THE VETERAN Vietnam Veterans Against the War 50¢ Volume 37, Number 1 Spring 2007 VVAW Marches in DC Breezy Brzeski Tens of thousands of anti-war the march was well attended. the Pentagon. This rally was orga- the country. These dedicated demonstrators converged on Although not as many people at- nized to commemorate the 1967 people braved 20 mph winds and Washington DC March 17, to tended this march as last January's march on the Pentagon to protest temperatures in the 20's. The Ken- participate in a peace rally protest- the message to stop the war was the war in Vietnam as well as the tuckiana VVAW was represented ing the Iraq war. In spite of a big heard loud and clear. Anti-war 4th anniversary of the beginning by Carol and Harold Trainer along snowstorm that converged over activist Cindy Sheehan was joined of the Iraq war. with several other members, the the Northeast on Friday and closed by a number of other activists who VVAW was well represented VVAW Chicago, Illinois group roads across the pass and airports, spoke at the end of the rally near by several chapters from around was spearheaded by Ken Nielsen and many other members, while the Milwaukee, Wisconsin VVAW chapter was led by myself and Ted Kautzman. All the contingents had VVAW banners and marched with them proudly. The march was led by the Iraq Veterans who attended that day, followed by all other veterans. Carol in her usual way managed to snake her way through the crowd and led the first VVAW contingent in the march right behind the Iraq Vets, followed by the Milwaukee and Chicago groups The march started off at the Mall and pro- ceeded across the bridge of the

continued on page 12 Washington DC, Jan 27, 2007 A Struggle Continues: VVAW Turns 40 Barry Romo An empire makes a wasteland and Syndrome would become rec- companies for these deadly defoli- After overruling the Supreme calls it peace… and the struggle ognized as a service connected ants has refused to recognize that Court… continues. disability in 1979 called Post Trau- the Vietnamese living in it for more This year Vietnam Veterans matic Stress Disorder (PTSD). then forty years deserve compen- After our continued use of guerilla Against the War is going to cel- Some older veterans mocked sation also. The Vietnamese Agent theater… ebrate forty years of struggle and PTSD and thought that we were Orange Campaign is one way we triumphs. Quite an achievement weak and that was why we could are working to help. After fighting to normalize rela- considering most of us did not not "win" our war. After all their tions with the people of Vietnam believe we would make it through war was, according to them, worse After the Winter Soldier Investiga- and Cambodia . . . our tours in Vietnam, through our than what we had seen. Yet today tions exposed war crimes… nightmares, through the fight to the VA and army are admitting continued on page 6 stop the war, and through Agent that one third of service men and After Dewey Canyon III and Orange. And yet, here we stand to- women coming home from Iraq throwing our medals back… gether as a family after 40 years. and Afghanistan will suffer from Presort No one could predict that PTSD. Standard Mail when the first group of veterans We led the protests against Permit #880 got together in 1967 to march the use of Agent Orange because Champaign, IL through the streets of New York we had seen its results in deformed in protest of the war in Vietnam Vietnamese infants. Little did we that a national organization of know that our own government PO Box 408594 over 30,000 members would was killing us as well. When we Chicago, IL 60640 be fostered. We not only grew, brought this up, traditional veter- www.vvaw.org we sustained. Vietnam Veterans ans organizations accused us of [email protected] Against the War is one of the few perpetuating communist lies about organizations founded to oppose chemical weapons. Yet we did not the war to survive and continue give up the fight. We continue to to thrive. focus on the effects of Agent Or- No one could have guessed ange. The same judge that gave us that what we called Post Vietnam a settlement against the chemical 2 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 From the National Office Barry Romo This issue of The Veteran is the to defend a household. In Texas 3rd tour of duty they will have a if we need to rent more space, buy largest paper VVAW has ever put the average number of guns per better appreciation of the kinds of supplies, etc. We really want to see out, filled with reports from new person is 6, and they have the Texas things they are calling for. you there. We aren't getting any chapters and about events and Rangers to defend them. Why isn't The 40th anniversary of younger. For some of us it may demos. Because of the increased the NRA defending the rights of VVAW is coming up. Don't forget be the last chance we get to see level of activity, we decided to add people of Iraq to have more than it is first come first serve. The best each other in person. We want to extra pages and an extra section. one automatic weapon per house- spots go to the first reservations. make it a success. We really want to thank Lisa hold? In a war zone, where there Also, pre-registration will tell us Boucher for her years of editing are no banks, almost no use of The Veteran, helping to make it credit cards, you have to keep all more professional. We wish her your money at home, but having only the best. more than one automatic weapon Some thoughts on current is used as an excuse for taking men events. We watch the media por- to detention to be tortured. tray the murders of 32 students If I lived in that situation I in Virginia in great depth, treating would want one for the front door, them as if they were human. Why one for the back and maybe one on won't they cover each soldier the roof in case you had to defend killed in Iraq the same way? Why yourself from there. The NRA is is it considered normal to hide in the same position with Iraq as the deaths of Marines and GIs, they were with the Black Panther or insensitive to cover them? If Party; supporting ownership of all the Iraqi dead and wounded guns for people who don't really were treated in detail there would need them while denying them not even be time on the 24-hour to people who really are in situ- news to cover them all. Why can't ations that actually call for home www.vvaw.org/events/40th the media live up to its potential self-defense weapons which we certainly saw around the And why aren't those trigger Editorial Collective Virginia Tech massacre? happy gun owning youth of the Barry Romo Jeff Machota In Iraq, the US military has NRA youth group in the military? Joe Miller Jen Tayabji th determined that one gun is enough I'm sure after the 15 month of the Charlie Branson

Thanks to Jeff Danziger, Vietnam veteran and political cartoonist, for his generous contributions to this issue. Thanks also to Billy Curmano for Oxy, the Smart Bomb, and to Monique Frugier, Sandy Fulton, Dayl Wise, Aaron Davis, Marty Webster, Bill Perry, Ward Reilly, Bob Gronko, Amy Meyers, Bill Branson, Claudia Lennhoff, Breezy Brzeski, John Zutz, and others for contributing photos. VVAW Merchandise

• VVAW T-Shirt (M, L, XL, XXL) - $12.00 ______choose color (black, white, sand) black shirt, choose logo color (black & white, color)

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Mail order and check to: • VVAW Grey Hoooded Sweatshirt VVAW Merchandise (M, L, XL, XXL) - $25.00 ______PO Box 070391 Milwaukee, WI 53207 • Shipping for above items $8.00 for first item,$4.00 for each item after ______Ship to: Name ______Address ______Total Enclosed ______City, State, Zip ______Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 3 Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Inc. National Contact List For email addresses, go to our website at www.vvaw.org. If you need a speaker for an event or class visit or someone to interview, please contact the person nearest you. If there is nobody in your area, contact the National Office at (773) 276-4189 or email [email protected]. NATIONAL Northern CA New England Hinsdale, NY COORDINATORS David Ewing Jerry Lembcke Barry Miller Barry Romo (415) 781-8181 (508) 793-3050 [email protected] (773) 276-4189 Central Coast, CA Rockville, MD Long Beach, NY Pete Zastrow Lane Anderson Patrick McCann Thomas Brinson (847) 864-3975 [email protected] (305) 238-3361 (631) 889-0203 Joe Miller Brighton, CO Jackson, MI Cincinnati, OH (217) 328-2444 Charles Elliston Arnold Stieber Marty Webster Bill Davis (303) 654-1754 (734) 475-0740 (513) 349-4413 (708) 386-1413 Denver, CO Minnesota Columbus, OH David Cline Terry Leichner Billy Curmano Mark Hartford (201) 876-0430 (303) 935-5360 (507) 864-2716 [email protected] John Zutz Tallahassee, FL Mpls./St. Paul, MN Kent, OH (414) 372-0749 Tom Baxter John Anderson Brian Slease Dave Kettenhofen (850) 893-7390 (651) 485-8019 (330) 676-0074 (414) 481-4614 Athens, GA St. Louis, MO Oklahoma Bill Perry Elton Manzione David Curry Bill Homans (215) 945-3350 (706) 369-0546 (314) 516-5042 (405) 227-4245 Blue Island, IL New Jersey Waldport, OR NATIONAL STAFF Bob Gronko David Cline Ron Betts (708) 389-7957 (201) 876-0430 (541) 563-3634 Bill Branson Chicago, IL Jersey Shore, NJ Emmaus, PA Charlie Branson Barry Romo Gerald Gioglio David Shelly David Curry (773) 276-4189 [email protected] (610) 967-2066 Jeff Machota Chicago, IL Princeton, NJ Levittown, PA Hannah Frisch Ken Nielsen Annie Hirschman Bill Perry (312) 492-8652 (609) 430-0440 (215) 945-3350 MILITARY COUNSELOR Oak Park, IL Albuquerque, NM Philadelphia, PA Ray Parrish Bill Davis Bob Anderson Jon Bjornson (773) 561-VVAW (708) 386-1413 (505) 858-0882 (215) 438-8883 Rockford, IL Northwest NM Chattanooga, TN CONTACTS Stanley Campbell Joseph Knight Fritz Efaw Northwest AR (815) 964-7111 (505) 330-7713 (423) 425-4688 Dwayne Knox Tuscola, IL Las Vegas, NV Austin, TX (870) 428-5597 Paul Wisovaty Rena & John Kopystenski Dave Collins Cave Creek, AZ (217) 253-2157 (702) 399-8012 (830) 868-9055 Bob Riggle Champaign-Urbana, IL New York College Station, TX (623) 465-9837 Joe Miller Ben Chitty Ray "Doc" White Huachuca City, AZ (217) 328-2444 (212) 726-0557 (979) 218-6729 Michael Holzman Indianapolis, IN Hudson Valley, NY San Antonio, TX (520) 456-9419 Steven Spurgeon Jim Murphy Tom Wetzler Arcata, CA [email protected] (845) 358-5709 (210) 533-4467 Brian Willson Richmond, IN Hudson Valley, NY Virginia [email protected] Chuck Yates Dayl Wise Leigh Hauter Camarillo, CA (765) 966-3221 (718) 231-0616 Steve Crandall (703) 754-4005 Prospect, KY Hudson Valley, NY Seattle, WA (805) 484-0173 Carol Rawert Trainer Mike Gillen Southern CA Mike Dedrick (502) 500-6915 (914) 948-8983 Leland Lubinsky (206) 328-5477 Baton Rouge, LA Staten Island, NY Milwaukee, WI (909) 796-6565 Ward Reilly Ramon Rodriguez Long Beach, CA Annie Bailey (225) 766-1364 (718) 447-0049 Horace Coleman (414) 963-0398 Milwaukee, WI (562) 438-2818 Dave Kettenhofen (414) 481-4614 Northern WI Jay Tobin (715) 832-1989 Bunker Hill, WV Bill Czyzewski (304) 229-0692 4 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Fraggin' Bill Shunas Back in 1973, eight members of lease appear in the New York Times Now that public opinion has turned Call it mainstream thought. This is VVAW went on trial in Gainesville, the next day. I was amused by the against the war as well as many in promoted by editorial boards and Florida, charged with conspiracy whole thing, considering how the the business class who know how publishers and no doubt rewarded to disrupt the Republican Con- press so often misses things we bad the war is for business, the New and encouraged by what we used vention in Miami in 1972. They think of as important. York Times and all the rest have to call "The Establishment." This became known as the Gainesville So, if the right wingers were easily turned against the war. so-called democracy is in need of Eight. This was one of a series bashing the media about their So now the right-wingers media which brings attention to of trials the government pursued pursuit of Watergate and their can bash the media as being too problems and issues. Instead we in a weak attempt to disrupt the persecution of Nixon back in liberal (which means that they get wimpy. Vietnam anti-war movement. 1973, they would have been cor- are now slanting the news against We've gotten ourselves into I went to Gainesville to work rect. Which is not to say that the the war). And we on the left will a war in Iraq with the help of the with what we called the Gaines- media was wrong for doing so. Of continue to find many faults with media. Now a war looms in Iran. ville Eight News Bureau. Our course, we on the left know that both American print media and Is there mainstream political op- purpose was to put out the VVAW is not the normal situation. The TV news. This results in defenders position? There are presidential position on the events before, American media normally has its of the media haughtily declaring, hopefuls tripping over themselves during and after the trial - a trial problems either in ignoring stories "See. The right is blasting us, and trying to explain what their posi- which lasted about a month. Each of importance or propagandizing the left is blasting us. Therefore tion on Iraq really was. And they day that court was in session we for actions harmful to the Ameri- we're doing good because that think it necessary to be tough on would attend court and then hurry can people. There are numerous means we're in the middle which the Iran question which they'll back to our office to prepare a press examples of the former. One thinks means we're objective." The logic have to explain five years from release about the testimony we had of the Iran-Contra scandal, a story in this reasoning is absent, but it now just like they're trying to heard that day in court. After about which was broken by a Lebanese is a good cover. explain Iraq today. a half an hour, the dozen or more newspaper. Or, remember how the I would suggest to you that My guess is that there are reporters covering the trial would killer disease AIDS was ignored the problem with this country's many planners in the military and drift over to our office. We'd pass until ACT UP started holding media is not that they have bias maybe even some people in the out the press release and answer sit-ins in TV newsrooms. On one way or the other, although Bush Administration who see a di- their questions. Everything was international events like the wars they do which is a problem. It is a saster if we get involved in Iran. It cool, and we were all friendly. in Afghanistan and Iraq, you can problem because Watergate times would be nice to get those ideas out This was a period of time expect a higher quality of news are the exception, and usually into the realm of public opinion. when the Watergate scandal was from foreign sources. their bias is towards the interests Our leading Democratic politi- growing bigger and bigger on the As far as the use of media for of the wealthy people who own cians don't do it. Theoretically our national scene. There was evi- propaganda, the whole build-up for them and who pay their bills in the media should do it. Absent that we dence (suppressed by the judge) this Iraq War is an example. With form of advertising revenue. No. may muddle down the slippery that the same people involved in the New York Times in the lead in Their worst sin is that they don't slope to another unnecessary war. the Watergate break-in were also print media and FOX and CNN in do their job. Inept. Fickle. Limited. This time in Iran, or if not there, involved in framing the VVAW the broadcast sector, they took the Bought off. These are some of the somewhere else. Good media isn't members in Gainesville. This word of the Bush administration words you might use to describe the only answer to preventing an made us allies with much of the and Iraqi wannabe leaders and led their current state. Iran war. It isn't the answer to ev- press who were in sympathy with the chorus to bring us to war for As a result of this servility erything, but too often the nation pursuing the Watergate story and such dubious reasons as WMDs and ineptitude, often there is a has to look back and say, “If only hounding Nixon. They were ami- and a connection between Saddam kind of non-specific, yet general we had known.” able toward us to the point where and Al Qaeda. War is devastation, consensus on the part of all main- on more than one occasion I saw a and when it is unnecessary - to go stream media pertaining to various couple of paragraphs I had written there is criminal, and this one was issues. It's like nobody wants to Bill Shunas is a Vietnam veteran, for our Gainesville Eight press re- aided and abetted by our media. question the given assumptions. author and VVAW member. Notes from the Boonies Paul Wisovaty This column is going to speak to honor Native Americans when taken a course in anthropology or and educated people are appalled racial and ethnic stereotyping, we've spent the last 400 years sociology, which means that there that a few of us liberal do-gooders which of course is a component keeping them down. is no danger than I will let the facts – they do not tire of reminding us of – I suppose a precondition – for Throw in the probability that get in my way. But here's my con- our minority status – just don't Get racism. The immediate subject is 90% of the fans at UI halftime cern. If you line up every single It. And there's a kicker. I have had "Chief Illiniwek," the departed ceremonies don't know, or care, "Chief" supporter, which means a multiple conversations with these and far-too-lamented mascot of anything about Native American clear majority of alumni and cur- folks, and most of them are really the University of Illinois. culture, and you may understand rent students, and you hook them nice people. As the prophet J. Buf- The University Trustees re- what I'm trying to say. Unfortu- up to a polygraph, I am confident fet once observed, "Some things cently retired him, citing NCAA nately, if you read the letters to the that I know what would happen. are still a mystery to me, while pressure, and in the process duck- editor in the Champaign paper, and The question would be, "Should others are much too clear." ing what most of us would call the certainly if you belly up to the bar anyone find "Chief Illiniwek" to be As you may have noticed, I'm real moral issue. This is my take at the Tuscola Moose Lodge, you offensive to Native Americans? kind of mystified by stereotyping, only, but I've always thought that will conclude that I don't know "They would all answer and with intolerance in general. if the white man wants to dress up what the hell I'm talking about. "No," and the line wouldn't move. But of course I'm as guilty of it someone to dance at halftime, he I often don't, although I'm And I'm not just referring to my as the next person. I'm 6'2", and I should pick a white guy and leave pretty comfortable with my posi- buddies at the Moose Lodge, who have never been real comfortable the red man the hell alone. It's more tion on this one. But back to ste- really believe that Ronald Reagan with people five feet tall, and less than a little hypocritical – and as reotyping. I should go on record at was decorated at the Battle of the I see it quite cruel – to pretend to this point to state that I have never Bulge. A lot of really intelligent continued on page 5 Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 5 My View - On Walter Reed John Zutz There are a couple of things that Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Ft. Camp- me is how few reporters under- what they ask for, and waste it trouble me about the recent news bell, Kentucky, and Ft. Lewis, stand that the military hospital on systems that don't work. Then stories about crappy conditions Washington. Other stories from system, and the VA are separate they go back to Congress to get at the country's premier Army Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and Ft. entities. Sure, they do similar "supplemental" funding. So, the hospital, Walter Reed. Carson, Colorado told of untreated jobs, and they even work together Army had plenty of money to First, all the blathering led mental health problems. occasionally, but they are not con- maintain Walter Reed, they just the general public to believe this More recently, I've read of nected. chose to spend it elsewhere. was "news." soldiers being denied physical and Looked at dispassionately, Oh, and let's not forget one Certainly, mice insects and mental health care. Even worse, I can understand why the VA has other story. We're closing Bethes- mold are bad, but focusing on some troops diagnosed with PTSD problems. Their administrators da, the premier Navy hospital, so Walter Reed masks the full story. and others physically unable to have to ask for more money each we'll only be left with Walter Reed. Here at VVAW we like to take a perform have been re-deployed year – more veterans are being If I were a Marine or a swabbie wider view. to Iraq. created and health costs are rising I'd be pissed. I recall shortly after the war These are just instances I can everywhere – but they are em- began there were stories from Ft. recall, without even doing any ployed by an administration that Stewart, Georgia about wounded research. So, this "news story" wants to cut taxes. So the VA ends troops being warehoused in old has been steadily unfolding for up chronically under-funded. barracks without heat, and without four years. And it's not an isolated The military, however, John Zutz is a VVAW national seeing doctors for months. Later, problem – it's systemic. doesn't have that excuse. It seems coordinator and a member of the there were similar stories from The other thing that bothers to me they go to Congress, get Milwaukee chapter.

