jason Torpy and MAAF representatives

* Jason Torpy is representing MAAF unless other representatives or purposes are listed