NEWSROOM - 2007
December 21, 2007
VFP Members Help Distribute Phone Cards to Veterans Hospitals Across the Nation
Members of Veterans For Peace, along with Credo Action, helped to distribute over 30,000 phone cards on Friday, December 21.
> read more
December 18, 2007
Update on Iraq Water Project
Originally published in the December 2007 Newsletter
Since 1999--eight long, painful years-- Veterans For Peace Iraq Water Project has tried to be a countervailing force to destructive American policy in Iraq.
Prior to the military assault and in partnership with the Muslim-American NGO Life for Relief and Development, IWP rebuilt six municipal and rural water treatment plants in southern and central Iraq. Contaminated water afflicted 50% (now 70%) of Iraq's people at the time and tipped many a young child into his grave. Following the invasion--and after much conflicted discussion within our committee about how to proceed-- we financed a second set of repairs to two of these water plants: one at Falluja damaged in US military action in 2004, and the Hamden Jissr unit south of Basra, just recently completed. For reasons I do not have space to rehearse here, we have changed our approach. By a fortuitous circumstance, we have a very valuable contact in Amman, Jordan. Faiza al-Araji, an Iraqi water engineer who fled abroad after threats to her family, is using her exile in every way possible to help her fellow citizens, both in and out of Iraq.
IWP is presently sending small, eight gallon per minute water sterilization units to Iraqi hospitals. (Imagine your own hospital having no source of clean water.) The device we have chosen, on Faiza's recommendation, is called Sterilight, manufactured in Ontario and available in Amman. Faiza establishes contact with reliable Iraqi medical personnel, purchases the unit and arranges transportation.
The Iraq Water Project (IWP) is a project of Veterans For Peace, Inc. (VFP), a national veterans Peace & Justice organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Our principal partner in IWP is Life for Relief & Development, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and dedicated to alleviating human suffering in Iraq and many other parts of the world.
December 14, 2007
Charges Dropped Against Boston 18!
BOSTON -- The charge of disturbing a lawful assembly was dismissed today with no payment of court costs in Boston Municipal Court against 15 veterans, members of Veterans For Peace, and 3 supporters, who were arrested on Veterans Day.
The Veterans Day 18 were standing silently, with gags through their mouths and with signs that said "American Legion SILENCES Messages of Peace From Veterans" in front of a raised podium on City Hall Plaza on November 11 when they were arrested. A request to have a speaker at the event was denied by the American Legion, in spite of a City Council hearing called by Boston City Councillor Chuck Turner and two other councillors titled "Isn't Veterans Day For All Veterans?" In addition, Veterans For Peace was relegated to march behind the street sweepers in order to not be in the official Veterans Day parade, despite it being the single largest veterans contingent.
December 12, 2007
Former US Soldiers Meet With the Syrian Ambassador
Four former US soldiers and Veterans For Peace members, met Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 with the Ambassador of Syria, Dr. Imad Moustapha, in an effort to advance good relations between the people of our two nations.
The Veterans For Peace delegation met the Ambassador as a first step in people-to-people diplomacy, and to discuss a forthcoming VFP Delegation to Syria. "Bridges of peace must be built on strong foundations, built from the solid rock of the people of one nation to the solid rock of the people of another nation," said Ellen Barfield a VFP Board of Directors member and VFP United Nations Delegate.
December 7, 2007
Ann Wright Sentenced to Three Days in Jail
Veterans For Peace member, and former Army Colonel and U.S. diplomat, was found guilty by a jury trial for a statement she made at the General Petraeus hearing in September. Ann was immediately taken to jail to serve a three day sentence. According to emails from friends at CodePink, she is also scheduled to serve six months probation, and 75 hours of community service.
It appears from the emails that this guilty verdit was unexpected. More information can be found at the AfterDowningStreet.org website.NOVEMBER 20, 2007
Veterans For Peace Sponsored Armistice Day Parade in Pennsylvania
On Sunday, November 11,
2007, at
Meadville Pennsylvania, a city of 14,000, the Crawford County, Pennsylvania
chapter of Veterans for Peace sponsored a Veterans/Armistice Day Parade and
rally to celebrate the 88th anniversary of Armistice Day which became
Veterans Day in 1954. The parade had roughly 200 participants, including Appeal for Redress co-founder, Jonathon Hutto.
Sanford Kelson, the local VFP parade chair said: "I am sure that every soldier who serves in armed combat hopes and prays that someday war will be a distant memory, and that no new soldiers will need to take his or her place in battle."
NOVEMBER 12, 2007
VFP Stands Up for Veterans Day
This year, Veterans For Peace members across the country stood up for the rights of all Veterans who stand for peace. Long Beach, CA and Denver, CO both had troubles getting access to their local Veterans Day parade. While Denver VFP was able to march, Long Beach never did make it into their parade, despite the effort by IVAW, MFSO, and VFP.
Other chapters, such as Boston, MA were given such strict restrictions when marching that they took things into their own hands. After marching after the end of the Boston Veterans Day parade, 18 members of VFP stood with their mouths gagged and signs that read "American Legion SILENCES messages of peace from veterans." Those 18 were arrested for their couragous stand.