Notes from the Boonies continued from page 4 finally grown up. I just wish that derstand that people, and cultures, my alma mater, and my fellow are not put on Earth just to make so with people 6'6". As a White tour in Nam, I doubt that I ever alums, would do the same. our lives more entertaining. The Sox fan, I have an immediate once referred to the indigenous Finally, I'd suggest that if good news is that that message is distrust of Cubs fans. I drive a population as "Vietnamese." If you you'd said, twenty or thirty years finally getting through, and that 1992 Pontiac, and distrust anyone served, you know what I'm saying. ago, that "Chief Illiniwek" was maybe, ten or fifteen years from who feels the need to buy a new I suppose that was explainable, if offensive to Native Americans now, most people will begin to car every two years. If I felt the not justifiable: if we didn't think and should be put out to pasture, understand that. need to buy a new car every two of them as real people, it made it you'd have been laughed at. Actu- If I'd had the humanity to years, I am confident that I would a lot easier to kill them. Nothing ally, you'd have been fortunate to have understood it forty years dislike people who continue to beats great memories of Vietnam, have received that response. Those ago, I would have called them drive 15-year-old cars. Does this right, guys? who took that position in earlier Vietnamese. make any sense? Well, either it With regard to the "Chief," I years were often subjected to seri- makes no sense at all, or else it have to admit that, during my col- ous derision, and that's probably Paul Wisovaty is a member of makes perfect sense. Please refer lege days at Illinois, I was among putting a good face on it. But it's VVAW. He lives in Tuscola, to the prophet Buffet. his biggest supporters. I would 2007, and he's gone, which leaves Illinois, where he works as a As long as I'm suggesting that have echoed every single "Chief" us with the bad news and the good probation officer. He was in my hands are not clean, I'll mea apologist today. I guess I'd like to news. The bad news is that way too Vietnam with the US Army 9th culpa a little further. During my think that the difference is that I've many really nice people don't un- Division in 1968. 6 THE VETERAN Spring 2007

The Struggle Continues not enough facilities or personnel we pull out of "the war on terror," to treat them and we must demand terrorism will be on our front door continued from page 1 decent benefits for this younger just as communism will take over It must be recognized that we United States backed Saddam’s generation. the world. Lies. All lies. not only challenged the political ruthless activities. In 1975 when the Vietnam Vietnam was our nations' establishment but we challenged After the first Gulf War, we War came to an end we vowed to longest war but there is a good the culture of war that our nation fought the embargo and demanded rise up to stop such types of war chance Iraq will top that. So we is rooted in. normalized relations with the Iraqi from ever happening again, and so struggle. But the struggle continued. people. We started our homeless we fight the current wars. Unfor- We welcome participation The Reagan era was not a rest- stand-downs …feeding homeless tunately, no one could control the and recognition of our younger ful era for us. While fighting for veterans. We celebrated the vic- neo-conservative draft-dodging counterparts in Iraq Veterans decent benefits for all veterans, tories in Africa over colonialism, right-wing pseudo-intellectuals Against the War. Vietnam Veterans we had to oppose death squads, racism, and apartheid. that actually believed they could Against the War's 40th anniversary contras, and torture training camps But the struggle continues. "right" all the supposed liberal is not just a chance to celebrate in Central and Latin America. The We may be older but these last wrongs which "lost Vietnam." the last 40 years … it is a time to history books may act like these six years have been one heavy Naïve and with no experience of rededicate ourselves to the fight were small "wars" or "conflicts" roller coaster ride and we’re still combat they thought it would be for peace, justice, humanity, and but who knows how big they here. We’ve seen a lot of old-tim- a cakewalk in Iraq and Afghani- veterans rights. We are ready for may have been if we did not keep ers come back and a lot of new stan but we knew better. So we forty more years of struggle if, Reagan’s feet to the fire. people come forward to protest struggle. needed. th Has anyone really figured out the current wars in Iraq and Af- These conflicts are worse Register to attend the 40 why we had to invade Panama? ghanistan. Not because any of us than Vietnam simply because we Anniversary celebration as soon In that invasion we made tens of has any illusion about the Baath went through Vietnam. We know as possible! We need an estimate thousands homeless, wounded Party or the Taliban but because the truth yet we find ourselves in of how many folks to expect. thousands, and killed hundreds? we know the lies our government a strikingly familiar situation. Has Was Noriega a real threat to our na- is capable of. America not learned? This admin- tional security or were there other Approximately 300,000 istration is doing precisely what interests? As for the first Gulf War, young men and women will be they did in Vietnam. Destroying don’t forget how the peace move- faced with the nightmares, guilt, people, culture, and land, in the ment and VVAW protested against anger, loss of family ties, loss of hell of war. From the effects of Barry Romo is a VVAW national Saddam Hussein throughout the significant others, and the likes, Agent Orange to depleted uranium coordinator and a member of eighties and early nineties as the due to the current wars. There are the lies are the same. We are told if the Chicago chapter. VVAW 40th Anniversary August 3-5 - Chicago REGISTER NOW at www.vvaw.org/events/40th [email protected] (773)276-4189 Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 7 Building the Antiwar Movement: From Vietnam to Iraq Brian Gryzlak

Iowa City, Iowa their realization that the reasons but that was the best chance they only way we're going to beat them for going to war turned out to be had at expressing what they went is by constantly talking to our In February 2003, millions across lies. Barry shared the issues that through, and the insanity of fight- neighbors…by constantly bring- the world rallied against the im- he faced during his deployment ing people that lived across…an ing new people forward. You can pending US-led invasion of Iraq. to Vietnam, and the process of imaginary line." never be satisfied with the number The US-led "coalition of the channeling his antiwar sentiment Barry made an appeal to of people you have …." willing" dismissed global public into action: "I got to Vietnam and approach the antiwar struggle as The event was a huge suc- opinion. Most of the US popula- within two weeks I knew that it part of broader struggles towards cess, as judged by attendance as tion and indeed the majority of was not what I thought it was betterment of society through well as the many comments from globe were then, and are now, going to be. . . The people didn't challenging sexism, racism, and folks who attended. Indeed, the calling for an end to the war on, want us there." He added that homophobia. "You can't allow main message of the forum was and occupation of Iraq. one of the most difficult things for the prejudices that exist among us that veterans speaking out against Four years later the occupa- him was to attend his first antiwar to stop us from having a society the war are a powerful part of the tion of Iraq continues. Many in the demonstration. where we're all accepted as human antiwar movement, and that pro- antiwar movement are revisiting Aaron noted, "It took me beings, and where we all have viding such space is clearly part tactics and clarifying messages in a long time to join IVAW [Iraq the basic rights and privileges," of the answer to the question of order to build the movement into Veterans Against the War]. When he said. what needs to be done. something that ruling elites can I got back I felt like I didn't have Barry drew from his experi- not ignore. the right to say anything. Everyone ences of years of organizing in Barry Romo and Aaron told me I'm a hero. Everyone said addressing the frustration that Hughes came to Iowa City, Iowa 'Thank you for your service,' and those in the antiwar movement in February to discuss the posi- how do you counter that? How do sometimes face: "Sometimes tions, strategies, and tactics of you say 'Don't thank me for that we can think we aren't winning the antiwar movement. Aaron is crap. I'm not a hero. I'm guilty. I'm people over; and we never know Brian Gryzlak is a research a former sergeant with the 1244th part of this messed up thing.' " where the struggle is going to go assistant at the University of Transportation Company, Illinois Aaron explained, "As long anymore than the people who Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa) and a National Guard, and was in Iraq as we're there, no matter what get us into wars know where the member of the University of for a total of 15 months. Romo government is established, it's struggle is going to go. But the Iowa Antiwar Committee. is a former Vietnam War army always going to be underneath our infantry lieutenant and a national rifle, and as long as that happens, coordinator of VVAW. the Iraqi people aren't going to The event was organized by accept it." He continued, "Stop- the University of Iowa Antiwar ping the funding [for the war] is Committee and sponsored by six the one way…one tactic that we other local organizations. Roughly as the people need to use and need 100 people came out to the Iowa to make our Congressmen and City Public Library to hear them women use to stop the war." speak. Aaron talked about art as an Early on, Aaron addressed historically powerful way of mak- the main tenet for the US-led in- ing sense out of the experience of vasion: "I always knew that there war: "I think art historically has weren't any weapons of mass de- been a space…to challenge the struction because one of my army cultural norms. The Dada artists manuals said that." after World War I, they got up Both Aaron and Barry were there and said, 'You know what, asked to share how they came to WWI made no fucking sense at oppose the respective wars they all,' and the only way to express fought in. Both discussed the dif- the traumas of this war is to have ficulties of transitioning to civilian nonsensical poetry, to stand up and life and the deep and complex just yell and scream, and make personal issues that accompanied noises that made no utter sense Barry Romo speaking in Iowa City Retiring from Wage Work/Ramping Up Real Work Hannah Frisch Sometimes people think the gray- our most active leaders are retired way we were abandoned by older morning—make a note on your ing of our organization means a or on disability. Retired members vets. It's giving me a purpose in registration form. Please also lessening of energy and activism. head our two new chapters. One of life. It's real." contact me at [email protected]. They aren't looking at the silver these individuals, Marty Webster, If retired and about-to- lining (pun intended). We actually said, "I realized I was getting older retire members want to compare have an opportunity for an activist and there was a void in my life. I notes, one opportunity to do wanted to play a bigger role. It has renaissance as more of our mem- this face-to-face would be at Hannah Frisch is a member of been exciting and gratifying. I also th bers reach retirement age. the 40 Anniversary. If you are VVAW's National staff. We are already benefiting feel an obligation not to abandon interested in such a small group from retirements. A number of the next generation of veterans the discussion—probably on Sunday 8 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Warriors for Peace in the Classroom Aaron Davis Vietnam Vet Rick Miller brings there. It is in my head, forever," perimeter in my house," he stated. Patrobas came home "angry," he his experience as a company he concluded. Larry works at the VARMC Salt had a distinguished career as a commander of B Company 4/39th Rick carries a picture of a Lake City, and is in his second mar- faculty member of Harvard Medi- Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Di- young Vietcong he killed on an riage after being in many 12 step cal School. He has been divorced vision in the Delta, and his peace ambush in his wallet. "I want to programs. "A lady asked me the twice, and fought the demons of activism as a member of VVAW expose to others the horrific mental other day 'Will we ever be safe?' PTSD with alcohol. "War is futile," and Veterans For Peace into col- and physical stress that war is to I replied welcome to my world," he concluded. lege classrooms. Rick and fellow the people who fight it. I want to he concluded. Miller, Patrobas and Chad- vets for peace Dr. Robert Littlehale share all of these thoughts, and I Dr. Robert Littlehale (Patro- wick are members of the Nikko (Patrobas) and Larry Chadwick am tired of holding them inside bas) served as a medical doctor Schoch Chapter 118 Veterans For have spoken on the human costs me. I have forgotten 90% of my in Vietnam. He saw first hand Peace in Salt Lake City, Utah. of war 25 times in the past two experiences, but it comes back in the carnage of war in a MASH years in history, human develop- my sleep" he concluded. Miller unit. "I came around a corner, ment, humanities and psychology came back to Pomona, California, and saw about 20 soldiers on lit- Aaron Davis is a VVAW member classes at Salt Lake City Com- tried to be normal, and was admit- ters mangled and blood soaked and MFIC of chapter 118 munity College and Utah Valley ted to USC medical school, until just waiting to die. I cried for Veterans For Peace. His service State College his PTSD hit full force in 1970. five hours, and then got drunk. I of 18 years included marine Miller got to Vietnam in His PTSD has led to his 100% was a mess," he stated. Although NCO and Army officer. December 1967, just before Tet. disability and peace activism. "After our first major action, we Rick and second wife Sara dug up a grave with half a body in have adopted two children and it, and the sight and smell of it are are currently living in Salt Lake with me today," he exclaimed. He City, Utah. has documented his experiences in Larry Chadwick was an RTO a book called Vietnam Screaming in the 1st Air Cav in January 1968. in My Head. His writing, speaking "Killing another human being is and working as a peace activist and hard. I hate helicopters, and don’t Buddhist practitioner have helped answer the phone. I came home him heal the pain of PTSD and with a $100 a day heroin addiction, alcohol addiction. "Hardly a day drank, stole and robbed a bank," goes by without some recall of the he emphatically stated. Larry spent war. Flashbacks occur frequently. time at Rykers Island prison in Vietnam vet and VVAW member Rick Miller makes a point in At times they are cued by sights or New York. "I talk in my sleep 'kill a psychology of good and evil class while Vietnam vets sounds or smells. Vietnam is just 'em all,' get up early and walk the Larry Chadwick and Dr. Robert Littlehale (Patrobas)await their turn. Chicago High School Debates Enlistment

