Apologia Radio, Episode 563

Title: Religious Discrimination in the CA National Guard
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Luke the Bear (standing in for Jeff Durbin)
Guests: Caleb Bird (attorney, The Military Council), Captain Andrew Garza (California National Guard)

Overview

This episode tackles the ongoing issue of religious discrimination within the California National Guard, focusing on the real-time legal battle facing Captain Andrew Garza and his fellow servicemembers. The discussion exposes how Christian beliefs are clashing with state-level DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) enforcement, the implications for military standards, and the dire personal consequences for Garza and his crew. Luke, Caleb, and Captain Garza offer a detailed look at Garza’s service, the specific allegations, and the broader cultural pressure on Christians in public service.

Key Discussion Points

1. Setting the Scene: Legal, Political, and Cultural Context

• DEI and State vs. Federal Authority
  • Caleb Bird explains ongoing religious discrimination despite perceived federal rollback of DEI under President Trump. State-level control (especially in CA) still asserts DEI mandates over joint task forces combining National Guard and state agencies (08:43).
  • Quote:
    "Unless you fully embrace and parrot the groupthink, you are going to be persecuted in the California National Guard right now."
    — Caleb Bird (07:37)

2. Captain Garza's Military and Firefighting Background

• Garza’s Career Highlights (10:36—20:28)

  • Marine Corps infantryman, squad leader in Iraq invasion, part of the unit that helped bring down Saddam Hussein’s statue (11:06).

  • 20+ years’ service crossing Marine Corps and National Guard, extensive wildland firefighting since 2020.

  • Led “Bully Shoot” hand crew within the Joint Task Force Rattlesnake, a National Guard/Cal Fire partnership (13:41).

  • Highly decorated: Crew of the Year multiple times (22:55).

  • Leadership style: military discipline, exceptional PT standards, high morale, deep concern for his people, and Christian mentorship (24:02–26:55).

  • Quote:
    “We ran it like a military outfit... rigid discipline and structure, but also high morale and having a good time at work and then just execution.”
    — Capt. Garza (25:39)

3. The Religious Discrimination Controversy

• Nature of Allegations and Investigation (31:53–44:51)

  • Allegations center on Garza’s Christian faith and upholding high crew standards.

  • Specifics:

    • Hosting optional Bible studies before work.
    • Assignment of women to admin tasks based on volunteerism, misconstrued as discrimination.
    • Refusal to allow “degenerate” music on crew bus.
    • Sharing a thesis paper on women’s suffrage written in college—alleged as anti-woman.
    • “Microaggressions” cited repeatedly in the official investigation, often without specifics (40:55).

  • Tied to crew’s high performance; most complaints came from low-performing members or leadership hostile to outspoken faith and discipline (46:48).

  • Quote:
    "He's such a Christian and in a leadership role—the air is just filled with microaggressions."
    — Caleb Bird (42:55)

4. The Official Process — And its Flaws

• Failure of Due Process

  • Despite the military system’s supposed protections, Garza’s investigation findings were slow, relied on vague complaints, and ignored facts (43:46–44:51).

  • Preliminary findings were used to negatively influence his performance evaluation before final findings—potentially to quietly terminate employment by not renewing his orders (51:12).

  • Quote:
    "It’s clear…they started with the end in mind and they would tell whatever lie they have to to get the outcome that they desire."
    — Caleb Bird (43:25)

• Career Implications (18:58–19:51; 53:13–53:54)

  • Termination would cut off Garza’s retirement and potentially those of several others.
  • State appears intent on letting time run out on March 31 when orders are renewed, thus avoiding a formal hearing.

5. The Broader Force and Cultural Issues

• Group Targeted:
  • At least 3 (possibly up to 6) members under investigation—all from the same “Bully Shoot” crew at Chassis Reformed Church in Redding, CA. They represent a significant portion of the high-performing team (36:44–37:06).
  • Broader implication: deliberate removal of capable, faithful personnel for their beliefs (57:00).
• Legal Response and Next Steps:
  • Law firm submitted detailed legal rebuttal; state is stalling (51:12).
  • Considering future litigation for religious discrimination, especially if time-wasting tactic persists (55:13).

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Heroic Firefighting Story:

  • Garza recounts an intense “hairy” firefighting experience during the Palisades fire, highlighting the danger, the necessity for standards, and crew cohesion (29:04–31:39).
  • "That was hairy because, you know, you’re wearing all this stuff, it’s really steep, you’re exhausted, and that fire can just run uphill like crazy…" (30:25)

• On the Courage to Stand:

  • “Is God real or isn’t He? Will he provide for you if you seek first the kingdom, or won’t he? He will... Don’t let yourself have a price. Live in accordance with the truth and proclaim it boldly.”
    — Capt. Garza (63:42–66:20)

• “Wrestling with Pigs” Analogy:

  • “There’s a reason you don’t wrestle a pig. You both get muddy and the pig likes it... When it comes to litigation, especially as it relates to religious discrimination, we’re the pigs on this issue. Love it.”
    — Caleb Bird (56:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Religious Discrimination in CA National Guard Explained: 05:30–07:55
• State vs. Federal DEI enforcements: 08:43–10:03
• Captain Garza’s background: 10:36–16:37
• Handcrew structure and excellence: 20:28–26:55
• Dangerous firefighting stories: 29:04–31:39
• Breakdown of the investigation and allegations: 31:53–44:51
• State’s process stalling tactics: 51:12–53:49
• Legal strategy and future litigation: 55:10–56:37
• Action steps for California Christians & concern for fire safety: 59:50–62:16
• Encouragement to Christian men & final words: 63:42–66:30

Action Items / What Listeners Can Do

• California residents:
  • Call and email state reps, National Guard leadership, the Governor's office to demand accountability and end to discrimination (59:50–61:41).
• Other Christians:
  • Pray for discernment and protection for Garza and fellow service members.
  • If affected, reach out to The Military Council for support (62:20).
• Broader Political Engagement:
  • “County before country”—get involved at the local level for real impact.

Final Words

• Captain Garza stands as a model of conviction under fire (literally and figuratively):
  • “We are in this predicament because men for decades who should have stood up and said no were not doing that. Didn't. They had a price... That's got to stop.” (63:42)
• The episode closes with calls for solidarity, civil engagement, and faith-based courage in the face of mounting cultural and institutional pressure.

For more information or to support Captain Garza’s legal fight:

• Find Caleb Bird on X (@CalebNBird), at The Military Council, or yancelaw.com

(For further details, the episode includes post-show discussion and resources for public policy engagement.)