NOVEMBER 9, 2007
Judge Bars Second Watada Court-Martial
A federal judge temporarily barred the second court-martial of Lt Ehren Watada. Watada's first court-martial took place in February this year and ended in a mistrial. He was supposed to face his second court-martial when his lawyers appealed to a federal judge. The argument his lawyers made were that holding a second trial violates Watada's 5th Amendments rights.
[AP | Seattle Post Intellegencer | AFP]
October 19, 2007
"Raise Hell for Molly Ivins" as part of Iraq Moratorium
Veterans For Peace members have created a new campaign called, "Raise Hell for Molly Ivins." Similiar to the Iraq Moratorium in the fact that they take action on the third Friday of every month, but they have a very specific targert: CONGRESS!
The Raise Hell for Molly Ivins campaign is a group of grassroots activists that inspired by the jouranlist Molly Ivins. In her call to "Raise hell!" people are encouraged to wear black arm bands, join a pots and pans protest outside of a Congressional office, or take another action to show your opposition to the war and occupation of Iraq.
september 15, 2007
David Cline We Salute You
David Cline passed away early September 15, 2007. Most of you know
that David was a giant in the Veteran’s anti-war and peace movements. A
national coordinator and long time member of Vietnam Veterans Against
the War as well as former President of Veterans For Peace, David was a
crucial part of the explosion in VFP’s growth and led us in our
planning and actions as we have resisted the invasion and occupation of
Iraq. David was a giant among people who motivated all of us to action
by modeling leadership and providing inspiration.
David was my boss, mentor, friend and I loved him. He recruited me into VFP by simply being the person he was, a veteran working for peace. There are few people outside of my family whose death means such a loss to me personally. There are few in our nation whose loss means so much to our movement.
A quote David loved so much guided his thoughts and actions. He carried it in his wallet so that he could whip it out to motivate us at any time. Of course he also had it memorized.
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what a people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress." Frederick Douglass
David Cline We Salute You.
Letter from Executive Director, Michael T. McPhearson
DONATE TO THE DAVID CLINE MEMORIAL AND BURIAL EXPENSES FUND
VFP has setup a fund to help Gladys Simer, David's life companion with burial cost and expenses. Donations will also help Gladys transition from her life with David sharing everyday expenses to a life without him in her presence, but now in her heart.
> See photos, memorials, and articles about Davidseptember 20, 2007
VFP Joined IVAW in Stepping Up the Anti - War Movement
Last Saturday, September 15, member of Veterans For Peace traveled to
Washington D.C. to join the ANSWER Rally and March. Much of the
planning for the rally and march was driven by Iraq Veterans Against
the War. The march began with a not so typical color guard, with the
American flag hung upside down, and black flags painted with the logos
of the giant corporations that are making a profit off of this war. As
the march continued forward, many of the participants began a scheduled
die-in, while other attempted to cross police lines. Over 190 people,
including members of Veterans For Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the
war were arrested.
Photos & Blogs [ 1 | 2 | Gainesville, FL VFP | "A New Day in the Anti-War Movement" by Mike Ferner | "How to enjoy a DC Capitol Police All-Nighter Without Trying" by Ken Mayers | "Yesterday's Activities in D.C." by Patrick McCann | Our Peace Odyssey by Joseph Hayes]
Video [ Progressive Democrats of America | VFP Member talks about the Gathering of Eagles | Die-in, Speaking truth to Power | March on Washington, 9/15/07 ]september 4, 2007
Newly Chartered Chapters Getting Active!
Veterans For Peace is proud to introduce the chapters chartered at the 2007 national convention. Welcome chapters:- Charlotte, NC - Chapter 150
- Big Bend, TX - Chapter 151
- Lehigh Valley, PA - Chapter 152
- Northwest, WI - Chapter 153
august 31, 2007
A Plea from Adam Kokesh, "Protesting Is Not Enough"!
Join VFP in Washington D.C. on Sept. 15!
Dear Veterans For Peace,
As many of you are aware, the next big mobilization of anti-war protesters is going to be in Washington, DC on September 15th. However, you may not be aware of the significance of this particular demonstration. Tina Richards of Grassroots America and I have been working extensively with the ANSWER Coalition to make sure that this is not just another protest. We have made the theme, "Protesting is not enough. Come for the rally, stay for a week of direct action."
To kick off the week of action, after the rally we will march from the White House to the Capitol, and go strait into a mass civil-disobedience die-in around the Peace Monument. The die-in will be led by an Honor Guard of Iraq Veterans Against the War who will simulate a 21-Gun Salute before taps is played to initiate the die-in. We are asking as many members of VFP as possible to sign up to wear cammies and die-in around us to symbolize the American cost of this war. We will be encircled by bolts of red cloth to symbolize the Iraqi deaths and invite anyone else from the rally to participate in the die-in.
Tina Richards and Adam Kokesh Arrested
Thursday, September 6, Tina Richards and Adam Kokesh gathered with other supporters of the ANSWER Coalition march to defy a federal government ban on posting fliers in Washington D.C. for the anti-war rally on September 15.Richards and Kokesh were posting September 15 Coalition fliers despite the fact that the ANSWER coalition has been fined $30,000 by the federal government in the last few weeks. ANSWER laywer Ian Thompson was also arrested.