Jackson Potter

On Wednesday, March 28 at asked included; "Do you think manner, the Major answered military recruitment machine. Englewood High School in enlisting in the military is a good "No, I didn't."Questions were More discussions and forums the Chicago Public Schools, idea, why or why not?" and "What then beginning to accumulate like this one in our public schools an unusual thing happened. do you think about the 3,000 plus as another young woman in would go a long way to counter Instructors in the schools ROTC soldiers who have died in the war the audience followed up with the war propaganda parceled out (Army Reserve Officer Training so far?" "well don't you think these other daily by ROTC programs across Corps) agreed to debate Vietnam The most important exchange men might be right, being that America. and Iraq war veterans about occurred after Major McEwen they've seen what actual combat the benefits and disadvantages commented that every decision is really like?" By that point, of military enlistment. As part in life involves a calculated risk. the Major had no choice but to of a service project for the He asserted that driving a car was concede the obvious. As a teacher Constitutional Rights Foundation one of the most dangerous things a of predominantly low income, Jackson Potter is a Chicago on the pros and cons of the draft, person can do, and many more die African American youth, I can Public Schools high-school Englewood students constructed doing that than serving in Iraq. In confidently say that on this day teacher and long-time supporter a debate format for the panelists a passionate and angry response, we dealt a powerful blow to the of VVAW. to argue a myriad of issues VVAW's Barry Romo disputed pertaining to the War in Iraq. The that logic, challenged the Major, panelists included; Barry Romo, "to compare dying in an auto Vietnam Veterans Against the War, accident to intentionally killing Sergeant Maurice Flowers, ROTC someone for no good reason is a instructor, Aaron Hughes, member terrible comparison." of Iraq War Vets against the War, Students fixated on this Major Harry McEwen, ROTC moment and began to ask pointed instructor and a soldier on active questions directed at the ROTC duty in Iraq who is against the instructors in the little time war who will remain anonymous. that remained. Senior Andrea Five Englewood students sat by Hendricks, heavily recruited by the panelists and fielded a series the Navy, asked the Major, "Did of questions for the guests to you serve in combat like these answer. Some of the questions other men." In a very prosaic Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 9 Here We Grow Again – Camarillo, California Marty Webster It is really a privilege to introduce our newest contact – Steve Cran- dell from Camarillo, California. After he graduated from Troy High School, Fullerton, California in 1967 he joined the Air Force in 1968. In 1970, Steve volunteered for Vietnam and served as a weap- ons loader on F-4s at Cam Ranh Bay for two months and then in Danang for ten months. Steve became an Iraq anti- war supporter when he and his wife Carolyn marched in the Janu- ary 2003 Los Angeles anti-war rally carrying a banner which read "Been There Done That" and "War is Only a Friend to the Undertaker" – "Vietnam Veteran." During the rally he was singled out and interviewed by KPFK 90.7 radio station. Steve voiced his opinion that we were repeating history, that the administration lied to us then and they are lying to us now. Since he has become a Southern California contact for Steve Crandell and Bill Hammaker, 98-year-old World War II CO VVAW, Steve has become aware of the large number of phone call wheel chair. Carl suffers from MS Vietnam," Steve said, "but becom- Club of Camarillo, Chairs the and emails VVAW receives from thought to be brought on by Agent ing involved in VVAW has brought Veteran's Committee and writes veterans looking for help to obtain Orange. The march in Ventura forth a whole new way of looking a column in the club newsletter benefits, discharge information, went without incident. There was at the effects of war, and has cre- called the "Veterans' Corner." His PTSD issues and legal assistance. one man who had a t-shirt that said ated a whole new group of friends. wife, Carolyn, is the Vice Presi- There are also many inquires from "Dog Soldiers" on it. According Friends that share a common goal dent of the club and editor of the students looking for information to Steve, he shadowed the march of helping other veterans and try- club newsletter. They were both about the effects of war on the the whole distance. He saw him at ing to put an end to senseless wars. elected as delegates to the 37th troops. the park where the march ended Get involved and you might find Democratic Assembly District. "There are some veterans at the "Iraq Wall" with names and the risks very rewarding." groups and individuals that think pictures. He was staring at the wall Welcome Home Steve and we should have stayed in Vietnam and seemed to be getting angry. welcome to the VVAW family! until the job was done - sound Steve thought it would be best to Steve is also an executive Marty Webster is the National familiar?" Steve said. "They say try to open a dialog with him. His board member of the Democratic Organizing Secretary for VVAW they stand tall for America but in son is in Iraq and asked if they a threatening and twisted way," he had permission from the families noted. Steve did his homework. to post the names and pictures. He did some research and asked He told him probably not but the questions about VVAW before information is available publicly he joined, and in this process, on websites. The man said if he he found he had a choice to just ever saw his son's name and picture be a member of the group, or, he on the "wall" he would destroy it. could get involved. He chose to Then he left. "Maybe the reason get involved. he left so abruptly was that he just On Saturday, March 17, wanted someone to know why he Steve proudly represented VVAW was there," Steve wondered. publicly for the first time at a Steve said his mission is to march in Ventura, California. support veterans in whatever way Approximately 300 people took he can and spread the word about part in the march. There was the devastating effects of war, lots of support from the public, just or unjust. In the short time honking horns, cheers and peace he has been a VVAW contact, he signs. The theme was "Stop the has been able to help a couple of Funding – End the War." It was students with their reports about sponsored by the Peace Coalition war by letting them know how the of Greater Ventura. Steve marched Vietnam War has effected him. up front with the president of the He feels it is our responsibility Ventura Chapter of the Veterans as veteran "gray hairs" to teach For Peace. There was also repre- the youth and hopefully they will sentation from the Green Party. make the right decisions. Steve pushed Carl Smith in a "I never regretted going to 10 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 2006 Veterans Day Observance, Chicago Amy Meyers It was a crisp November day in Chicago when VVAW held their annual Veteran's Day observance at the Vietnam memorial. Folk singer Anna Stange opened and closed the event with folk songs. This year's speakers included veterans of the past 50 years, each giving their own personal rendition of war and the continuing impact. VVAW's GI Counselor Ray Parrish was this year's emcee; between speaker introductions he offered some of his own insights. Steven Majors on Veterans Day 2006, Chicago Eric Alhberg served in Afghanistan and Iraq with the can't speak today. He reminded speech by John Kerry, "How do in Kuwait his job was changed 82nd Airborne. He joined the the crowd that "war is tragic, that you ask a man to be the last man to 50 cal. gunner providing Army out of high school for the the military serves one purpose in to die for a mistake?" escort for high ranking officials. college money. From the start, he war: to kill the enemy, but when Aaron Hughes served 1 year He witnessed the shooting of a questioned the motives of the Iraq troops return home they continue 3 months and 7 days in Iraq with civilian, which was not properly war, stating he was against the to make sacrifices, along with the the Illinois Army National Guard. investigated and brought him to war but went because he signed difficulties of reintegrating into Aaron thanked VVAW for helping further question and doubt the the contract. Upon his return, he society." Adam went on to say him to have a voice, having been Iraq war and US military. He saw recalled feeling alone until he was that the people do not support the frustrated trying to find a voice, Iraqis angry and fed up with the back in college and experienced war or the administration's polices, find a space to come back to, "when occupation, realizing the people the anti-war movement first hand. stating "the war on terrorism everything you realize, everything in Iraq were fighting just like him. It was then that he became aware is terrorism, war solves no you thought about the way the Youth, 17, 18 years old defending of VVAW and joined IVAW. He fundamental problems, the death world was, isn't true."Never their homes, doing the same thing advises returning vets to talk about toll is rising, and while Rumsfeld fully understanding why he was he would do if someone attacked it, acknowledging that his own can resign, can those fighting in deployed, what they were doing, his home in the United States. speaking out against the war has Iraq also resign?" why they couldn't help the kids While on leave, he fled to Canada been a release for him. Joe Miller is an active that were lining the roads of Iraq, where he remained for a year and Melissa Woo, Don VVAW member and National why the civilians were looked a half. Kyle recently returned Goldhammer and Robin Schimer, Coordinator, as well as professor of at like they weren't people, how to the US under the impression 3 members of the "Tasty 7" spoke Political Science at the University money and contracts are more from the Army, that he would be on their arrests this past July, while of Illinois. Joe spoke on the important or how his unit didn't discharged without prison time. counter recruiting at the Taste generational connections, from have proper armor until 3 months Upon turning himself in and being of Chicago. Military recruiter's his aunt's attendance, a WWII before leaving, were some of the told otherwise, he's since gone reportedly told the Chicago Police veteran and member of VVAW, to questions that led Aaron to where AWOL for the second time and is they felt intimidated by the 'peace the countless other Veterans from he is today. This frustration led now traveling the states speaking recruiters' presence. The counter various generations, at this year's to meditation and his art work, out. Kyle said "demonizing the recruiters were told to go to the observance. VVAW members trying to create some type of Iraqi people, saying they are lesser imaginary 'free speech zone' have been informing folks about understanding, redefine who he beings than we are, is what keeps located behind dumpsters, upon the lessons they learned from their is through art and activism. this war going and once soldiers refusing, 7 were arrested. Chicago war, their era. Now the younger Gerry Condon, a Vietnam in country, in Iraq, realize that is the most militarized school vets help keep VVAW members War resister, who spent time in these people are people, they're district in the nation, not only are motivated to continue the struggle Sweden and Canada, has been not anything less than we are…that military recruiters prevalent in for veteran's rights and peace and working with Project Safe Haven, once they realize this - the war most high schools, they come out justice worldwide. "Bring home which is comprised of war resisters will stop. Once people follow their in full force to public venues such the sons, daughters, grandkids that and conscientious objectors since conscience, this war is going to as the Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago are over there now." In a film class the Vietnam era, who support stop. I followed my conscience and and the Air and Water show. The he teaches on Vietnam (showing the war resisters of today. Gerry I'm being persecuted for it." right to leaflet in opposition to Sir! No Sir!, Born on the 4th of July, met AWOL soldier Kyle Snyder Steven Majors, a Vietnam military recruitment of youth Winter Soldier…), Joe mentioned doing this work and is traveling Army veteran read 2 poems about is a hassle each year, however, that many don't know that the with him now. Gerry introduced what the Veteran has provided this action was the first that led veterans as well as the soldiers Kyle to the crowd of Chicagoans the people. And with experience to arrests, and a striking opening fought during that war to end that have come to know him over and compassion, Ray closed with to the summer season for "peace the war. VVAW has been wiped the previous weeks, as he was a Native American prayer and recruiters" and the right to free out of the history books but new very active in Chicago during reminded us that post traumatic speech. scholars are finally coming out November telling his story to stress disorder is a matter of Adam Navarro served 3 and putting us back in the history schools and media. conscience, saying "obey your years as a MP with the 101st books. Veterans and GI's stood Kyle was recruited in October conscience and cure yourself." airborne including a 6 month up against the Vietnam War. "Its of 2003, given promises of money Imploring everyone to "visualize tour in Kosovo. Adam discussed important students learn this part and other benefits. He signed up peace, bring end to war and get the the sacrifices veterans make and of history. We need to be visible, as a heavy construction equipment help we need for our Veterans." In why he thought it was important make these connections with the operator, believing he would be the blistery cold air, between the to allow his voice to represent vets of today's generation." In helping to rebuild Iraq by building observance and Aaron's art exhibit those active duty soldiers who closing Joe quoted from a 1971 schools and roads. After arriving continued on next page Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 11 "Citizens Arrest" Attempt at The White House Ward Reilly On Election Day, November 7, action was the news early in the scene-do not cross" on it, and the encircling them in support, as per 2006, VVAW national-contacts early morning of November 8 that group unrolled the tape until it the plan. Ward Reilly of Baton Rouge, Donald Rumsfeld had been fired went completely around the front Isn't it just like George W. Louisiana, Bill Perry of Philadel- by Bush, only days after Bush fence of the White House, about Bush to arrest those that have phia, Pennsylvania, and Patrick said that he had full faith in the 300 yards, or so. A group of high already been hurt the most by McCann of Washington DC, Secretary of Defense. school students were enthralled his illegal and pathetic attempt to helped organize, and participated Typical of all politicians, the by the events unfolding in front of "one-up" his daddy? The occu- in a unique, multi-phased, antiwar "buck" never stops at their desk, it their eyes, and they asked if they pants of the White House continue action at the White House. It was just bounces around from one to could stand with us, which they to disgrace our house every day a 2-day action, during which, another, in a blaze of bullshit. did, none to the joy of their teach- they are allowed to continue to among other things, we wrapped Joining the action was VVAW ers, who were escorting them. live there. the White House in "crime scene member Bruce Berry, veteran Amazingly, the Secret Ser- All in all, it was a GREAT tape," and I attempted to exercise Mike Hearington, Desert Storm vice allowed the tape to be carried action, and VVAW was well my civil rights by performing a veteran and DU activist Den- back and forth in front of the entire represented, and I wish all of our "citizens arrest" of President Bush nis Kyne, former diplomat Ann White House, and the national members could have been there. and Vice President Cheney. There Wright, former CIA agent Ray Press Corp, stationed on the front were 4 arrests. McGovern, Gold Star aunt DeDe lawn, sent several camera crews I rang the front gate door bell Miller, Gold Star mother Cindy out to record the event. I also tied over and over to get the attention Sheehan, musician Jesse Dyen, a piece of the crime scene tape to Ward Reilly is the Southeast of the Secret Service, in order to the musical duo of Pat Humphries the front fence, which the Secret national contact for VVAW. talk to them about performing the and Sandy Opatow, who are Service ordered to be removed, but He was a volunteer infantryman planned "citizens arrest" of Bush known as "Emma's Revolution," it stayed on the fence long enough serving in the famed 1st & 16th and Cheney. The Secret Service and a few dozen other activists. to be photographed. (Rangers) of the First Infantry was not amused, but talked to me at It was intentionally a small and To end the 2-day action, the Division from 1971–74, spending the front gate, and asked me "what personal action, and it was very 4 Gold Star moms chose to be a thousand straight days in the charges would be brought effective. It was guerilla theatre arrested by blocking the main Germany with the Big Red One. against Bush and Cheney?" I told with plenty of anger and sadness entrance in the front the White He joined VVAW originally in them "treason, spying on citizens, mixed together. House, with the rest of our crew 1972 and re-upped in 2001. kidnapping, torture, lying, using During the 2 days, the small banned weapons, and war crimes." group took turns reading the name, After a short discussion, in which rank, age, and hometown of all the the Secret Service supervisor was US KIAs in the Iraq War, using a called, the agents declined to allow LOUD megaphone. It took about me entry into the White House, to 4 hours to go through the list, make the arrest. and we did it four times during 2 I pointed out to the 3 (not- days, with the megaphone pointed so)Secret Service members that "if directly at the CIC office. they denied me my right to make We also attempted to de- the arrest, that they were complicit liver a petition signed by 80,000 in the crimes." I also pointed out citizens, which the White House to them that "they worked for me," police refused to accept, so we which one of the agents angrily threw the petition on the front denied. One agent told me that I lawn, through the fence. The peti- had to "do it without help, which tion demanded the end to the war, is why it is called a citizens arrest," and the immediate pull out of the and I told him, in reply, that all I occupying army. wanted him to do was to "open At about mid-morning on VVAW members Bill Perry on right... Patrick McCann-rear, raising 1-finger salute... Ward Reilly-center, also "saluting Bush and Cheney”... and friends, the gate and let me in." the 7th, I produced a roll of bright including Ann Wright on phone, DeDe Miller, Dennis Kyne, and others Another highlight of the yellow tape with the words "crime Veterans Day, 2006 continued from previous page opening, VVAW had a party the over-complex personal realities outside of the National Vietnam of the War in Iraq. Conveying a Veterans Art Museum. VVAW's series of metaphors, critiques, very own, Barry Romo and Bill and ambiguous narratives in Davis, took turns as master chefs order to deconstruct the nostalgic on the grill, while others partook in war epic that informs much of the festivities, eating and drinking how mass media interprets war. over comical, solemn and poignant Veering away from ideologies, conversations. The party and these projects point instead to the exhibit were well attended and a complexity of daily experiences, great success. practices, and tactics. This Aaron Hughes is the first shift suggests that personal non-Vietnam era veteran to expressions and independent exhibit artwork at the NVVAM. alternative communications can In Aaron's art exhibit "Shifting deconstruct the social, cultural, Memories," he shares a series of and political walls that foster projects that bring to the forefront dehumanization. Kyle Snyder on Veterans Day 2006, Chicago 12 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 VVAW Marches in DC

continued from page 1

Potomac River. On the sidewalk at the southside of the bridge were several hundred war-mongering protesters who heckled the anti- war protesters. One bunch dressed in black motorcycle jackets called themselves "freedom eagles." This name was born out of their igno- rance and stupidity, they are the ones who continue to believe the lies of Bush and his cronies. Their ignorance shone through in their shouts supporting US domination of the world because we are the "protectors of world Democracy." They shouted obscenities and tried Ted Kautzman and Breezy Brzeski march in DC, March 17, 2007 to spit on the crowd. They dem- onstrated the stupidity of might the Pentagon. Protesters marched elderly folks in wheelchairs. more money for Iraq" and "Get is right by trying to stop people and sang John Lennon's immortal The marchers gathered at out of Iraq Now." Again, VVAW from going to the "Wall" as well as words "All we are saying, Is give the stage, which was set up at the responded to the call to protest an blocking anti-war protesters from peace a chance." They also chant- end of the march in front of the illegal and unjust war with their joining the march. However, Carol ed, "What do we want? To stop the Pentagon. The Kentucky VVAW efforts and participation in this stood up to them in her visit to the war! When do we want it? Now!" was right up at the front, holding march. wall and the "eagles" had to back These slogans and others charged their VVAW banner high for all to down and let her through. up the protesters who were very see. Anti-war activists including The march snaked its way vocal and energized. There were Cindy Sheehan spoke for over an for miles across the bridge and marchers of all ages, from little hour. The large crowd was very Breezy Brzeski is a member of then turned and marched toward children with their parents, to receptive to their message of "No the VVAW Milwaukee chapter. Marching on DC, January 27 Amy Meyers United for Peace and Justice This article provides experi- 40 years later, with comrades 40 ing him stand in silence amongst sponsored an anti-war demonstra- ences from one day in the streets years older, based on your son's/ chaos, in solidarity with his broth- tion at the steps of the capital in of DC. Offering perspectives from daughter's generation's war with ers and sisters; thinking on his life, Washington DC; just in time for longtime members of Vietnam eerie similarities to your own? his stories, his impact, his willing- the president's formal announce- Veterans Against the War, and "I haven't gone to Washing- ness, his strength, his pains and his ment of troop escalation in the war my own, as a younger supporting ton DC to demonstrate in more fears. Him, them, tens, hundreds, on Iraq. The "surge" (coined word member. than 20 years, but I could feel both thousands I felt these faceless today for 60's word "escalation") The GI anti-war movement from people here and around the reflections of stolen years and includes 21,500 more troops, is one of the most admirable, country, that things were moving. lives. I was standing with VVAW most going to Baghdad, and ex- noble and important factors and And so even though I had to fly in watching IVAW, feeling the same tends Army and Marine tours by historical lessons of war. In the and out, I really wanted to make tide of emotions, shared anguish, a few months each. As of March midst of an unplanned reunion, this demonstration and I wasn't from the older to the younger 2007, the escalation has already this demonstration provoked disappointed," said Barry Romo and back again. Their age, their surpassed the stated amount and generations of anti-war veterans of Chicago VVAW. era, their war, their understand- has reached upwards of 30,000 to participate. What does it feel As an outsider looking in, I ing, their truth, their words, their additional troops. like to be marching in Washington tried to imagine what it was like discomfort - them finding a home then and how it must of belonging and solace with the feel now. Observing likes of each other. a friend from afar, a "The size and appearance of young, innocent, vul- the crowd rivaled what I saw in nerable human; I saw the early 70's when I was serving VVAW 40 years ago. I active duty at Fort Myer Arling- wasn't even alive then. ton…It was good to see some That war was before old VVAW show up…the Iraq my time. Watching Vet's did well with their group," their interactions, as said Bruce Hyland of Indiana if a part of his heart VVAW. Barry added, "The VVAW was reaching out to contingent was mainly from the hear and be heard. Midwest and East coast; I saw My eyes tear, seeing people I haven't seen in 30 years! him smile amongst his And beyond VVAW the fact that comrades and newest/ there were active-duty GIs, and oldest friends, watch- that the march was led by IVAW

