Islam has nothing to hide, says soldier

Texas Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Rafael Lantigua is a "piece of work," a piece of "patchwork," to be exact. Consider his background: A Roman Catholic father from the Dominican Republic, an African-American Baptist mother from South Carolina, a step-father whose own father was a Buddhist from Japan.

So 15 years ago, when Lantigua came across an English translation of the Koran, he was open to something new and attracted to Islam's emphasis on the Oneness of God.

"I did see richness in the diversity within Islam, itself," Lantigua said. "Seeing Muslims from all walks of life, social, economic differences, racial, ethnic, cultural, coming together, worshipping God without issues."

The officer is as horrified as anyone else about what happened at Fort Hood Thursday when a Muslim Army major gunned down dozens of his fellow soldiers.

"A Muslim, one who is practicing Islam or a Christian, one who is practicing and implementing the teachings of Christianity, or a Jew for that matter, or anybody that has a strong foundation in their religious practice, they don't commit these atrocities," said Lantigua.

Asked about the possibility that Muslims might be targeted for revenge or simply hassled and discriminated against, the Lieutenant is reflective: "We are part of the society; we are part of the fabric of the society and we're not going to hide because we have nothing to hide."

Indeed, the number of Muslims in the Austin area, according to Imam Islam Mossaad at the North Austin Muslim Community Center Mosque where Lantigua attended prayers Friday, is in the neighborhood of 10,000 people.

An addition to the mosque, itself, was underway and heavy equipment rumbled outside as the prayer service unfolded. Some of the newcomers are also new to the area, attracted by high-tech jobs. Others are converts to Islam, like Lantigua.

The Lieutenant hopes to become part of the Muslim clergy that will guide the faithful, particularly those in the military. After thirteen years in the Air Force and two in the Texas Army National Guard, Lantigua is a candidate for appointment as a Muslim chaplain.

"I think that the United States will continue to be engaged with the, quote-unquote, Muslim world," he said. And if that's the case, then I plan on doing the best and the most that I can to make that easy."