> Read more
AUGUST 30, 2007
VFP Recognizes International Day of the Disappeared
At the 2007 national VFP convention, a resolution was passed to
acknowledge the International Day of the Disappeared. August 30 marks
the day that organizations like Amnesty International and the United
Nations remember those imprisoned unknowingly to their families and
their nations. These disappeared may sometimes be imprisoned, not given any fair arrest or trail, held for indefinite periods of time and sometimes tortured or murdered.
Veterans For Peace recognizes August 30 as the Day of the Disappeared, or as it was originally known as, Dia Internacional del Desaparecido.
Learn more [Amnesty International | International Committee of the Red Cross]
> Read the VFP Resolution
AUGUST 20, 2007
2007 Convention HOT, HOT, HOT!
One convention participate described this convention as hot, hot, hot!
The temperature was hot (100 degrees), the workshops were hot, the
speakers were hot, and IVAW was hot! Together with over 44 workshops
and over 400 participants, that makes one amazing convention. Photo at the right is a human peace sign made under the arch!
HIGHLIGHTS
IVAW Action "War is not a game!"
Photos
Videos
News Media from Convention
Resolutions passed
Awards Presented
Workshop descriptions
AUGUST 6, 2007
An Open Letter to the Leaders of the Immigrants Rights Organizations
Fernando Suarez Del Solar writes about the upcoming DREAM Act. This
act contains several pathways for undocumented students to gain
citizenship, however, one of those options is military service.
Fernando, whose son Jesus was killed in Iraq on March 23, 2007, speaks
about the need to replace the military service with a community service
option for youth who cannot afford the high price of education.
Fernando also runs the website Guerrero Azteca Peace Project where he works with youth to find alternatives to military service.
› read more
JuLy 23, 2007
Call to Generals to Respect the Rights of our Troops
It begins with "There are many kinds of betrayal in human affairs. But in the affairs of state, there is no greater act of disloyalty than to send young men and women to their deaths on the basis of fraud. No soldier should ever give a life, or take a life, for a lie."
This is a call to the General of the U.S. Armed Forces to demand an end to this war! Learn how your chapter can spread this message in the media.
[ Call to Generals - Short Version | Call to Generals - Long Version]JuLY 17, 2007
Funding the War is Killing the Troops
Iraq Veterans Against the War is urging a rapid and safe withdrawal of troops from Iraq, adequate funding of the needs of veterans when they return and the rebuilding of Iraq by Iraqis.
According to Garett Reppenhagen, Chair of Iraq Vets Against the War: “Iraq Veterans Against the War is a growing movement of Iraq War era veterans and active duty service members that are opposing the occupation of Iraq . Through our military experience we have learned that the continued presence of US troops in the Middle-East is instigating further hatred toward American Armed Forces and undermining our nation's security. As a result, our military in Iraq is viewed by the majority of the world as occupiers and not peace keepers. The Iraq Veterans Against the War stands by the belief that funding the war is killing the troops.”
› read more and participate in this action
JuLY 2, 2007
Members of IVAW Arrested at Fort Benning
Three members of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) were arrested
yesterday and charged with criminal trespassing when they attempted
to gain access to the base to meet with active duty soldiers there. Ft.
Benning is the most recent stop of the group’s bus tour to military
bases in the Southeast to outreach to active duty troops and listen to
their stories.
You can listen to an interview with Jim Goodnow and some of the members of IVAW.
› read more
June 28, 2007
Agent Orange Victims Lawsuit Against Manufacturers
This June, Agent Orange victims from Vietnam and the United States met
in several cities to raise awareness to the damages of AO and to follow
up on an earlier lawsuit. The lawsuit, which was filed in January 2004,
was filed against 37 American Chemical companies. A judge later
dismissed the suit. The group, including several members of VFP, met
with Congressional leaders in Washington D.C. and participated in a
hearing in New York. Other travel stops include San Francisco, Chicago,
and Los Angeles. [View photos]About 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to the dioxin and more than three million of them have suffered physically as a result.
News Articles [Chicago Tribune | Thanh Nien News | Viet Nam News]› read more
June 22, 2007
IVAW Begins Bus Tour on East Coast
Iraq
Veterans Against the War began it's nine city bus tour Saturday, June
23rd, in Washington D.C. The cities they are going to be visiting
include Norfolk, Columbia SC, Atlanta, Jacksonville NC, New York City,
Philadelphia, and others. Along their route, they are going to be holding BBQs for active duty and veterans and attending fundraisers for IVAW.
The group is traveling in VFP Member, Jim Goodnow's Yellow Rose of Texas Bus.
[View IVAW Photos | Read IVAW Tour Bus Blog | View photos here]
June 22, 2007
David Honish, VFP Member from North Texas, Killed in Fatal Shooting
VFP Member, David Honish, was found dead from a fatal gun shot wound to
the head late last night in Flower Mound, Texas. David, a member of
Veterans For Peace since 2003, was an active member in Chapter 106 -
North Texas.David worked on getting the resolution against the Patriot Act passed at the 2003 National Convention, as well as organizing peace events in his home city of Denton, TX - Read David's article here
You can share your thoughts, feelings, and memories of David on the VFP Forum.