Jim Murphy, Bruce Hyland, Barry Romo and Marty Webster continued on page 15 Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 13 Passing the Torch From One Generation to Another Marty Webster

They came in on the red eye most significant aspect special, or on chartered buses. was the participation of They slept in cars and took turns Iraq Veterans Against the driving, some even camped on War and the active duty the Capitol Mall. VVAW mem- soldiers who marched in bers from all across the country civilian clothes. came to protest the Iraq war and The demonstration the sending of more soldiers to also included a wide be placed in harm's way to help variety of social orga- perpetuate a lie. nizations such as those Yes, VVAW was there. The involved in the Katrina old and the young. Comrades struggle, environmental embraced and reminisced. New activists, defenders of members from around the country the poor and underprivi- met others for the first time. All leged, and the famous were reminded of a war in south- "Raging Grannies," who east Asia, somewhere between consider the war in Iraq time lost, and time found. A place and Afghanistan - and fying show of solidarity. (we're strong)" most have forget. A place some their human, political and eco- Cadence from the veteran's can never forget. nomical costs - a main issue for contingent became the order of "Sound off" "One, two" The "old guys" and a new every US citizen. the day and a defiant chant: generation of Veterans. The 'Nam Rep. Maxine Waters (D- "Hey, hey, Uncle Sam, we remem- "Sound off" "Three, four" combat vet and the children, and CA), who was near the front of ber Vietnam, grandchildren of those who were the march, spoke with the Capitol "Bring it on down" "One, Two, sure that years ago, they had sealed Hill Police officers and demanded Combat vets don't want your Three, Four, …One, Two… the fact that their children and that the police move the buses they war, peace is what we're march- THREE, FOUR!!!" children's children, would never were using to blockade a portion ing for. have to participate in an event of the parade route. Perhaps in When the veterans contingent such as this again. deference to the new Democratic Bring our troops back to our soil. passed by, onlookers yelled and They came to join over congress, perhaps in deference to Iraq vets say NO blood for oil. cheered. The vets responded with 500,000 demonstrators in a mas- a member of Congress, or perhaps the cadence. Often the crowd sive march on our Nation's Capitol in deference to over 500,000 US Guns to shoot and bombs to drop, joined them. Soon, everyone was on Saturday, January 27. Some citizens, the police moved the all this killing has to stop one mass drill team. Then, a new vets rode in wheel chairs or leaned buses. crowd would notice the vets and it on canes, limping from wounds The demonstration was so They wave the flag when you at- started over. And over. And over. sustained in World War II, Korea, huge that it was impossible for tack, when you come home they For over two-hours, the chanting Vietnam, the first Gulf War, and groups and organizations to stay turn their back, continued. "I cannot over-empha- now sadly, the Iraq war. together. A surge of protestors, in size the impact this had on me In addition to Gold Star their creative and exuberant spirit, We don't want your Iraq war, peace and the crowd," said a Veterans Mothers for Peace, Military Fami- partially dispersed the Veterans is what we're marchin' for, For Peace member. People came lies Speak Out, and thousands of contingent. At first, cohesiveness over saying, "Thank you for serv- other antiwar activists, students, appeared diluted, but the unified Am I right or wrong? (you're ing our country and thank you for religious groups, and unionists, the voice of resistance became a grati- right), are we weak or strong being here." Bob Watada, father of Lieu- tenant Ehren Watada, the first of- ficer who refused to be sent to Iraq for considering it an "illegal"war, marched with Jonathan Hutto, an active duty Marine, and more than 300 relatives of American men and women serving or killed in Iraq. Jaime Vazquez wore his olive drab Marine tunic with nearly a dozen combat medals pinned to it including the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Vazquez, now Jersey City's Deputy Mayor for Interna- tional Affairs, served in Vietnam with the First Marine Division from 1967-68. "I was hit with 70 pieces of shrapnel," Vazquez told the world as he marched. "I still have eight or nine pieces of metal buried inside me." "I learned one lesson: to

continued on next page Aaron Hughes leading the national IVAW and active duty soldiers delegation 14 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Passing the Torch continued from previous page struggle for peace and understand- didn't learn the lessons from the ing," Vazquez continued. "I think Vietnam war," she added. we rushed into this war on Iraq. We Standing on her toes to reach have lost all the goodwill around the microphone, 12-year-old Mo- the world that we got from the riah Arnold laid into the policies Sept. 11 terrorist attack. Anybody of George W. Bush as she told the who doesn't believe this is a war crowd: "Now we know our leaders for oil and global power is delud- either lied to us or hid the truth. ing himself."¨ Because of our actions, the rest of Cherie Rankin was dressed the world sees us as a bully and a in the Red Cross uniform she liar." Somehow the voice of this wore as a nurse in Vietnam. "We sixth-grader from Harvard, Mass., decimated the population of a resonated more loudly than any very beautiful country," she said. adult in attendance. The youngest "I feel very intense grief for our speaker on the National Mall stage soldiers, their families and for all had also organized a petition drive the Iraqi people." at her school against the war. Jane Fonda, with extra large VVAW button The mobilization, called for Actors Sean Penn, Tim Rob- by United for Peace and Justice bins and Susan Sarandon also to stop the Bush agenda of world Moriah Arnold. It is sad that such (UFPJ), began with two hours of spoke up, as well as several legisla- domination. We're already being a rite of passage is necessary. The speeches in front of the capitol on tors, including long-time Veteran's primed for the next war: Iran, old, however will never abandon the National Mall, followed by advocate John Conyers, the new North Korea, or wherever Bush the new, all, will carry the ban- the march which deviated from chairman of the Judicial Commit- wants to go. This is not the Ameri- ner together, for such is the way the route that Capitol Police ap- tee from the House of Representa- can way. My America is a defender of honor. proved and ended up encircling tives, and his colleagues Maxine of democracy. Today we are the Perhaps such demonstrations the Capitol. The original march Waters and presidential hopeful aggressor. I wear a black arm band are not recognized by the Bush route would have had the peace Dennis Kucinich, among others. in mourning for my country." administration, nor accepted with activists sharing one road. Ob- The march around the Capi- Cindy Sheehan, the mother credibility by the mainstream servers say they have never seen tol was to express the demonstra- of Casey Sheehan a US soldier media either. Maybe they are only such a march route before. It had tors main message: to demand killed in Iraq and perhaps the for us. Perhaps, however, they will activists chanting and marching Congress put an end to the war most famous face of this move- serve as a reminder to all who towards each other. It was the first and to stop the sending of more ment against war, participated in attended, or those who watched time any demonstration was so than 20,000 additional troops that the march that took place in Los on TV, and to those numbering large that it completely encircled president George W. Bush has Angeles. in the hundreds of thousands, if the Capitol. ordered, as the center of his new VVAW Kentuckiana contact not millions, on the internet, that Reverend Jesse Jackson, who strategy for the war. Shortly after Carol Rawert Trainer and her VVAW is still around, and we are was one of the speakers, said that that, there was a massive rally in husband Harold arrived several alive and well, and we remain in the conflict in Iraq is causing a war the large park located across the days early to visit the offices of the vanguard of a movement that against the poor here at home . We Capitol. members of congress. They then will not tolerate this insane war. do not need more troops in Iraq. In addition to this march joined with hundreds of activists Many years ago VVAW pledged What we need is more funds for in Washington, over a 100 other who remained in Washington that never again would one genera- the poor here at home. simultaneous protests took place to carry out an intense lobbying tion of veterans abandon another Actress Jane Fonda, long- around the country, including a campaign among legislators on generation of veterans. That is time activist and friend of VVAW, massive march in Los Angeles and Monday, in the second stage of reason enough to demonstrate. took the microphone and said it a smaller one in San Francisco. the struggle to force Congress to was the first time in 34 years that Gene Glazer of New Jersey, stop Bush's war-like policy. she took part in an antiwar dem- a medic in Europe during World On January 27, 2007, a torch onstration because "silence is no War II said, "We were fighting was passed from VVAW to IVAW, Marty Webster is the VVAW longer an option." "I'm very sad fascism then. We are here today from Jane Fonda to 12 year-old National Organizing Secretary. we still have to do this, since we Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 15 Madison Quakers Agent Orange Projects in Vietnam Mike Boehm Reprinted from Winds of Peace the after-effects of spraying deaf. She showed me around their houses are made of durable brick newsletter #12. the herbicide Agent Orange on "house"—mud walls, dirt floor and and cement walls, cement floor our soldiers and on innocent thatch roof. Then she introduced and tin roof. In March, 2005, the Madison Vietnamese civilians, it is also me to her granddaughter, who was There is no solution to the Quakers implemented their first important that the anger and 15 years old at the time but looked effects of Agent Orange. The project to help the victims of Agent grief we all feel about the victims to be about 9 or 10 years old. genetic damage is done and cannot Orange. Agent Orange, along with of this abuse not devolve into She can only respond to stimulus be undone. But we can provide Agents Purple, Pink, Blue, White pointless, mindless rage, as so such as light or noise; other than relief for these families and that and Green, were defoliants used often happens. that, she has no sentience. One is our goal. For the first time in in Vietnam during the war. Agent So, consistent with our of the medical problems she has their lives they are safe; safe from Orange was by far the most heavily approach to the massacres at My is an insatiable craving for water, monsoon rains and wind, safe from used herbicidal spray during the Lai and elsewhere, we have chosen and so she consumes enormous insects and snakes. Safe. And for war. These defoliants contained to take the path that bypasses quantities of water all day long. the first time in their lives they dioxin a highly toxic chemical recrimination and anger and Her grandmother told me that don't feel so alone because they which caused severe birth defects instead focuses on what we can do she spends a large portion of her know now that someone cares. and high rates of cancer in those for the people in Vietnam affected day just boiling water for her A meeting with the newly exposed to it - the Vietnamese by Agent Orange. granddaughter. And, of course, formed Vietnamese governmental people and American soldiers, We began to do so in 2005 as a consequence of drinking so organization, the Organization for and our allies. with the family of Mrs. Nguyen much water, her granddaughter is the Victims of Agent Orange, this For those of us who have Thi Ha from Tinh Giang village, urinating constantly. Her mother year confirmed the building of followed the debate over Agent one of the villages with a loan and grandmother didn't know what compassion houses as the most Orange all these years, we have fund program funded by our more they could do for her. In a important aid that can be given seen a very familiar scenario-cries organization. Their household house of mud, where can you put a to victims of Agent Orange. As for justice which go unheard, consists of three women- child like this? They have put her of October, 2006, we have had complete denial of responsibility grandmother, mother (Mrs. Ha) on a plastic chair with slots in the constructed two more compassion by the US government and the and daughter. The husband of seat next to a door so she can have houses for victims of Agent Orange corporations which produced Mrs. Ha was sprayed with Agent some light and fresh air. Mrs. Ha and we will be constructing many Agent Orange, anger unleashed Orange during the war. When the and her mother must work in the more in the near future. and uncontrolled. And this war was over, they married; and, fields every day to be sure there As of 2006 each compassion reaction is only in response to when he realized he had sired a is enough food for the family. house cost $900. the mistreatment of American child with severe birth defects They can't be with her all day so soldiers; the effects of Agent and that his wife was losing her this little girl sat in her urine all Orange on the people of Vietnam hearing, he ran away. He has not day, day after day after day, her have been virtually ignored by the sent any money for support and feet caked with mud made from parties responsible. in fact has never been heard from her urine. Mike Boehm is the Chair of the While it is vitally important since. Our response was to fund My Lai Peace Park. He served in that awareness continues to be I spoke to Mrs. Ha's mother what the people of Vietnam call a Cu Chi from 1968-1969. He is a raised about the need to address when I visited because Mrs. Ha "compassion house" for the family member of VVAW. our responsibilities concerning by then had become completely of Mrs. Ha. These compassion www.mylaipeacepark.org

Marching on DC, January 27 personal point of view. I always myself unable to look also...some take the time to look and touch kind of emotional pain sharing." continued from page 12 the names I have connection with. This trip, viewing the Wall with a (Iraq Veterans Against the War), reaching the last name scribed, I Vietnam Vet I found myself in a Amy Meyers is a member of the only reinforces how deep that the touched it with all the feeling of new emotional situation. He stood Chicago chapter of vvaw, the antiwar movement has gone…of- the world in my finger tips, eyes in front of and indicated the panel Chicago Coalition Against ten the media tries to claim that we closed, completely unaware of his nephew is located on, but he War and Racism and the speak for no-one, in fact we speak who it belonged to…encompass- has never been able to look at the Chicago Coalition Opposed to for 65% of the country!" ing thousands of faces and stories name. When he told me, I found Militarization of Youth. Following the march VVAW in one life-changing touch of and IVAW members joined in a etched stone. Aware of the afflic- post-demonstration party. This tion it brought me, I wept inside for provided an opportunity to sit what it must present to others. down together, rap and rejuvenate, According to Bruce, "the late to continue the fight to end another night visit to the Wall was quite bloody war. interesting. The chance meeting Later in the evening, a few of the three college student's who of us made a visit to the Wall. I belonged to NOW…speaking walked alone trying to organize with Barry about the memorial the storm of emotion. A long, and the Vietnam War…probably cold, dark walk, I couldn't read not totally realizing who they were the names; I couldn't remember listening to." Nonetheless Barry the start or see the end. As the did a wonderful job of provid- wall became more visibly narrow, ing historical context…from a 16 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 The Milwaukee Beerfest and a Small Dream in a Far Off Land Chuck Theusch The Milwaukee Beerfest "Bless- Then we do projects with custom- ing of the Bock," John Zutz's ized size and design ranging from brainchild for a humanitarian $5,000-$15,000. These are called event that is at once a FUND "Small Dreams"---the Milwaukee RAISER and a FUN RAISER has Beerfest with Vietnam Veterans proved to be a great good fortune Against the War has built a small for the Library of Vietnam-Laos- dream. To be sure small dreams Cambodia Project, our goal of are as important as big ones…es- helping the peoples in the war-torn pecially if its your dream of a countryside of Southeast Asia and better life in the heart of a jungle the people and children of a small in war-ravaged land. village in Southern Laos. The generosity of Americans Kean Village, Savannaket is well-known when it is seen in Province, Laos major national outpourings of help The Milwaukee Beerfest has for disaster and disease relief such funded a small library and school as the 2005 tsunami, hurricane expansion in Kean Village Sa- Katrina, and uncounted others vannaket Province, Lao People's Chuck Theusch and Mike Boehm at the 2007 Milwaukee Beerfest throughout our history. But that Democratic Republic, southern is far from the whole story. It is Laos. This area was one of sev- Laos (Xieng Khouang province/ exploded bombs and landmines personal generosity of time, effort, eral staging sites for operations Plain of Jars) and the Director of when taking a playful jaunt in the and money in small amounts by to interdict Viet Cong and North the National Library of Laos as woods to hunt frogs. Someone many that is the fountainhead of Vietnamese Army supply traffic our In-Country Representative. in America sends you money to our work. There is an untold story along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The We call her the "Mother Theresa have the first library in the 400 of millions of these kinds of efforts "Secret War in Laos" has received of Education" in Laos. She has year history of your village. Your that are a testament to the better relatively little notice, but it raged one sister married to the former diet is rice and fish. You wish to angels of our nature. with a fury fully as vicious and Regional Director of the Central thank them with a gift. So what This is a report on our efforts deadly as anywhere in Southeast Intelligenca Agency (Yes, CIA) do you do? told to those who make it possible, Asia. for Southeast Asia from 1965 to You give them some of what as a song of thanks, and to others The Village has about 300 1972 living in the US. She has a you have---RICE! On September who may find some inspiration families, with about 150 children second sister living in Paris. She 8, 2006, I went to the village on in the work it takes to put on an attending the elementary school. could be living either place. But our standard continuing support event, the people that do it, the There's no electricity yet, but this she's chosen to dedicate her life visit to donate money and more money that comes from it and does not in any way dampen the to building the future of Laos books. We were moved beyond the hopes and dreams it funds in fervor of the local officials in their through libraries and education. words to find that the children had a small village on the other side attempts to provide an education She travels the long dusty roads EACH brought a small bag of rice of the world. and a brighter future for their and trails of the jungles, forests as a thank you gift for the donors. We build libraries, of course. children. and mountains of Laos planting the It was placed in a larger bag and But we do more than that. We seeds of knowledge with us. I brought some back to pass on inspire hope where it is needed, a A Word About Our to the people of the Milwaukee sense that someone cares among Representative in Laos Thank You Beerfest and the Vietnam Veterans people who need to know they In Laos we are blessed to have from the Children Against the War. are not alone on life's journey. We Madame Kongdeuane Nettavong, You live in a village with no This heartfelt deep thank you have larger "District" libraries that last surviving member of the royal electricity in southern Laos. Your from the children and families of cost $35,000, a standard design. family of the Middle Kingdom of children still must be wary of un- Kean village goes to everyone who buys a ticket, everyone who works the tables, every single exhibitor, the musicians, the bidders at the auctions, to all. Please know that this event, and everyone associ- ated with it, has indeed changed one small corner of the world. Also, we ALWAYS go back and will continue the relationship this event has made possible. We will continue to bring you the news of your accomplishment through support of the Library Project.