June 19, 2007
Chapter 054 Working with DU Veterans
If you are a Gulf War I or Iraq War Veteran who has been exposed to
Depleted Uranium, Chapter 054 - Santa Barbara, can represent you. Their
chapter has experience with medical, legal, and administrative law. FROM CHAPTER 054'S WEBSITE:
"We as a chapter of the VFP have started a program and done research to
develop a brief for presentation to the VA rating board to obtain
service connection disability for the affected veteran. Gulf war I and
II vets are encouraged to get in touch with us for information on this
project." To learn more about DU, check out this website: http://www.veteransforpeaceny.org/vfpduvets.htm
A. I. Holtz, MD, FAAP, pictured here, has had seven years experience on the rating board in the Los Angeles office.
You can email them for specific questions: vfpsb@vfpsb.org
June 5, 2007
Marine Board Recommends General Discharge for Adam Kokesh
After an all day hearing in Kansas City, with over 100 supporters
outside, Adam Kokesh testified to a three person panel regarding the
wearing of his uniform in an anti-war protest.
Despite the huge amount of support and publicity that Adam has received, the panel still recommended to revoke his Honorable Discharge and instead issue him a General Discharge, which would allow Adam to keep his benefits. The final decision will be issued by the Marine Corps Mobilization Command in Kansas City. Adam and his attorney will be appealing this decision.
News [Watch Good Morning America Interview with Adam Kokesh, Liam Madden, and Cloy Richards | BBC: US Panel Punishes Anti-War Marine | Washington Post: VFW Backs Vet in Trouble over Protest]
› more infoMay 31, 2007
Gulf War I CO Arrested at Local Library - Trial June 5
March
3, 2007 Tim and Yvette Coil spoke out against military recruiters using
the public library. Because of their non-violent resistance, Tim Coil
was arrested for Disorderly Conduct. His trial is set for June 5 at
Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
"Tim is a disabled Gulf War 1 Veteran and war resister. We were quietly protesting recruiting in the public library, with note cards, until our rights were violated by the recruiters, the library director and then the city police. Freedom of Speech should not be preserved for only those who agree with the current administration or those who don't have the nerve to rightfully protest against putting our citizens in a war based on lies." - Yvette Coil
› more infoMay 30, 2007
Michael Franti Interviews VFP's Tim Pluta
Michael Franti, lead vocalist of the revolutionary musical group Spearhead, interviewed VFP Member Tim Pluta while in North Carolina. They talk about Veterans For Peace and the billboard the local chapter keeps updated with the number of war dead. Before the show, the band entertained those outside, many who did not have tickets, and passed a bucket to raise money for the local chapter.Michael Franti and Spearhead traveled to the Iraq, Palestine, and Israel to perform, and upon returning, made a documentary called, "I Know I'm Not Alone." Through his music and activism, Franti has been able to challenge the status quo and work for peace and justice.
[Spearhead Website | Watch other Franti Videos]
May 29, 2007
PBS Highlights Several Important Stories
As usual, PBS is airing stories that the mainstream media refuses to cover. Bill Moyers did an hour long interview with author and activist, Maxine Hong Kingston. Editor of "Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace", Kingston brings together heartbreaking and inspiring stories from Veterans. The book is a culmination of the Veterans writer's workshops that she has been holding for the last 15 years. Several VFP member have stories featured in this book, including Ted Sexauer, Doug Zachary, and Board Member Sharon Kufeldt.
[Read Transcripts | Read more and Watch Video]
Tavis Smiley's show on PBS will also air the documentary "Right to Return: New Home Movies from the Lower 9th Ward." The show airs Monday, May 28 - June 1. Filmmaker Jonathan Demme filmed in and around New Orleans, capturing some of the most captivating stories from the area. This series includes Common Ground organizers Brandon Darby and VFP Member Malik Rahim.[Read more regarding the series and watch some video clips]
May 23, 2007
VFP Remembers Those Who Have Fallen
This Memorial Day, Veterans For Peace remembers those 3441 American
Service men and women who have died in the war and occupation of Iraq. While Congress continues to play politics with soldiers lives, Veterans For Peace members across the nation will be holding memorials and vigils as a way to honor all who served our nation.
This Memorial Day, we must remember everyone who has served and in their memory, we must continue the struggle to abolish war. Instead of mourning on this day, we can celebrate a victory for the power of the human spirit.
[Check out VFP Chapter events for Memorial Day | Read VFP's Memorial Day Press Release]May 25, 2007
Marine Corps Attempts to Stifle IVAW Free Speech
Two
members of Iraq Veterans Against the War face hearings from the U.S.
Marines. Both Liam Madden and Adam Kokesh have been Honorably
Discharged from the Marines, however because of their strong opposition
to the war, both face hearing from the Marines regarding their
separation status. Adam Kokesh received a letter from the Marines stating that there is going to be a separation hearing to re-separate him from the Marines and give him an Other Than Honorable discharge. The hearing will be June 4th in Kansas City. If you are interested in learning more or live in that area, you can call IVAW at 215-241-7123.
You can also read more on Adam's Blog
May 21, 2007
Write a Letter to Your Newspaper this Memorial Day
The Joan Duffy Sante Fe Chapter has submitted this op-ed piece to the Sante Fe Daily New Mexican. Take this opportunity to write your local paper to express your views on this illegal war and what Memorial Day means to you.Check out VFP Chapter events for Memorial Day
May 9, 2007
Mother's Day - A Chance to Embrace Peace
With the anti-war movement growing more everyday, people across the nation are celebrating Mother's Day in it's truest spirit. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, a suffragist, abolitionist, and pacifist wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation. Witnessing the devastation of the Civil War, Howe called on mothers around the world to unite to end war. More than ever, that important message is needed.
Mothers such as Cindy Sheehan and Tina Richards are going to be joining women leaders with CodePINK
in the anti-war movement such as Cindy Asner, Gloria Steinem, and Ann
Wright as they gather in Washington D.C. for some remarkable events.
Beginning Thursday, May 10 they will walk the hall of Congress,
approach the media, hold movie screenings, have a kids peace march, and
on Monday the events will wrap up with a "Mother of a March" that will encircle the Congress.
[Read more about these events | Watch the "Mother's for Peace" Video | News Articles: Reclaiming Mother's Day for Children, and Peace | Mother's Day Rooted in Activism | This Day in Capital Hill - May 9]
May 3, 2007
VFP Tells Congress - Use the Power of the Purse
Veterans For Peace calls on Congress to stop playing political games with President Bush and use their power to de-fund the war. Yesterday Bush vetoed a $124 billion Iraq war supplemental bill sent to him by the Democrat led Congress. Explaining his reasoning to the press he stated, "Setting a date for withdrawal is setting a date for failure and that is irresponsible."National Executive Director Michael McPhearson states, "Setting a date for withdrawal is setting a date to begin a new policy. Bush is the one who is irresponsible. It is irresponsible to continue a failed policy. We call on Congress to abandon their timid halfhearted attempts to limit the president. We demand both Republicans and Democrats use the power of the purse to de-fund the war, bring all the troops home and fund their recovery and healing.
› more infoMay 2, 2007
More Soldiers in Iraq Speaking Out
Resistance
is NOT futile. It has been happening with soldiers in Iraq for a while,
but the movement is growing! Ronn Cantu is one soldier who has been
speaking out, and he's been doing so for quite a while. He is currently
stationed in Baghdad and is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War and a signer of the Appeal for Redress. He runs the online forum, "Soldiervoices.net"
where he encourages people to post their feelings on the war. Many that
use this forum are using it as a tool to voice their opposition to the
war. Lately, more active duty and deployed military personnel are using their rights as citizens to express their outrage at this war. Despite the fact that the military is trying to silence active duty by telling them they have no rights, many brave men and women are speaking out. Active duty military DO HAVE RIGHTS and are allowed to speak out against this illegal war - and many more are beginning to do just that! Two more blogs from active duty in Iraq have surfaced. Active duty blogs [Burst Assunder | Army of Dude]
News articles [California Veterans, some still active duty, speak out against the war | Members of the military make war views known | War causes Air Force Chief Master Sergeant to change course]
TOOLS & RESOURCES
GI Rights Hotline 800-394-9544 - Have a question about your rights? Thinking about resisting? Call the GI Rights Hotline. It's free and confidential.
Military Free Zone - Educates students and youth about the "opt-out" form in your school's military recruitment policies
CounterRecruitment.net - News and views on the growing movement against military recruitment
April 25, 2007
Hearing Exposes Military's Lies
Yesterday, April 24, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
held a hearing regarding the death of Pat Tillman and the rescue of
Jessica Lynch. The purpose of the hearing was to learn more about these
two cases and the lies that were told to the media and to the families,
why those lies were told, and exactly where the orders came from to
mislead the public. Pat Tillman died in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. His family were told that he died while fighting an enemy combatant, only to learn the truth more than a month later. Tillman was actually killed by members of his own unit. His brother, Kevin Tillman, and mother, Mary Tillman, both testified that they were intentionally lied to and that there were "deliberate and careful misrepresentations" in the death of their family member. A fellow soldier, Specialist Bryan O'Neal, testified that that he was ordered not to tell Kevin Tillman, who was in the following convoy, what really happened to his brother.
Former Army Private, Jessica Lynch, also testified that the stories that were told to the media regarding the ambush on her patrol and the following rescue were fabricated as well. She testified that they created a hero out of her that was not true, and the real heroes that day were the people she served with and died that day.
Both families that testified believed that these lies were told to gain support of the American people in the war on terror and the war in Iraq.
Unfortunately, the cover-ups continue. Representative Lacy Clay spoke at the same hearing regarding another Army soldier who died in Iraq, Pvt. LaVena Johnson. Her death was ruled a suicide, but military documents given to the family seem to say otherwise. Representative Clay is working with the family to uncover the truth about what happened to their daughter.