Chuck Theusch is a Vietnam Veteran and the founder of the Library of Vietnam Project and the Library of Laos Project based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chuck Theusch and his wife present the Laotian rice to Mike Goetsch, Bob Gronko and Bill Homans at the 2007 Milwaukee Beerfest Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 17 Putting the War on Trial in Cincinnati Marty Webster

The temperature outside would nization were in the vanguard of dip into the 20s before the evening the GI resistance movement and was over. But inside St. John's we still are today. Unitarian Church in Cincinnati, The "Wolftones" sang a song where between 90 and 100 people entitled "Stand Behind the Wire" had gathered to attend the "Bob in reference to members of the Watada Tour," there was warmth IRA being illegally interned in and love. the six occupied counties in the Lt. Ehren Watada became the north of Ireland. first commissioned officer to pub- licly refuse deployment to Iraq. He "Armored cars and tanks and guns, takes this stand based on his belief have come to take away our sons, that the war is illegal, and that it but we stand behind the man is his moral and legal duty under who stands behind the wire." the constitution to refuse orders to deploy. His court-martial ended in Darrel Anderson, recently re- a mistrial at Ft. Lewis, Washington turned from Canada, and Kyle in February of this year. He is being Snyder came to the front. After charged with contempt toward of- being AWOL for some time Dar- ficials, specifically, the president; rel turned himself in at Ft. Knox. conduct unbecoming an officer However, the Army had no idea and a gentleman; and missing who he was. After a further search Kyle Snyder, Darrel Anderson and Marty Webster movement. The army has chosen they said he was in Germany and another. As the three of us hugged most emotional ending of any to prosecute Lt. Watada primarily was not listed as AWOL. Darrel and wept openly, something was event on the tour. Bob Watada on the basis of his speech, rather was immediately released from sealed in our hearts. Kyle who is was very moved when he joined than his refusal to deploy, confirm- active duty and eventually given currently considered AWOL said Kyle and myself for an embrace ing that their primary objective a less than honorable discharge. this encounter has built a bond and Kyle told Bob that "your son is to silence his dissent. For the Ray Parrish, VVAW's professional that none of the of us could ever is my idol." Bob then thanked first time since 1965, the army Military Counselor, is work- forget. I then invited them to say VVAW Ohio Valley for a very is prosecuting an objector for his ing with Darrell to upgrade his a few words which were well special evening. opinion. discharge, and restore benefits. received by all. I am proud to be a member Lt. Watada's father, Bob, was Darrell, like many Iraq veterans I closed by inviting all in of an organization such as VVAW on a on a national speaking tour in and active duty personnel, suf- the room to come forward and that fosters and perpetuates such support of his son when he visited fers from Post Traumatic Stress embrace them, tell them they love an ideal. Anytime, anywhere, a Cincinnati on November 2. Mr. Disorder (PTSD). them, thank them for their stance veteran reaches out for help the Watada's background includes When Kyle Snyder returned and most importantly to publicly extended hand of VVAW must service in the Peace Corps and from Canada and reported to Ft. stand behind these men and all always be available, and for that 10 years as Executive Direc- Knox last year with a promise that of our men and women who are I/We are responsible! tor of Hawaii's State Campaign he would receive the same "Deal" "standing behind the wire." "It only takes a spark to start Spending Commission. He spoke that was given to Darrel Anderson, This is what it is all about, a prairie fire." about his son's path from enlist- However, when he reported to Ft. one vet lighting the fire in the heart ment after 9/11 to his realization Knox, he was given travel orders of another. There was not a dry eye Marty Webster is the National that the basis for the invasion and a ticket to return to his unit in the place. Doug Zachery who Organizing Secretary for VVAW was fraudulent, to his decision to for redeployment to Iraq. Kyle, was the Watada Tour Facilitator and the Ohio Valley Regional follow his conscience and refuse who quickly understood that he said this was by far the best and Chapter coordinator. illegal war. "He was very, very had been deceived, bravely took patriotic…very much for his coun- another road. This was the first AMERICA IN DENIAL try. He didn't realize then that the public appearance in the US that Elmer Creek Consipracy president could lie," Mr. Watada Kyle had made after refusing his said of his son . order for redeployment. Since, that Two vets musical take on the state of the union Bob Watada did an excellent time he has become a polished job and the video Sir! No Sir! was speaker and has toured the entire well received. The highlight of the country and has spoken out against evening was the appearance of the war. Kyle has recently returned two Iraq war resisters invited to to Canada and on March 28 he was attend the event. VVAW supports married to Maleah Freisen in a the actions of and stands 100% small chapel in Alberta. Although, behind our war resisters. When I was unable to attend in person, I we first came home there was no had the privilege of being the best venue where we could go to for man via phone hook-up. support. Painstakingly and out of I then invited everyone in the necessity a small group of veterans audience to join hands as Darrel, got together to form VVAW. And Kyle and I joined hands in the at that time we pledged to one front of the room. I mentioned another and all future veterans that that at this moment something one generation of veterans must beautiful was taking place. A never abandon another generation bond was developing between Free download of latest song, Fairweather Patriot of veterans again. We as an orga- one generation of veterans and at www.elmercreek.com 18 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 VVAW Supports Iraq War Resister Kyle Snyder Gerry Condon Barry Romo and Kyle Snyder met On October 31, Kyle had turned on Veterans Day, November 11, himself in at Fort Knox, Kentucky. 2006. First at the Vietnam Veterans Fort Knox authorities had told Memorial Wall on the Chicago his lawyer, Jim Fennerty of Chi- River in Chicago. Vietnam Vet- cago, that Kyle would be quickly erans Against the War had asked discharged from the Army. But Kyle, AWOL from the Iraq War, once Kyle was in their custody, to speak at the annual memorial. the Army told him he would have It was freezing cold. But VVAW to report to his old unit, the 94th was joined by Veterans For Peace, Engineers at Fort Leonard Wood, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Missouri. Realizing that he could and many good friends. It was a be ordered back to Iraq or court- solemn memorial to honor the war- martialed and imprisoned, Kyle riors and to recommit ourselves to went AWOL again and began an resisting war. impromptu speaking tour. His first Kyle Snyder speaks at SOA event Later, Kyle and Barry met stop was Chicago. again at VVAW's barbecue out- Art Museum in Chicago. understood where he was com- side the Vietnam Veterans Art Visit the Vietnam Ray Parrish was there too. ing from and what he was going Museum. Somehow Barry and Veterans Art Museum Ray is a Vietnam era vet who has through. Friends who were eager Kyle must have recognized one The National Vietnam Veterans become an indispensable activ- to help him in any way they another. They had both been 19 Art Museum is little known out- ist for VVAW. Ray dedicates could. when they went to war. At 19 years side of Chicago. But it is a must himself to knowing all there is to of age, Barry Romo served as an visit for all thinking Americans. know about veterans' healthcare, Kyle Visits Fort Benning Infantry company commander in The artistic expression of Viet- benefits, rights, etc. In particular, and New Orleans the Vietnam War. At 19 years of nam veterans is at once personal, he knows a lot about the Post After Chicago, Kyle, Maleah and age, Kyle Snyder was in the Iraq universal, sometimes beautiful, Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) I headed for the annual protest War, escorting officer convoys always profoundly disturbing. On that affects so many veterans. against the School of Americas with a 50-caliber machine gun. this particular Veterans Day, the Ray Parrish manifests VVAW's at Fort Benning, Georgia, where It was on one such mission that Museum hosted a special event. longtime commitment to serving he met some of his peers in Iraq Kyle saw an innocent Iraqi shot For the first time they displayed veterans even as they organize Veterans Against the War. IVAW by one of his men. the art of a veteran of the Iraq against war. had an old school bus, brightly And Barry and Kyle both said War. Kyle and his fiancé Maleah Ray Parrish had joined Kyle painted with calls for peace. They say no to war. Barry returned from visited the crowded room to take in a press conference on Monday, put on musical performances from Vietnam angry at having been in the diverse and evocative art the day before the US elections. the top of their bus and invited lied to by the US government. An of Aaron Hughes. Kyle began to Kyle had called on the people of passersby to join them. When early leader of Vietnam Veterans stare at a simple line drawing of Chicago to vote yes for a referen- School of Americas Watch orga- Against the War, Barry has served an Iraqi horizon, and he froze, not dum demanding the withdrawal nizers invited Kyle to speak from as a national coordinator for 35 knowing why. His girlfriend Ma- of US troops from Iraq. The ref- the main stage outside of Fort years. leah hugged him for a long time. erendum, which was on the ballot Benning, eight members of Iraq Four months of the Iraq War They went outside to the barbecue, in about half of Illinois' counties, Veterans Against the War filed up was enough for Kyle. Profoundly where Kyle was comforted by passed with an 80% margin. on stage behind him in a show of upset by the uninvestigated shoot- Barry and several other veterans Ray talked to Kyle before solidarity. ing he had witnessed, he took leave who had a pretty good idea what and after the press conference. Kyle was introduced to the and flew to Canada in search of a he was going through. Kyle makes no secret that he suf- crowd by Col. Ann Wright (ret.), safe haven from the war. In Van- Marty Webster was there. fers from symptoms of PTSD. So a tireless heroine of the antiwar couver, British Columbia, Kyle Marty is the VVAW organizer in Ray put him in touch with another movement. He and the other Iraq became a popular speaker against Cincinnati, Ohio. Kyle, Maleah VVAW member, who works in vets received a standing ovation. the war. He applied to remain in and I had visited Cincinnati the Chicago as a psychotherapist and Backstage was Hannah Frisch Canada as a political refugee. Once week before. Marty and his daugh- agreed to see Kyle for an evalua- with a smile and a hug. Dave Cline, he received his work permit, he ter had organized an event for tion. It might be helpful, she said, a longtime leader of VVAW who worked at a wellness center for Bob Watada, the father of Ehren if he were able to document his serves as president of Veterans For children in a small town in Alberta, Watada, the first officer to publicly PTSD. She saw Kyle on several Peace, was there with words of where he met his fiancé. refuse to deploy to the Iraq War. occasions. In lieu of asking a fee support. Dave and Kyle first met The Canadian government When I phoned Marty Webster for her services, she suggested last summer in Castlegar, British did not seem eager to welcome for directions to the event, he said that when he was able, Kyle Columbia, at the Our Way Home Kyle. Canada has never granted "you won't have any trouble spot- make a donation to Iraq Veterans Reunion of Vietnam War resisters refugee status to someone from ting me." He was right. Marty is Against the War. This solidarity, and veterans. the US. How could it be possible big and burly, with grey beard and on the professional, political and Iraq Veterans Against the for the United States, Canada's ally ponytail. Wearing a jean jacket personal levels, were just what War invited Kyle, Maleah and I to and the "leader of the free world" with VVAW patches, he looked Kyle needed at the time. jump on their bus and head to New to persecute its own citizens for like your Hell's Angel variety of Another longtime leader of Orleans, where they are helping to their political beliefs? Disturb- Vietnam veteran. But everyone VVAW, Bill Davis, offered Kyle salvage the Katrina ravaged homes ingly, Canada, which had stayed knows Marty is a teddy bear. He transportation and hospitality. of musicians and veterans. After out of the Iraq War, was sending could not hold back the tears as Bill's wife, Joan, arranged for Kyle the Associated Press reported his its troops to join the US war in he publicly welcomed Kyle and to speak at the high school where presence in New Orleans, Kyle Afghanistan. fellow Iraq veteran/resister Darrell she teaches. experienced the first of several After a year-and-a-half of Anderson. Now here was Marty Kyle had found some really attempts to have him arrested. uncertainty in Canada, Kyle was again, comforting Kyle in the good friends in Vietnam Veterans He had left town just in the nick anxious to get on with his life. courtyard of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Friends who continued on next page Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 19 Chicago Veterans Honor a War Resister Amy Meyers Friday, March 23, 2007, the Chi- metropolitan Chicago, and as far cago Chapters of Vietnam Veter- as Ohio and Indiana. Also we were ans Against the War, Iraq Veterans honored to have in attendance Against the War and Veterans For Juan Torres (GSFP, MFSO), Anita Peace, along with friends from Dennis (mother of resister Darrell Chicago Coalition Against War Anderson), and 3 currently AWOL and Racism, hosted a fundraiser soldiers. for war resister Kyle Snyder. Chicago's IVAW chapter Kyle has personal ties to had their first Speak-Out at the Chicago since spending time event. Held the week of the 4th here in the fall of 2006, where as anniversary of the Iraq war, this an AWOL soldier, he insistently event provided an ideal time and spoke out on the wars on Iraq platform to introduce the chapter. and Afghanistan. From televised Formed officially in February Aaron Hughes speaks at Kyle Snyder event interviews, classroom presenta- 2007 with 10 plus members to tions and discussions, to public date; Aaron, Eric, Ryan, Justin, We must reach out to youth and educational opportunities are not forums and the VVAW Veterans Dave, Patty and Matt, each gave their guardians, talk about the risks rendered by means of the military, Day observance. personal renditions of their mili- and economic conditions that pres- but by legitimate choices. The event was a success in tary experience. sure young, poor, working people Without the GI's and Veter- outreach and fundraising. Over The current state of affairs to enlist. Although providing an's sharing their voices of dis- 50 people were in attendance, highlights the significance of specific, realistic alternatives of- sent and opposition to military many staying for the entirety resisters, veterans and civilian fering comparable benefits to that indoctrination with civilians, the from 7pm-12am. Most were in- activists working together. It's no of military enlistment are difficult, ability to identify and understand volved in intimate conversations longer just about the war(s), but the more of us have to address and allusions of the military industrial in the gallery area, over food and media manipulation and lies used come to understand these impli- complex would be severely dam- drinks; while others watched for going in, and at this point stay- cations. With this we can provide aged. We must support the GI video shorts of Kyle and fellow ing at war. Forcing us to heighten solutions and demand changes to resistance! war resisters, in the media room. our commitment and continue our current social system, while Members of VVAW, IVAW and providing support to one another, ensuring the most viable options to Amy Meyers is a member of the VFP were present, coming from particularly resisters and veterans. pursuing decent employment and Chicago chapter of VVAW.

VVAW Supports Iraq War Resister der once again. They organized a Gerry Condon refused Army continued from previous page fundraiser to help Kyle with his orders to Vietnam in 1968. legal and living expenses. VVAW, He was court-martialed and of time. that night. Bob Watada was the along with other veterans, plans to sentenced to 10 years in prison Kyle returned to Chicago, speaker in Alameda. Once again, call on the Canadian government and a Dishonorable Discharge. where the American Friends military intelligence proved to be to provide sanctuary to Iraq War But he escaped and fled from Service Committee had arranged an oxymoron. resisters. VVAW is also asking, the US, living for 6 years in for him to speak with high school But Kyle continued to reflect "How does the US Army get away Sweden and Canada where students who were being targeted on the possibility of going to with harassing US war resisters in he worked with exiled war by military recruiters. Kyle spoke prison. He decided he did not want Canada?" resisters against the Vietnam in a dozen of Chicago's poorest to submit to this injustice. In early This is a story about the War. When Gerry returned to high schools, which were pre- January he returned to Canada. He importance of personal relation- the US in 1975 campaigning for dominantly Black or Latino. From and Maleah decided they would ships. It is a story about solidar- amnesty for all war resisters the working class, and having get married and settle in the quaint ity among veterans and resisters and veterans with less-than- lived for a while on the streets, little town of Nelson, nestled in the across generations. Stay tuned honorable discharges, the Kyle had no trouble connecting mountains of southeastern British for the next installment. United, government dropped his jail with these students. They knew Columbia. we are educating our youth about sentence. Gerry has been an he was telling the truth, and they But the long arm of the US the realities of war. United, we are activist for a just US foreign hung on his every word. Army reached across the Cana- defending GI's who take a stand policy ever since. He currently On that second trip to Chi- dian border and shook him. On against war. United, we can bring works with Project Safe cago, Kyle met Barry again at the February 23, Kyle was arrested a measure of peace to one another Haven, which seeks to secure a annual fundraising dinner of a pro- by local police, apparently at the as we continue our collective mis- Canadian sanctuary for US war gressive publication. They drank request of the US Army. He was sion: to end the wars of empire resisters. He maintains a website, and shared tales of their personal released six hour later on orders once and for all. www.SoldierSayNo.blogspot.com wars and had an outrageously good of Canadian Immigration offi- time. They were from different cials. Quick action by his room- generations. But the two veterans mates, a US war resister couple, had become brothers. Ryan and Jenna Johnson, and calls from friendly members of Hunted by Army Parliament, secured his release. Kyle Returns to Canada Why Canadian police would have Kyle's speaking tour took him done the bidding of the US Army next to California. But the Army is currently the subject of local, was on his trail. On December provincial and federal investiga- 8, they asked police in Alameda, tions (for more on this story, go to California to arrest Kyle at a public www.SoldierSayNo.blogspot.com). event in support of war resisters. Vietnam Veterans Against But Kyle was speaking in San Jose the War was there for Kyle Sny- Kyle Snyder and Barry Romo, Chicago, Veterans Day 2006 20 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Carousing with GIs in Germany Amy Meyers I arrived early Monday at Frank- pawns in a political game. They kill, they are to be compensated being noticed. I heard someone furt International Airport and gave me more coffee and insisted for their losses. I gave VVAW and coming so I finished quickly and within 40 minutes I had made my it was on the house. IVAW information to a few of the left. Half way through the park- destination, Pioneer US military It was easy to talk candidly guys and told them that regard- ing lot, 2 men, still in their BDUs, base, located in water boarding. with the GIs around. One opened less of politics, these are veterans yelled out, "hey, what are you do- Invited by a friend in the up about his time "downrange" in groups and may be able to help. On ing." Rather than show concern I Army, I decided this was the Iraq, he was angry and upset about my way out, the owner stopped me walked over and said "excuse me" perfect opportunity to visit, see his experience. One of the GIs to introduce a friend, a medic that (as if they should have known me). Germany and do outreach with was mad at the kids and said in- just got back from downrange and They pointed at all of the informa- VVAW papers, IVAW pamphlets surgents use kids as decoys, to set was looking forward to getting out tion stacked near the door. I told and GI Rights cards. My friend, themselves off, trigger bombs off of the military altogether. We were them I was "dropping informa- who's more like a younger brother, or distract the troops. He blamed only able to talk for a few minutes, tion off." They asked who I was had done a year in Kuwait with the insurgents and the kids, using but I gave him VVAW and IVAW and if I was new. I replied "Ame; occasional trips to Baghdad. Al- this rationale to say "fuck em, kill information and wished him well. not new, been here a week, nice though he wasn't in direct combat em all." Rather than argue with He was very appreciative. to meet you." They asked what I he dealt with the more quiet hor- him, I responded with sarcasm, to I left feeling hurt and empty, was doing, I said, "making sure rors of war…the personal aspects invoke thought…and it worked. for anyone to think or say some everyone gets this information, that attack a soldier's heart and I said, "some kids throw rocks, of the things I heard, but then I have a lot of buildings to get soul: Loved-ones quarrels, Dear I would if I were them, some are contradict themselves by agreeing through, so excuse me while I'm John letters, loneliness and bigotry hungry looking for MRE's and with me; I thought – how horrible on my way." I turned and walked within the military. some might be distractions but you this war has left them, so vulner- away, they stood there, jaw to the There are multiple small- can't blame them or kill them all, able, angry and confused. The ground. I think they were shocked sized posts in Hanau, the bowling because one truth in all of this is most sincere of them all, but with and confused as to who I was, alley, PX, commissary, barracks that the children are innocent. No some of the most heinous remarks, what I was doing, the information and MP station are on different matter how they are being used, a 23 year old that doesn't know I was delivering and how I got on posts within a few miles of each they did not choose this war or how what he's going to do when he base. But rather than stick around, other. Security at the gates are it's being waged; they're just being gets out in two months, but said I finished the rest of the barracks in contracted Germans, their main destroyed by it." They all agreed "fuck the army" its not a career a light jog, cautiously suspicious job is to check military IDs and to that. These guys seemed to be for him. His wife (who just got of approaching vehicles. The last passports for all guests entering genuine and friendly. Beyond the out of a year tour in Iraq) is sick, thing I needed was to be picked and exiting the base. select horrid remarks of justified can't have babies and they don't up by MPs on my final night in Me, my friend, my brother, carnage, they seemed more mad, know why, and he's got blood Germany. a Sergeant First Class and 2 other scared and hurt over everything stained hands from this war. I'm My last copy of The Veteran 20 year old GIs (one male, one fe- and what they've suffered (pos- thinking…what is happening to was left at Frankfurt International male) went to a "GI-friendly" Irish sibly guilt, distance from family, our troops over there and how do Airport, United terminal – in hopes pub near base. One asked to see filth) because of this war, than they survive living if they make that a GI would be the lucky one the buttons on my coat, VVAW and honest disdain for the Iraqis. They it out alive? Twenty years old and to discover it while waiting on a IVAW, he smiled and nodded as if were frustrated and angry about his life seems doomed. flight back to the States. he approved. I asked what brought the mercenaries giving GIs a bad My last day on base, was them to the service; they said they name and contractors making four spent at the PX, commissary, and joined to get out of their home times their salary. They talked bowling alley dropping informa- towns, out of their parent's houses about the measly reimbursements tion. About 10:00pm I began Amy Meyers is a member of the and to get money for college. The Iraqis receive from the US when dropping VVAW papers, IVAW Chicago chapter of vvaw, the bartender (a young friendly local) a child or goat is killed, how they pamphlets and GI Rights cards in Chicago Coalition Against and the SFC were telling me about have to go into villages with little the barracks (stairwells, laundry War and Racism and the the kind of soldiers who make or no security, and that if people rooms, lavatories). I had gotten Chicago Coalition Opposed to places not GI friendly. Consider- can prove Americans caused the through a few buildings before Militarization of Youth. ing the difference in drinking age, practice and behaviors in America and Germany, I was told younger Americans tend to lose control and act up, so rather than bars dealing with possible problems, American military just aren't welcomed in some off base establishments. We started talking to other GIs and decided to go to another tavern. On my way out I left IVAW, VVAW and GI Rights info in the lavatories and on tabletops. At the other bar, over coffee, I talked to the owner and his friend; very nice, middle aged Turkish men. They saw my buttons and said curiously, "with the GIs" and I said, "yes." This led to conversation about the war's bogus justification, really being about economics and power, and that those who are fighting are Veterans Day, Chicago, 2006 Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 21 Welcome Home at the University of Cincinnati Marty Webster On Wednesday January 6, I was that is available to all servicemen ever wanted to talk to give me a when the result and reactions to invited by a student group at the and women. He wondered why we call. I mentioned to him that as their actions begin to creep into University of Cincinnati to show were all so negative and why we time went by reality would set in their lives and reality manifests the video Sir, No Sir and moderate failed to mention all of the good and he would begin to evaluate itself as PTSD. We welcome them a discussion. things that we have accomplished his actions in Iraq. Maybe it will home. We do not judge their origi- When I arrived that Wednes- in Iraq. He said he couldn't wait be a newsreel, a movie, something nal intentions. Originally most of day evening, over 200 people to go back for another tour. I someone says, it could be the us felt our intentions were honor- had gathered at Swift Hall. The wondered if I should challenge weather or a smell that will remind able. We let them know they are attendees were parents of active this chap and debate him. But, him of Iraq. I saw a tear begin to not alone and we honor them as duty servicemen and women, no, something told me to wait and well up in his eyes and I knew human beings and help to restore professors, students and the usual see what would develop. When eventually what he would have their dignity as human beings. assortment of people who attend asked several times during the to face. I embraced him and told I went home that night and such functions. They covered a question and answer period after him that I loved him and would be as I usually do, listened to protest political spectrum that ranged the film to explain exactly what there for him if he ever needed to songs and reviewed the evenings from Peaceniks and the progres- some of the "good things" were talk. VVAW Ohio Valley Regional activities. However, that night, as sive left to CPUSA to Maoists and he could not respond. Parents of member Jerry Smith saw what I thought about how the Vietnam Trotskyites. Most were certainly active duty personnel began to was happening and came over war has totally altered my life and anti-war. All seemed to enjoy the share their feelings and others and joined the embrace. In an AA the lives of many of my friends, of video and a lively discussion fol- spoke of the misrepresentations sense a seed had been planted. For how so much has been taken from lowed. They invited me back next of the recruiters. As the evening me that gave the whole evening me I began to consider the looks month to show Winter Soldier. I progressed many people shared meaning. on the faces of those to whom I also received invitations to speak with him and he began to hang VVAW must extend a hand have had the privilege of extending at the University of Kentucky and his head as he listened. It seemed to all our active duty servicemen the hand of VVAW, and I began Northern Kentucky University. some sort of group consciousness and women along with our re- to realize that I have been given However, there was a plant had taken over. Reality was begin- turning veterans, no matter what so much. And for the first time in there. When someone asked a ning to set in and he was becoming their status, and for that, I am many years, for one split second, question about unethical recruit- mildly shaken. responsible. Most individuals, the world almost made sense. ing practices a young gentleman I went over to him and point- whatever the reason they enlist, All gave some, some gave from the National Guard jumped ed to the wording on the VVAW do not understand the totality and all. up with his prepared speech and banner, Honor the Warrior, Not consequences of serving in the thanked the Army for fulfilling the War. I extended my hand and Armed Forces. Honor the War- its promise to provide him with a welcomed him home. I gave him rior does not mean to honor their Marty Webster is the National college education. A perk he stated my card and suggested that if he actions, but, to stand by him/her Organizing Secretary for VVAW.

"Waiting for Henry Kissinger" by Charlie Shobe, displayed at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, Chicago, Veterans Day 2006 www.nvvam.org 22 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Nicaragua Triumphs Louis DeBenedette I visited Nicaragua several times showing where he stood. Two from the 80's to the present and days after the inauguration he often lived with the Sandinistas invited the President of Iran to in Boaca (70 miles northwest Nicaragua. Iran is on the US list of Managua). Many VVAW of terrorists. I joined a march and members protested the horrible rally in his honor in a poor barrio Reagan-Contra war. There was in Managua. Mahmoud Ahma- Brian Willson whose name is on dinejad spoke through a translator the lips of many I met and Clarence and condemned US imperialism Fitch. Our New York chapter bears and promised 5,000 houses. He his name. I poured blood on the observed the dances of Nicaraguan White House gate protesting CIA youth. This union of President interference in the 1990 elections Daniel Ortega and President Mah- in Nicaragua. I did jail time. moud Ahmadinejad was an act of The Iraq war is a Bush war. courage and commitment to the Bush, Sr. ousted the Sandinistas efforts of peacemaking. Antonio Oporta, wheel chair vet, and Louie from the presidency but they I proposed to the Sandinista confident of the help that Daniel government. Fernando and Pastor continued to rule from the bottom. Veteran's organization in Boaco would give them since he had been are well but many others have Sixteen years later, on November that they hang a banner protesting their commander and chief. Later suffered horribly over these years. 5, 2006 Daniel Ortega Saavedra the Iraq war. Two Nicaraguans they hung the banner and moved ORD (Organization of Disabled and the Sandinista party (FSLN) died in Iraq while I was there. it to various locations in the area. Revolutionaries) takes care of reclaimed the presidency. The One was from Boaco and I knew They do respect VVAW. the ill. Their office has never poor and the youth elected Daniel. the relatives well. Some veterans, The oppressive dominance been painted or the roof repaired Past regimes favored US interests, Sandinista youth and myself were of the US over the years has made or furniture added in the past 16 sweat shops, low wages and op- prepared to protest the war when Nicaragua one of the poorest years. The disabled veterans have pression of the poor. The new a US army honor guard showed countries in the world. One day a all but been forgotten by the past government promises unity, love up for the funeral. We used the woman asked me for busfare. She governments. Wilber is blind and a preferential option for the slogan Honor the soldier not the was holding a cardboard box. She and the president of ORD. He is poor. They won by the vote not war. The national police, whom said the box held her dead child gathering medical and military the gun. I believe Daniel Ortega I have deep admiration for, could and she wanted to bury the child in records of many disabled veterans was the best choice. not permit the protest since Daniel her village. The children of Boaco and processing them for disability 400,000 Sandinistas packed had not yet taken office. Roger and Puerto Cabeza, near Boaco claims. I saw many veterans at the Plaza de Fe in Managua for came home in a shoe box. The touched me deeply. The parents the office in Managua. Antonio the inauguration on January 10, honor guard included a general loved their children but at times Oporta, a wheel chair vet and a 2007. Hugo Chavez of Venezu- from the southern command and they lacked employment so the friend, took me there to see the ela, and Eva Morales of Bolivia the US ambassador. Sandino children had little food, education progress being made. The contra gave speeches. Hugo Chavez fought against US Marines in and health care. did much better over the years than condemned Bush and the Iraq 1928. They had blond hair and Since the elections the San- the Sandinista for obvious reasons. war. Two Sandinista youth whom blue eyes. This US military honor dinistas have begun food emer- I would donate to ORD at the drop I knew, carried my banner of guard was all Latinos. I think you gency drives, eliminated tuition of a hat. Any takers? an upside down American flag get the picture. And the hypocrisy. for school and obligatory school A parting shot: two days be- condemning the war. Chavez The other soldier, Victor, was on uniforms. Those children selling fore my leaving Nicaragua, Feb. presented a replica of the sword his second tour when he died. He in the streets must attend school. 16, 2007, the US government was of Simone Bolivar, liberator of told his wife before leaving that if The new government cracked demanding that Daniel Ortega de- South America, to Daniel. Father he died in Iraq that he would not down on the medical system and stroy the 1,194 SAM-7 antiaircraft Roy Bourgeois, Vietnam Vet and know why. appointed new directors. Catalina missiles sent from Russia during founder of SOA Watch, attended His wife wrote to the local is a Sandinista political secretary the Contra war. Ortega refused the inauguration. He baptized the papers calling Bush corrupt and in Boaco and a friend. Her new saying that the US is currently daughter of Daniel in 1989. He a dictator. There was no honor task is to help every barrio elect sending planes to Honduras and wanted Daniel to take his troops guard. There were more than 400 a leader regardless of party and to that Nicaragua will not forget that out of the SOA. I loved being combat veterans at this meeting. determine the three most impor- Honduras had a US air base there there among the people and those They elected their "directive," tant needs of the community. during the Contra-Reagan war. who oppose US intervention and and formed plans to obtain land The plan is similar to the The US says the planes are for drug power. previously denied them and find plan used by Hugo Chavez in enforcement. Nicaragua has no Daniel wasted little time jobs and health care. They were Venezuela. Catalina works very war planes and needs their missiles hard. Her husband died due to the for defense declared Daniel. Contra war. I still remember the I hope the Sandinistas remain children and the cardboard box. in power for many years. I have So much is repeated in Iraq. protested all our wars beginning In 1990 Dave Cline, Barry with Vietnam. I felt in Nicaragua Romo, myself and VVAW hosted that I should be here in the belly two wheel chair Sandinista vet- of the beast as always. I have erans, Fernando and Pastor. We come to know many brothers and attended the anniversary of the sisters in Nicaragua and I will not massacre at Kent State and sought forget them. medical help for the vets. They Louis De Benedette is a Vietnam had to leave the US sooner than era veteran and a member of expected since their property was the Clarence Fitch Chapter of being confiscated by the Chamora No More Dead: US Out of Iraq - Sandinista war veterans - Boaco VVAW. Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 23 Liberation Theology in El Salvador Lane Anderson Along with five other veterans, The tendency of the pow- said that the theology of liberation by Pope Benedict. Father Orlando including two Vietnam era vets, I erful and greedy to anticipate is actually the liberation of theol- does not lose faith, but his faith is joined a dozen others in the Cen- success through violence is their ogy...held hostage for centuries in the community and the people, ter for Interchange and Solidarity flaw. What if they had not killed by the powerful and greedy. He not the church leadership. (CIS) El Salvador in the marking the priests? Would the US have has been threatened but persists Liberation theologists are of the assassination of the clergy withdrawn aid? What if Johnson in building a community of car- building sustainable communities in El Salvador. had not fabricated the USS Mad- ing and sharing contrary to the for the post-corporate world and Yesterday and today we made dox story to increase the violence precepts of the society here. He we should take a lesson! Christian the pilgrimage to El Paisnal, the in Vietnam? Would his legacy of said that when he gave his life to communities in the US are now home of Father Rutilio Grande, the great society have been forgot- God he also gave his death to God. openly discussing conservation the first of the Catholic priests ten in the muck of a tragic war? I He was very critical of the FMLN and environmentalism in their killed by US trained death squads. participated in an assault on North politicians in the legislature here, meetings and we should be a part Father Rutilio was killed in 1977 Vietnam that LBJ thought would thinking them to be too timid and of this. Latin America now has and his assassination caused the scare them into submission but willing to compromise the ideals many lessons for the US, and one awakening of his friend Arch- caused the Tet offensive instead... they were elected for. It is true is the need to embrace the religion bishop Oscar Romero, who was the beginning of the end! that in Latin America in general of the people who inhabit our so- in turn assassinated. The liberation What if George W. had re- and El Salvador in particular it ciety. Peace and justice folks and theology embraced by Father Ru- sponded to 9/11 with a careful is the liberation theologists and conservationists alike sometimes tilio and Archbishop Romero led analysis of what had caused the their followers who hold the turn away from religion but as long to further killings and President assault and tried to rectify our politicians feet to the fire! And as it is ceded to the politicians, Carter's suspension of military aid errant foreign policy instead of it is they who pay the price when the community based change that and training for the Salvadoran rushing to aggressive violence? greed wins temporarily, but the needs to happen will not. government and its military. This We spoke at length with Fa- violence perpetrated on those of in turn led to peace negotiations ther Orlando in El Paisnal today. faith has led to change and will in which redistributed some land to He is a liberation theologist and the future. We discussed with him Lane Anderson is a member of the peasants and rebels. the priest in this historic town. He the censure of Father Jon Sobrino VVAW. Musings from Central America Lane Anderson