› more info
April 20, 2007
April 28th Kicks off Nationwide Impeachment Campaigns
April 28th thousands of people nationwide will participate in impeachment actions. These actions will consist of people literally spelling out IMPEACH for Bush and Cheney. George Bush and Dick Cheney are both guilty of crimes against humanity, violating the Nuremburg Tribunal Laws, and violating the Geneva Conventions by including, but not limited to waging an agressive, illegal war, torturing prisoners of war, and spying on American citizens. Read VFP's case for impeachment.So far, members of Veterans For Peace from Boston, Memphis, and Washington DC will be participating in this action!
[Sign VFP's Impeachment Campaign | View VFP's Impeachment website]
April 18, 2007
War Resister Agustin Aguayo to be Released Today
According to a press release yesterday evening, War Resister, Agustin
Aguayo will be released today from the U.S. Military Detention facility
in Mannheim, Germany. He will likely stay in Germany for a few days for
processing. Agustin joined the Army in 2003 and was trained as a medic. He realized after training, that he could not bring himself to take another life. He says on patrols and guard duty, he did not load munitions in this weapon. In February 2004, he filed for a discharge as a conscientious objector and was denied.
Agustin received an eight month prison sentence after being convicted of desertion and missing a movement. [Agustin Defense Website]
April 16, 2007
VFP Members Travel to Camp Casey for Easter
Members of Veterans For Peace
descended on Crawford, TX again this Easter. This year's Camp Casey
Easter celebration included "Camp Casey Peace Awards" going to Jodie Evans, Willie Nelson, Ann Wright, and Ava Lowery. There was also entertainment provided by Rev. Lennox Yearwood and the Hip Hop Caucus. [Read VFP Summary | Camp Casey Easter Photos]
April 13, 2007
Gulf Coast Build Wrap-up
Member of Veterans For Peace, Military Families
Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Gold Star Families For
Peace visited six military bases in six days - with an amazing outreach
active duty personnel. Hundreds of the Appeals for Redress were handed
out, as well as GI Rights Cards, and the movies "Sir! No Sir!" and "The
Ground Truth". IVAW member, Harv Tharp, recruited for IVAW outside of Maxwell-Gunter Airforce base, Fort Bragg, and Mayport Naval station. Harv stood firmly outside these military installations with a sign that read, "Iraq Veterans Against the War." With him stood one other person who held a sign that read, "www.ivaw.org". With these simple signs, they received hundreds of honks, waves and thumbs-up!
After a week on the road, the convoy arrived in New Orleans, LA. The group spent one week rebuilding one of the only homes still standing in the lower 9th Ward. Read the Convoy/Gulf Build Wrap-up in it's entirety.
[Photos from Fayetteville Peace Rally | Photos from the Convoy Page 1 Page 2 | Rebuilding the Gulf Photos Page 1 Page 2 | View Video of VFP Gulf Build]
April 4, 2007
40 Years Ago - Martin Luther King said, “This madness must cease.”
April 4, 1967, Martin Luther King made a speech at Riverside Church in New York City. King understood the death and destruction the United States was causing in Vietnam was poisoning America's soul. "Now it should be incandescently clear that no one who has concern for the integrity and life of America today can ignore the present war." This is no less true in Iraq.April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. died on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee - one year after making his speech at Riverside Church. As we move forward in our struggle to end the war and occupation of Iraq, King's words heed just as strong today, as they did forty years ago.
[Read entire statement here | Read and listen to Riverside Church Speech ]April 3, 2007
VFP Members Arrested at Nuclear Test Site
Members of Veterans For Peace,
including President Elliott Adams, Col Ann Wright, Bud Deraps, and
others joined 150 people outside of the Nevada Test Site to protest the
proposed “Complex 2030” plan, the “Reliable Replacement Warhead” and
the occupation of Iraq. Speakers included Carrie Dann,
activist and Shoshone elder, Fr. Louis Vitale, NDE, Colonel Ann Wright,
SEIU local leader Jane McAlevey, and Catholic activist and actor Martin
Sheen.
After the rally, a procession led by the Western Shoshone National Council representatives walked to the entrance of the Nevada Test Site. Elliott Adams, Ann Wright, Martin Sheen and thirty-six others crossed into the entrance of the NTS as part of a non-violent act of civil disobedience. They were detained, charged, and released.
Complex 2030 is the name given to the administration's ambitious plan to rebuild and reorganize the Nuclear Weapons Complex by the year 2030, including construction of a new nuclear weapons productions facility that may be situated at the Nevada Test Site.
[Nevada Desert Experience | Rally Photos 1 2 3 | Peace advocates begin walk from Las Vegas to Nuclear Test Site | Anti-nuclear rally held at test site]march 20, 2007
Veterans For Peace Launches Convoy Through the Southeast
Tuesday, March 20, members of Veterans For Peace, along with Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Military Families Speak Out, launched the Veterans For Peace Convoy through the Southeast. Over 15 people loaded onto the Mendicino Chapter 116 Impeachment Tour bus and the Wheels of Justice bus and traveled to Columbia, SC, home of Fort Jackson. There they participated in a vigil outside of the state capital building.