We do live in interesting times... zation of economy and resources? Veterans For Peace convention I invite my comrades in and challenging times! We are not in the category of in Seattle while the VVAW had a VVAW to join in this effort to do Here in Latin America there Bolivia, Venezuela or Mexico... convention in Chicago. This year 40 miles a day for oil independence is a certain gratitude among those we are not producers, but we are the two conventions are close and a new American Way Of Life on the left that the US is bogged consumers of those resources... enough for a vets ride between (AWOL). down in Iraq. Remember that and it is our military that is used the two....the VVAW 40th August To join up and be in- Mexico was invaded several times to go after those resources...our 4th and 5th in Chicago and VFP cluded in the planning, email by the US, and Guatemala, where I sons and daughters who die! in St. Louis August 16th. The [email protected] am headed next, was the first suc- With a broken democracy, ride will require 40 miles a day, cessful coup of the CIA. They have a corrupt system of corporate something we learned we could do long memories down here. They plutocracy, and the specter of last summer. We will be hosted by know that if the US military were global warming, peak oil, and churches, peace and justice groups not so overextended in Iraq and endless future conflicts to secure and conservation groups along the Lane Anderson is a member of Afghanistan, that they might well the resources that the corporations way (as we were last summer). VVAW. be in Venezuela, Bolivia and Nica- require, we must look to the only ragua ...all of which have elected place we are still in leftist leadership recently, and the control...total control... first two of which are nationalizing that of consumption. resources which US corporations The US citizenry may used to profit from...usually a not be able to elect the precursor to intervention. kind of candidate they So the resources (and the want, and they may profits they represent) have been not be able to get their the basis for nearly every war we representatives to stand have fought, I think. Perhaps the up for peace and justice, Korean war and Vietnam war were but they CAN change not so overtly about the resources, the way they consume but about ownership of them.... the resources... that is would they be publicly owned in our power. (communism) or privately owned As they have in the (capitalism)? This is the debate past, veterans who have that Latin American countries served their country in are now having, and without the time of war can lead kind of intervention that they once the way to this needed would have expected. change. Last summer CIS delegation to Rutilio Grande and Romero events...the bearded man in the middle is Father Orlando, Rutilio Grandes nephew and the location is the church in El Paisnal, where Father And what exactly can we do Brian Willson led a Rutilio Grande lived and spoke. Six of the men are veterans, including two Vietnam vets. Lane about globalization and corporati- Veterans Ride to the Anderson is in the VVAW shirt, National VFP Boardmember Wayne Wittman is in the VFP shirt. 24 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Some Republicans Are Getting It Bob Riggle As the nation witnessed demon- fashion. The delegation returned ers from vets, former politicians Pink Phoenix, Women in Black strations during the St. Patrick's to the growing crowd and reported and military family members Phoenix, Phoenix Vets For Peace, Day weekend, protesters in Phoe- on the incident before gathering addressed the crowd. It seemed Vietnam Veterans Against the War nix, Arizona took to the streets on forces and marching to the office like there was a dramatic increase Cave Creek, Grandmothers for Monday, March 19, 2007. of Senator John McCain (R-AZ) in supportive honks from the last Peace and many others. Numerous The 4th Anniversary Protest arriving about 3:00pm. major outdoor demo here last July. smaller groups and an impressive Against the Invasion and Oc- As the crowd continued to Of course that was in one of the number of high school age kids cupation of Iraq was a two front grow and rush hour was starting more elite and "Red" burbs and were also out for the cause. Even event. People began gathering to build a good head of steam, the 9 months and how many more State Senator Karen Johnson (R- about 11:30am outside the office same delegates entered McCain's deaths since then. From 7:00 to AZ) had her End the War/Bring the of Senator Jon Kyle (R-AZ). At office where names of Arizona 10:00 a candlelight vigil with an- Troops Home sign with the rest of an appropriate time a delegation KIA's and the appeal for redress other reading of Arizona KIA's in- us. We love ya Karen. of vets and family members of was again read and presented to terspersed with poetry and music. military personnel entered Kyle's McCain's representative. No, he While the crowd was quite small office where the names of those would not come out either. at this point we did have about Arizona troops killed in Iraq (100 Again the delegates advised peak of about 500 people earlier. at the time) were read. There was the crowd of what we had just A very good turnout for this city. Bob Riggle has been a VVAW also an appeal for redress read done. As honks of support were The day's events were orga- Member Since 1971 and is and presented to Kyle's repre- solicited from our captive audi- nized by the End the War Coalition currently the VVAW chapter sentative which was written on a ence of rush-hour drivers stopped which is composed of: Arizona Al- contact from Cave Creek, very classy scroll in ye very old for long lights, a bevy of speak- liance for Peace and Justice, Code Arizona.

VVAW Cave Creek Arizona Members and Supporters. Members are: Bill Clarke, Bob Riggle, Mark Flemming, Leonard Clark (rear), Bonnie Palmer, and Dave Lester.

Letter to VVAW from an Active Duty Marine I have tried on numerous occa- Veteran. But alas, the good that are still fighting for veterans. Each the latest issue of Newsweek. As sions to write this letter but have VVAW does overshadows any- generation of veterans has taken the American population becomes found myself distracted by the thing I could find offensive. up the torch and filled the ranks more detached from the military, daily grind of work, family, and My message as an active duty of VVAW over the years to keep the more important it is to keep life in general. I am an officer member of the military about to this important message alive. I service member's interest in sight. currently serving on active duty. deploy again is that of tenacity and respect the tenacity of those in Service members coming back I served in Iraq, and write this perseverance. This may oversim- VVAW who never served a day from deployments are still fac- letter as I get ready to deploy for plify the statement; but please keep in uniform, yet are compelled to ing the same mental health, VA my second tour. doing what you are doing! Organi- "serve" this country in a different Hospital, and family problems I have been a member of zations like VVAW are desperately capacity. they always have. I leave it to VVAW for awhile now and ad- needed now more than ever. It In this day and age the rift those in groups like VVAW to mire the work done by this fine seems as though this country has between the military and civilians keep fighting on behalf of those organization. I look forward to made the system of checks and worlds has been more pronounced veterans that can't speak up for each issue, and the strides the balances an agonizingly painful as conflicts in Iraq and Afghani- themselves. Keep pressing this members are making on behalf of and convoluted process. Working stan plaster the headlines. When issue, and keep it in front of the veterans past, present, and future. for citizens has apparently taken a VVAW was started, everyone had American people so they are con- I can't say I agree with everything back seat to special interests. This a brother, cousin, uncle, or friend stantly reminded that they need to in the publication. In the military is where groups like VVAW have in uniform. Now, that number take care of veterans long after the I operate in, the consensus is that stepped in to pick up the slack and has dwindled so that someone conflict is over. there is a special place in hell for have consistently been the honest may know a "friend of a friend." Cindy Sheehan, Ward Churchill, broker for service members. Service members are someone and John Murtha, and it troubles I respect the tenacity of my that Americans may see on the me when I see them in the The predecessors who after 40 years evening news, in an airport, or THE VETERAN Vietnam Veterans Against the War 50¢ Volume 37, Number 1 Section B Spring 2007 Iraq Veterans Against the War Takes Action Hannah Frisch So you are standing in Union Sta- because they knew there were to repeat, and they got excellent regional coordinators and has held tion in Washington, DC waiting snipers on the roof. At the Wash- coverage in the Washington Post regional strategy sessions around for your commuter train at 8am ington Monument, their action on TV, and on You-Tube. the country. Millard also talked one weekend back in March, and was so close to a line of tourists "VVAW took years to form," about the importance of talking you see thirteen soldiers in full that it felt awkward not to say Millard said. "We took only five to active duty personnel and of desert camouflage uniforms with something. Charlie was trying to months after the Iraq War started having IVAW be a safe place for military packs on their backs. figure out what to say, when new because we have the luxury veterans who are people of color They aren't acting like soldiers IVAW member Ryan Lockwood, of looking back to VVAW and or women or openly gay. on leave, they're acting like they of the Chicago area, standing next learning from their successes and A group of members have think they're in Iraq. They're in to the kneeling, zip-tied civilian, failures. If it weren't for VVAW, formed IVAW Deployed. They some kind of formation and they spoke up spontaneously and told there could be no IVAW." Millard fixed up a bus and toured the US are barking out orders to each other the tourists, "This happens every expressed appreciation for the over the winter, traveling from a about danger area and watching day in your name. I know because mentoring of VVAW leaders such Baltimore school to Ft. Benning the doors. They close in on a small I did it." as Dave Cline, Bill Perry, Barry for the School of the Americas group of young people and form a The final stop was Arlington Romo and Jan Barry. "VVAW is demonstration, then New Orleans circle around them. Four of the sol- National Cemetery for a small not an abstract influence. They for reconstruction work. The were diers form a perimeter around the memorial service that ended with personally showed us the ropes in Washington State outside Ft. young people and face outwards a hand salute to the traditional me- and talked to us about the late Lewis to support Lt. Watada when in different directions. The rest morial of an upturned rifle, with a nights when your are trying to get his court marshal was held in of the soldiers yell at everyone in helmet, dog tags, and boots. Then through while still tripping about February. They put on the "Uprise the group of young people to lie each of the IVAW members re- the war." Tour" through the rust belt with face down on the ground. There's moved their camouflage uniform Millard pointed proudly talks at colleges, little clubs and yelling and screaming and pande- shirts and left them in front of to IVAW's growth—now up to bookstores. The had hip-hop, punk monium. The soldiers separate two the memorial, to symbolize their 16 chapters around the country. and folk rock, making a particular of the group from the others. "Get change from soldier back into ci- He sees IVAW as structured but point of talking to youth. Toby down on your fucking knees." "If vilian. It was hard for all of us to decentralized. Chapters can act Hartbarger, a participant in the you move again I will shoot you go back into that role, Anderson independently of the National Tour said the music brought in in the head." They "zip tie" the said. "We don't like being violent Office. The DC chapter initiated a lot of people. "When they get two with plastic handcuffs behind and aggressive and abusive. Every Operation First Casualty. the lyrics they pick up on what's their backs and put bags on their one of us had some degree of PTSD IVAW went to Camp Casey going on. It was fun, but it was heads. They leave them on their as a result of the action." over Easter. There also were Op- real." They spoke to classes about knees by a planter and form up Geoff Millard, President of eration First Casualty Actions in their experience in Iraq, about the and march off. the DC-IVAW Chapter, led the Philadelphia in April and in New poverty draft, about the reality of After the "soldiers" left, planning of Operation First Casu- York in May. someone called the cops. The "ci- alty. He described how intensively IVAW now has volunteer continued on page 26 vilians" had trained for the opera- they trained for it and said that they tion along with the Iraq Veterans had underestimated Against the War members, who how mentally stress- played the soldiers. By the time the ing it would be on the cops arrived, the IVAW members participants. had left Union Station, which is He was inspired private property. IVAW activist by Vietnam Veter- Charlie Anderson said, "The cop ans Against the War's just looks at me and gives me the 1970 Operation RAW, peace sign and moves off." a guerrilla theater Union Station was the first "search and destroy" stop of Operation First Casualty mission, clearing the (the first casualty of war being road from Morristown, truth), which was designed to NJ to Valley Forge, PA. show people in the US what it It was also designed to really means to occupy a coun- show ordinary citizens try. Next stops were CNN, Fox what was actually hap- News, the Capitol Building, the pening in the war. Be- White House, a press conference, cause Operation RAW the Washington Monument, and was held away from a finally Arlington National Cem- major city, it got little etery. publicity. That aspect The White House was scary IVAW did not want Ryan Lockwood and Aaron Hughes at Chicao anti-war march, Jan 20, 2007 26 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Mr. Bush, Have You Ever? Thomas Ayala

This speech was delivered at a do with that message? I'll tell you lost arms and legs and eyes. And seen your buddy's flesh ripped rally to protest the fourth anni- what he did. when those injured troops come from his body by a road side versary of the US war on Iraq on He did the opposite of what home, do they receive adequate bomb? the Champaign-Urbana campus the American people demanded: medical and mental health treat- Have you, Mr. Bush, ever of the University of Illinois. to bring the troops home. ment? No! They receive sub-stan- secured a helicopter crash site, He did the opposite of what dard care because Bush doesn't where the bodies of a half dozen Good afternoon. My name is the Baker Hamilton report recom- provide adequate funding for VA men lay inside the wreckage, soon Thomas Ayala—and this is my mended: he threatened Iran and hospitals. to be sent home in flag-draped friend and fellow veteran Marty Syria with military action. Eddie Ryan, a US Marine coffins to grieving widows? Smith. We represent a registered He did the opposite of what who suffered a traumatic brain All this and more, for what? student organization here on cam- military generals advised: he injury while serving in Iraq and For what, Mr. Bush? Please tell pus called Iraq Veterans Against chose a Vietnam-like escalation who can no longer care for him- me exactly what it is you've ac- the War. of violence. Right now, all across self, spent four months in Walter complished by starting this war? We demand three things: this country fathers, mothers, stu- Reed Hospital. While there, he sat Death, destruction and misery, The immediate withdrawal of dents, employees, regular people in his own feces and got bedsores those are the only things you've all occupying forces from Iraq; from across the country are being because of a lack of nurses to accomplished. reparations to the Iraqi people activated from the national guard treat all the patients. Cockroaches The only way this man is go- for the destruction and corporate and reserves for involuntary ser- crawled under his bed and mold ing to stop this war is if we make pillaging of their country, and full vice against the struggling people infested the walls of his room. our voices heard loud and clear: we health care benefits for all return- of Iraq and Afghanistan. There is no money to treat the will not tolerate any more of this ing veterans. We are here today to But I'll tell you who is not heroes of war, yet Bush continues racist and unjust war! This war oppose Bush's unjust and illegal going: George Bush will not be to pour money into the military is one of ideology and corporate wars against the people of Iraq out there fighting on the front lines. industrial complex to develop greed at the expense of American and Afghanistan. Four years ago He'll be in the White House having the latest satellite-guided bombs men and women and Afghan and this week, President Bush sent US steak and lobster for dinner. Bush or, as was announced last week, Iraqi people—and US credibility soldiers, sailors and Marines into is willing to send other people's new nuclear missiles to replace the in the eyes of the world. Iraq to fight a war of choice—a sons and daughters off to war, but current fleet. Mr. Bush, sir, where Too much is at stake! We war of choice!—against a country he skipped out on his own National are your priorities? must act now! End the war! Bring and its people who had nothing to Guard duty, and got deferments to Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld the troops home! do with the attacks of 9/11. Not avoid Vietnam. and Gates didn't go to war them- Troops home now! Troops one hijacker on September 11th I'll tell you who else is not selves because war is hell. War home now! Troops home now! was from Iraq, yet Bush lied to going into Iraq: Dick Cheney. Dick is designed by elite Ivy School the American people and to the Cheney received 5 deferments graduates but carried out by the world by falsely connecting the from the military so he wouldn't working class and minorities. War Iraqi people with the terrible acts have to fight in Vietnam, yet he is dirty and sweaty and bloody that happened that year. Let me wants to send more Americans to and nauseating and confusing and Thomas Ayala is a doctoral be clear: Bush lied to us! their deaths in Iraq. traumatic; it's not for pampered student in the English Dept at U Now he's doing the same I'll tell you who else isn't politicians. I, Urbana-Champaign. He served thing to Iran and following the going to Iraq: former and current I have some questions I want on active duty in the United same old pattern: scaring the Secretaries of Defense Donald Mr. Bush to answer: States Marine Corps during people of the United States with Rumsfeld and Robert Gates, Ivy Mr. Bush, have you, sir, ever the first Gulf War in 1991,and the threat of a nuclear attack by a League graduates who run the smelled the burning flesh of a child volunteered for service in rogue nation. It's the same old song war—however poorly—from air whose home was just demolished Afghanistan in 2005 with the and dance, a smoke and mirrors conditioned offices while eating by a two thousand pound bomb? Texas National Guard. After routine in order for Bush to spread catered gourmet sandwiches and Have you, Mr. Bush, ever nearly a year long tour with an his crusade against Muslims even drinking mocha lattes. seen a man's head split open infantry unit in the mountains of further across the Middle East. As of last night, there were from the bullet of an M16 or an Afghanistan, Thomas is happy to Will this man ever stop? 3,201 dead US soldiers from the AK47? have returned to teaching and Last November, the Ameri- Iraq war and another 373 in Af- Have you, Mr. Bush, ever studying. In Champaign, he is can people spoke louder than ever ghanistan. It is estimated that up- seen body parts—arms and legs president of the local chapter before when they threw out the wards of 500,000 Iraqis have been and eyes and toes and brains, of Iraq Veterans Against the Republicans and voted to end the killed in the violence. 22,000 US spread across city streets? War. He currently lives in war in Iraq. But what does Bush soldiers have been injured. Some Have you, Mr. Bush, ever Illinois with his wife Nancy.