So far, a large part of this convoy has been in reaching out to those currently serving in the military. Copies of the Appeal for Redress, the GI Rights Hotline information, and copies of "Sir! No Sir!" and "The Ground Truth" are being distributed military personnel as they travel through the military towns.
The convoy is set to arrive in the Gulf Coast on Sunday, March 25th.
[Contribute to the Gulf Build/Convoy | See the convoy schedule]
march 19, 2007
VFP Joins Thousands in Opposition to the War
This weekend, thousands of people marched in Washington D.C., Fayetteville, NC, San Francisco, St. Louis, Juneau, Portland, and many other locations. This marks the beginning of the fifth year of war and occupation in Iraq and a new tide is turning in resistance to the war.View VFP and IVAW Actions Around the Nation
[ Read Anthony Toelis' report from Washington D.C. | Watch the IVAW speeches in Fayetteville, NC. Part 1 | Part 2 | Photos from Portland ]
march 12, 2007
4th Anniversary of the War - IT'S TIME WE RAISE OUR VOICES!
This weekend marks the 5th year of the war and occupation of Iraq. In four years, we have had over 3200 members of our military personnel killed, over 23000 wounded, and tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of Iraqis have died. The United States has spent over $407,688,000,000 on this war, and the President is asking for another $93 Billion.
However, the work that members of Veterans For Peace has done has been priceless in the struggle for peace. Because of the countless rallies, congressional campaigns, and educational outreach that our chapters have done, we have educated people about the cost of war. But our work is not complete!
This weekend, we have to march again. We march for peace, justice, and an end to this occupation. Whether you choose to join VFP in Fayetteville, NC, go march on the Pentagon in Washington D.C., or you decided to join your local efforts at home - IT'S TIME WE RAISE OUR VOICES!
Read Colonel Ann Wright's essay: Why I march to support the troops and end the war.
march 09, 2007
VFP Rachel Corrie Chapter 109 Participates in Port Blockade
Last year, Washington anti-war activists joined forces to protest outside of the Port of Olympia, WA. They successfully blocked gates to prevent convoys from heading out of the port. This year, the attention has been turned towards the Port of Tacoma.Monday, March 5th, about thirty protesters, including members of the Olympia Veterans For Peace, outisde the Port of Tacoma and Fort Lewis and demonstrated against the shipment of equipment for the next deployment of the Stryker Brigade. Three of the protesters were violently arrested, but the charges were later dropped.
FRIDAY, MARCH 9th
4-6 PM Rally and March Against Escalating the Iraq War
Called by the Tacoma and Olympia Port Militarization Resistance (PMR)
Federal Courthouse at 1717 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma. (directions below)
Large Banners visible from nearby freeway welcome.
6-7 PM Strategy and Affinity Group Discussion at or near Federal Courthouse
› more info
march 08, 2007
March 8 marks International Women's Day
International Women's Day is celebrated globally in recognition of the economic, social, and political achievements of women. Veterans For Peace would like to acknowledge that women have had a strong role in not only ending war, but creating peace in the world. Women such as Kim Phuc, Colonel Ann Wright, Suzanne Swift, and our own Veterans For Peace Women have contributed to the end of violence and oppression around the world - and for that we salute you!
Read this important article: The Private Role of Women Soldiers
march 06, 2007
VFP-Santa Barbara Chapter Replaces JROTC with Peace Academy
Chapter 54 of the Veterans For Peace, in Santa Barbara, California, is proud to announce the birth of a new entity at Santa Barbara High School: The Peace Academy. The aforementioned replaces the high school's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, which was closed down due to lack of enrollment.› more info
February 27, 2007
VFP in St. Louis Participate in Occupation Project - Two Arrested
Tuesday, February 27th, five veterans and one father of a soldier currently stationed in Iraq, visited Congressman Russ Carnahan's office to ask him to publicly pledge against funding for the war and occupation of Iraq. The veterans included Chuc Smith (St. Louis Chapter President of VFP) Cherie Eichholz (VFP National Office Staff), Harry Wyman (Vietnam Veteran and retired school teacher), Jim Allen (20 year Army Veteran and college professor), and Michael McPhearson (Executive Director of Veterans For Peace).
After an hour-long discussion
with Russ Carnahan on Friday, the group of veterans traveled back to
the office on Monday, in an attempt to continue dialogue. That was not
successful and resulted in the occupation of the Congressman's office
on Tuesday. The group had several discussions with the staff and when
the building closed at 5:00pm, both Jim Allen and Michael McPhearson
were arrested for trespassing. View the video of some of the veterans and why they are participating in the Occupation Project. Read Michael McPhearson's statement.
February 26, 2007
Kyle Snyder Arrested and Released
War resister Kyle Snyder was
arrested and released February 23, 2007 at his home in British
Columbia, Canada. He was held for seven hours before he was released.
Gerry Condon, a Vietnam War resister who is assisting Kyle has a report.
February 21, 2007
Smedley's Join Call to Visit Congress
Congress is in recess this week. Members are back in their home states and districts. Visit your representative and senators office or if you cannot visit, call. Now is the time to let them know your position on funding the war. They must end the war now!
Report from the Smedley Butler Chapter: "At 9 AM about 15 veterans and 10 supporters occupied Rep. Edward J. Markey's office in Medford MA today as part of the Occupation Project. Our numbers varied during the day, and ranged from 6 to 25. The staff was very nice to us and gave us coffee and doughnuts. We read the names of the U.S. military dead, with a bell ringing after each name. At 11 AM we had a press conference. We will be back at 9 AM on Wednesday 2/21 and will meet with Rep. Markey at 6 PM." [photos | Veterans For Peace occupies Markey's office in protest | Protestors stage sit in outside Markey's office]
› more infoFebruary 15, 2007
Video available from "Support and Defend the Constitution" Kickoff
On Thursday, January 25th, members of Veterans For Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the War
joined forces outside of the US Capitol building to announce the
kickoff of Support and Defend the Constitution. They read their enlistment oaths, sections of the US Constitution, and called for the impeachment of President George Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney. [Support and Defend the Constitution (part 1) | Support and Defend the Constitution (part 2) | Executive Director, Michael McPhearson, explains how Congress has the power to end the war]
February 12, 2007
The Occupation Project - Week 1
Later this month, the Bush
administration will hand Congress a request for another $90,000,000,000
for the war. Not since the beginning of this criminal operation have we
had a better chance of shutting it down. The Democratic majority will
not defund the war of their own free will. But that's where the
Occupation Project and VFP come in.Across the nation, people are signing up to occupy their local congressional offices until they get a signed pledge from their Congressperson and Senators that they'll vote against the $90 Billion supplemental spending bill. So far, arrests and actions have taken place in Iowa, St. Louis, Chicago, Minnesota, South Bay and others.
[Read the VFP Occupation Blog | PDF of Congress' Historical Role in Policing Military Escalations]
If you participated in the Occupation Project and would like to add the VFP blog, email breznicek@veteransforpeace.net.
February 7, 2007
Watada Judge Declares a Mistrial
The judge in LT Ehren Watada's case today, declared a mistrial. The
judge said due to a previous statement Watada had made admitting that
he missed his movement that he was admitting guilt. Watada argued this
was his defense in the trial, not an admission of guilt. Regardless,
the judge has still declared a mistrial and a new date will be set for
next month.News articles[ Reuters | Mistrial ends Watada court martial | Watada court ends in mistrial | Alex Jones radio interview with Bob Watada | Read VFP member Thomas Brinson's Report ]
February 2, 2007
Miami Chapter 032 Brings War Reminders to the Super Bowl
Instead of traveling to Washington DC for the big march and rally, Miami VFP, Chapter 32, chose to work within their own community of Miami, Florida and bring war reminders to the attendees of the 2007 Super Bowl. Because of the Super Bowl, Ocean Drive is closed for 4 days and Arlington South Beach is being set up right smack in the middle of all the party events. Hundreds of thousands of people passing by will be reminded that we are still losing our younger brothers, sisters, sons and daughters in a needless occupation.
Even more exciting than that, however, is that a small group of members of VFP and Democracy for America took up a collection and in less than two days raised over a thousand dollars to hire a company to fly a plane with a banner saying “Bring the Troops Home Now! for two hours right before the Super Bowl itself.
We are hitting them on the ground and we are hitting them from the air.
[ View YouTube video of previous events | View flyer for Arlington South Beach | Read Robert Norton's article "Another Day at the Beach" ]January 31, 2007
VFP Associate Member, Lela McNutt, Arrested at "We Will Not Be Silent" Vigil
What began as a
lobby day for several San Diego activists, led to them witnessing the
arrest of nine individuals who were holding a peaceful vigil in the
atrium of the Rayburn Capitol Building. The vigil, in the spirit of The
White Rose Society, was reading aloud names, ringing a bell, and
tossing a white rose into a reflecting pool in the atrium. As the
lobbying group tried to join them, the Capitol police began to get
ready to arrest people. They refused to let the lobbying group into the
atrium, ordered the media to leave, and arrested the men and women
holding the vigil. "We could see through the door that one man had been handcuffed. Then another. Things were going on beyond our view and that of the press. A spontaneous chorus of "Give Peace a Chance" broke out and in the open atrium the echo amplified our voices. It was amazing! Meanwhile, I would learn later, people continued to read names out at the pool. And as each person was arrested, someone else would pick up the reading until they were also handcuffed. In all six women and three men were arrested and led without resistance through the atrium."
[ Read the story | Watch the video ]
January 28, 2007
Events in DC a Huge Success!
Thousands of people descended upon Washington DC this weekend, including hundreds of members of Veterans For Peace, Military Families, and Iraq War Veterans. Speakers included David Cline, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Garret Reppenhagen (IVAW), Liam Madden and Jonathon Hutto (Appeal for Redress) and Bob Watada. You can email VFP related photos to the webmaster.
VFP Photos [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 ]News Articles [Antiwar protesters target Congress | Antiwar groups plan surge on Washington | Groups head to Capitol to step up antiwar campaign | "Stop the madness of George Bush," says veterans group | Anti-war groups organize march on Washington | Delco delivers antiwar message | Tens of thousand protest war]