IVAW Takes Action

continued from page 25 specific goal." members. The new actions will what you'll get from the military, after a weekend-long strategy ses- "IVAW is changing from not necessarily duplicate Opera- and the lies recruiters tell you. At sion held by 20 IVAW members being a group that follows other tion First Casualty, but will reflect one inner city school, several kids from all over the Midwest. They groups, for example, joining peace local discussions and ideas." came up to them after presenta- worked on coming up with a strat- movement marches, to a group that tions to say they would rethink egy to focus pointedly on actions leads and asks others to follow, to plans to join the military. to end the war and bring the troops help, and to strengthen our actions. Aaron Hughes, coordinator home. "Instead of participating The focus will be less on speaking of the new Chicago IVAW Chapter in events with a broader focus, engagements and more on tactical and co-coordinator of the Midwest IVAW will be more effective if actions that are informative to the Hannah Frisch is a member of Region talked to me immediately our actions are directed to one public and a way to recruit new VVAW's national staff. Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 27 GI Coffeehouse Opens at Ft. Drum in New York Hannah Frisch

When you come to the Different have computers for internet ac- project of Citizen Soldier. Director only employee and the café is open Drummer Internet Cafe, you'll cess. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate Tod Ensign believes that only a GI only Wednesday and Thursday af- be welcomed by Cindi Mercante, mix are free. People can get a soda movement can stop the war in Iraq. ternoons and Friday and Saturday former military, Army '84-'92, and a treat for $1." He stresses how different things evenings. mother, and local resident for the "On another wall are 3,100 are now from the times when GI Like Cindi, Tod stresses the last five years. Cindi is the on-site names of soldiers we've lost in coffee houses flourished during centrality of the base to the local manager of the six-month-old café Iraq. Sometimes I put the names the Vietnam War. "Back then we economy, where wages are low near Ft. Drum, "the door-opener" in the window for people to look had the counter-culture and the and people struggle economically: she calls herself modestly. "I think at. It's sad. Sometimes people see drug culture. There were posters "The community is totally eco- of this as the big living room down names of people they knew. You of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix nomically dependent on the base. on Paddock Arcade." wish you could bring that person on the walls." The community college would be "The community here doesn't back for them. We have a small "We were the only cool welcoming in other areas but it is know quite how to take us. They Vietnam wall going on right here places around, but we aren't cool to not here. We had to involve the first heard about us from a news- in the Paddock Arcade. It would today's soldiers. They have many New York Civil Liberties Union paper headline, 'Anti-War Café be nice not to add any more names more sources of information and to be able to rent space at the opens in Paddock Arcade.' The to it but I'm not thinking that will much more money than soldiers college for veterans to talk about anti-war label loses people who be the case." used to have. They have expensive health care. We've found only two don't understand that you can help The coffee house started computers, ipods, they own cars, friendly professors. The mayor of service members while being anti- slowly with only a few service they can get into bars because Watertown was set to attend our war. People ask, 'Are you anti-war members coming in. Only 12 they are older and some bars let opening press conference, but or do you support the soldiers?' I people, including 2 soldiers and underage soldiers in anyway. Nev- cancelled at the last minute." ask them, Can't you do both? If one military family member, at- ertheless, we do have a niche with If the Different Drummer you give people a minute to think tended an appearance by Col. soldiers who are under 21." succeeds, one factor will be the for themselves, they do -- if you Ann Wright, although she drew "Soldiers used to buy up cordial collaboration between give them an atmosphere where a larger crowd earlier at the local copies of books about Malcolm X Tod, the longtime urban political they feel comfortable." junior college. Film showings of and about the Black Panthers, but activist and Cindi, the savvy, small "I've had soldiers come in Sir! No Sir!, Iraq for Sale, the our books haven't sold very well. town Army veteran. Cindi says here and tell me, 'You guys are all Ground Truth, An Inconvenient Today's soldiers get their informa- of Tod, "He's a 60 year-old guy. wrong.' I ask them why. Then we Truth, Poisoned Dust (about DU) tion from the internet. Soldiers will I don't know if he knew what he talk. Soldiers need to feel they are drew modest crowds. pick up handouts about events, was getting into. He drove through in a safe place to share how they The Different Drummer hit about the Appeal for Redress, a couple of wicked snowstorms really feel." its stride when it invited local about veterans' services. Having a to get here. My hat's off to him. "We don't all have to agree. bands to play. They were happy lawyer available is crucial because He has a passion for helping the We need to have compassion for to have the chance to perform for you need to give guys in trouble soldiers for sure." the other's point of view." a share of the modest door charge. the correct information." When I asked Tod why he Cindi describes the space They brought in young people, in- Volunteers to help Cindi thought the café could succeed in to me over the phone: "Pretty cluding soldiers. A local band will have been hard to come by. The spite of all the obstacles he had laid big space, white walls. There are draw 65-70 people, including 15- nearest large city is Syracuse, 65 out, he told me, "We have to try. posters of bands that have played 20 soldiers. Just recently a soldier miles away. People in economi- Two years will be a fair trial." He here. We also have maps on the told Cindi that, "This place is the cally depressed areas don't have estimates that 25 soldiers per week wall, maps of the US, of Iraq and new word at Ft. Drum." Cindi says the leisure to volunteer. Students come through the café if a band is Afghanistan, New York maps, people are beginning to get the at the local college are married playing—not a bad start. some of them antique. There is idea this is a cool hangout place, adults with children. a water channel map. People are not a radical hippie place. The café runs on $40,000 Hannah Frisch is a member of always looking at the maps. We The Different Drummer is a to $50,000 per year. Cindi is the VVAW's national staff. VVAW on the Move in Louisville

Marty Webster

My daughter and I were traveling to 3,000 t-shirts around the corners State flag," stated Carol Rawert "Our overall message is south on Hurstborne Parkway in on both sides of the intersection Trainer USAF 66-68, the VVAW that this war is wrong," said Sam Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, with burlap twine and wooden Contact for Louisville. Avery, who helped coordinate the January 6th to attend an anti-war stakes in order to humanize the The shirts, in various colors, event with VVAW. "It's wrong for demonstration sponsored by the death toll of US service members. stretched for blocks, interspersed America, it's wrong for Iraq and Louisville Peace Action Coalition If placed end-to-end they would with signs attached to the shirts it's wrong for the troops that have (LPAC) and to lend support to our stretch for over 2 miles. that said such things as "I wish I to fight in it." newest VVAW Chapter. Each shirt represented one had seen my baby and I played soc- Suzanne Webster, VVAW As we approached the inter- soldier who had his life taken cer. I will never see my daughter, Ohio Valley Regional Chapter section of Hurstborne Parkway from him in this insane war. The mom, etc. again; I liked to play member, stood by a sign that and Taylorsville Road we were organizers wanted people to see football; I liked ice cream; I will stated, "3,000+ Why?" The sym- overwhelmed by what we saw. how huge a body count it is -- and never come home again, etc." We bolism was powerful and hope- There were several hundred dem- that's just for Americans, they did tried to make it very personal. fully made an impact on people onstrators standing at the intersec- not include the Iraqis. The messages were meant to passing by and will move them tion as part of a commemoration of "We did this for 2,000 deaths express sentiments that young ser- to do something to help get us out the more than 3,000 US troops and and then 2,500 deaths but we had vice members might have shared of this war. countless Iraqis killed in Iraq. protests without the shirts before with their families. It was an effort The group had strung up close that. I'd like to do one with all the to make it real for the public. continued on page 35 28 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 PTSD, VA Benefits and Discharge Upgrades Ray Parrish It is all too common for veterans If there is evidence of treatment needed is a confirmed diagnosis of other than the veteran. This is who are suffering from PTSD for PTSD or depression or stress PTSD. The doctor doesn't have to where you can use military records (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), while you were still in service, you repeat the specific incidents that to verify service and prior medical to also have a less than honorable can also argue that you should have caused the PTSD, just what "kind" treatment records and statements military discharge, which keeps been given a medical discharge. of incidents, such as combat, from friends or family to verify them from getting help from the They will change the reason for seeing buddies die, treating the the vet's behavior. These "buddy VA for their PTSD. In addition, discharge with a medical opinion wounded, etc. Also the opinion statements" should start with "I many vets suffering from PTSD explaining the "mistake." need not give specific behavior hereby swear the following to be are discharged with a diagnosis of The VARO (VA Regional that is seen as PTSD "symptoms," true…" and the signature should "personality disorder," which may Officez) will initially deny claims just what "kind" of behavior, such be notarized. This makes it an delay VA benefits. There are two from vets with less than honorable as flashbacks, trouble with anger "affidavit." These should also ways to overcome these obstacles; discharges, Bad Conduct Dis- control or sleeping, etc. The VA be submitted to the VA. At this change the discharge or get the VA charges (BCDs), given in a court will need specifics in order to point the VARO will see this as to grant benefits regardless of what martial or General Discharges assign a "degree of disability a claim that the PTSD is service the discharge says. You can pursue under Other Than Honorable rating," especially if the PTSD connected and will want to look both options at the same time and conditions (OTHs), because they causes "unemployability." When in official military records in order use a positive result from one in can't give benefits to those who appropriate, the medical opinion to confirm that the PTSD "stress- support of the other. You can go to "served dishonorably." You can needs to explain the cause and ors" (the incidents that caused the the BCMR (Board for the Correc- appeal and ask for a "character of effect of combat leading to stress PTSD) really happened. However, tion of Military Records), or the service" hearing where you can tell severe enough to lead to miscon- the doctor doesn't need to wait for DRB (Discharge Review Board), your story. At this hearing you can duct resulting in the bad discharge. this verification and can simply and ask them to change (upgrade) use your military records to show It's important to tell a doctor who say that the history given by the the military discharge. You can that you did not serve dishonorably might be willing to help on this veteran would cause PTSD. The also ask the VA to grant benefits until the service connected PTSD issue that their conclusions don't VA will need to make two separate in spite of the "bad" discharge or affected your ability to serve and have to be "absolutely 100% cer- determinations, that the "character the inaccurate diagnosis. The key that the "misconduct" that resulted tain." The VA's "benefit of doubt" of service" was not dishonorable to both routes is using a medical in your bad discharge was minor, doctrine means that the evidence and that the PTSD is "service opinion as evidence. out of character and due to un- for and against a certain conclu- connected." The BCMR should upgrade treated PTSD. You can repeat the sion is "weighed" and the vet wins This is just a brief overview. the discharge if they are convinced arguments that you made to the if there is at least an "approximate Case specific details will be that either the punishment was BCMR and add that if your ser- balance" of this evidence. The doc- needed for further advice. too harsh for the "crimes" that vice-connected PTSD had gotten tors need to express their "degree you did or if the military violated proper treatment that you would of certainty" in the opinion. The discharge procedures. GIs who have been given a disability retire- VA is looking for a phrase such as were suffering from PTSD can ment and no misconduct would "at least as likely as not." Ray Parrish (Sgt., USAF, 72-75) argue both points. You can argue have occurred. The doctor may not feel is VVAW’s military counselor. that PTSD affected your ability to These arguments are rarely confident that they're giving an If you need help, call him at control your behavior, and there- successful without a properly accurate opinion without seeing 773-561-VVAW or email him at fore, your misconduct should be worded medical opinion as sup- some kind of verification of the [email protected]. forgiven or punished less severely. porting evidence. The first thing veteran's history from someone Seizure Disorders and VA Benefits Ray Parrish

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and accurately portray the nature and toms is unique, although each can habits and changing old ones. repeated head concussions are severity of the seizure disorder. find similarities in the history of Most people are familiar injuries that many recent veterans First off, the person that you are others who are also living with with "grand mal" seizures which have to deal with. A common re- trying to help shouldn't be ad- a seizure disorder. Additionally, are characterized by loss of con- sult of these injuries is a chronic, dressed, thought of or referred to sufferers seek relief in a variety sciousness lasting several minutes, disabling seizure disorder. Getting as an "epileptic." It's not merely of treatments, all of which seem severe whole body convulsions proper compensation for this prob- PC to use the phrase "people with to be a "best guess" on the part (which may cause further inju- lem is difficult without knowing epilepsy," it's a way to train your- of the health care professionals. ries) and loss of bladder control. what to look for. self and others to recognize the Most people will try various Often many hours or days are People with epilepsy or a fact that the person is not defined medications and therapies in needed to recover physically and seizure disorder are often victims by the disability. The courage they their effort to control the seizures cogitatively. The VA calls these of misunderstandings, prejudice show by living with this disabil- and minimize the drug's adverse "major" seizures. They term as or outright exploitation and dis- ity is remarkable and should be side-effects. Changes in body "minor" seizures all other types crimination in employment, hous- recognized at every opportunity. chemistry (change in hormone of seizures, which have a variety ing, government services, finance We should help them to replace levels due to loss of an organ or of physical manifestations, such and small businesses. Since the the shame associated with having menopause) or environmental fac- as repetitive movements or tics, severity and exact nature of the epilepsy with pride in successfully tors (pollution or allergies) may and "absence," also called "petit disability vary with each person, living with it. "Seizure disorder" necessitate changes in medication mal" seizures. Petit mal seizures, any generalization, such as the is also a term that many prefer to or treatment. After the seizures either alone or together with other VA Rating Schedule, is prone to epilepsy. themselves, the most common types, are most common and most misapplication. This briefing is There are many causes and complaint is dealing with the misunderstood. We need to discuss intended for veterans' counselors types of seizures, people may suf- sedative effects of anticonvulsant who are trying to present evidence medications. Most have to adapt to fer from one or several of these continued on page 31 in a disability claim which will and each person's set of symp- these changes by developing new Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 29 Are We Still Missing the Point? Diane Ford Wood (interviewer) This article originated as a review them. I wrote that, in effect, the a contribution to the disability- Willie: The devil is in the details: of Camouflage & Lace (Camo), raised consciousness that men rights movement. For those who The more you know about PTSD, an audio book about Diane Ford like Willie came home with was needed a different story, it also the more pissed you become. Sure Wood's experiences with Willie pathologized, beginning with the helped construct a mythical be- I have those feelings, especially Hager, VVAW and PTSD in the way Salt used Willie's story to con- trayal narrative for why we lost when it is all coming around again early 1970s. Vietnam vet Jerry struct the prototypical whacked- the war. as a result of our combat operations Lembcke (The Spitting Image) out veteran played by Bruce Dern in Afghanistan and Iraq. We need also wrote about Hager related to in the film and later canonized by Diane: When producing Camo, to eliminate PTSD as a "mental" the 1978 filmComing Home. This psychiatrists as the mental health we enlisted the help of Viet- disorder and address it for what it historical overlap revealed pow- problem, PTSD. nam-era veteran/musician Russ is: A psycho-social anomie aris- erful ways that Vietnam veterans Images of spat-upon veterans Scheidler and Vietnam veterans ing from our service on behalf of can support the post-traumatic and traumatized veterans consti- Steve Sherlock (Aid to Southeast a power-mongering government struggles and understanding of tuted portraits of victimization. Asia) and Doug Drews (Vets For out for political, personal, and today's returning veterans. The These portraits displaced from Peace) to read the parts on tape. capital gain. interview evolved from there. public memory the fact that their Russ and Doug say that the new time in Vietnam was one of em- cycle of returning veterans with Diane: Jerry, you are a Vietnam Diane: What is your connection powerment and politicization for PTSD seriously rekindles their veteran, presumably with some to the movie Coming Home? many GIs. Reading books like own depression. Do you have level of disillusionment. Yet you Alan Young's The Illusion of Har- these feelings? found your way in society to be- Willie: As the VVAW regional mony: Inventing Post-traumatic come a college professor. How coordinator in LA at the time, I Stress Disorder, I became aware of Jerry: In Sir! No Sir! Bill Short have you managed to survive in was interviewed extensively for how the diagnostic category PTSD recalls that one of his duties in a society with which you have the movie. Screenwriter Waldo also functioned as a political and Vietnam was to count the dead such issues? Salt asked me what was the hardest cultural concept. Viet Cong after a fight. The task part of Vietnam. "Coming home," With the Vietnam-era "anti- revolted him and when he refused Jerry: Janice Joplin sang "free- I told him. For me, that was far war warrior" screened out by the to do it any longer he was sent dom is just another word for more painful than Vietnam itself. "victim-veteran," it was no sur- to the unit shrink for psychiatric nothing left to lose." That was the I was given a role as a technical prise that the current wars began evaluation. His resistance about mindset I returned with from Viet- advisor which wasn't a completely with both the pro-war Right and to be pathologized as a mental nam. One of the veterans in Gerald new experience. In 1976, I helped anti-war Left pledging to support health problem (he thinks), the Gioglio's book, Days of Decision make Still at War, one of the the troops. It was no surprise either psychiatrist turns instead and pulls (about in-service conscientious earliest documentaries on PTSD when the filmSir! No Sir! (about from the shelf a copy of The New objectors) says he never had more and mistreatment of paraplegic the GI anti-war movement during York Times with a full-page peti- clarity about life than during his veterans on film. After Salt got Vietnam) pulled that piece of his- tion against the war signed by GIs. days of resistance. This is the kind informally sidelined, the new writ- tory back into view. It inaugurated Bill needed a social movement, of clarity that comes when you're ers revised Bruce Dern's character a new anti-war coffee house near not treatment, and the same can stripped-down to the essentials of (loosely based on my life) in the Fort Drum; a petition campaign be said for hundreds of troops and life. That's the way I felt. I vowed same way society revised us. against the war by military per- veterans today who are similarly never again to be entrapped by In an insightful and compelling sonnel; and new stories of spat-on disgusted with the war they've this society's materialism or to be way—and with the benefit of hav- veterans. This redirected public been sent to fight and depressed ing reviewed the original UCLA attention to the televised im- with the realization that there is interview transcripts—Lembcke ages of battered veterans images no glory in inglorious war. continued on page 30 got this. heretofore banned from public Coming Home began as a consumption. story about how a career Marine turns into an anti-war veteran Diane: The Spitting Image talks organizer. Dern's character and about how Willie's experiences the script took a completely dif- were misunderstood by the VA, the ferent turn from Salt's original military, Hollywood, society and story premise; it became a foil even those closest to him. Camo for the administration's reframing describes living this nightmare program. Go figure! It wasn't the from a woman's perspective. Were movie I had signed on to make. I we all too caught up in the moment probably wouldn't have become to have any kind of overview? involved had I known how it was How could so many caring people all to come out. miss the point?

Jerry: When I was writing The Willie: We were living history. We Spitting Image, I came across in- were blinded by the light. terviews that screenwriter Waldo Salt did with Willie and other Jerry: Hollywood was a major veterans for the script of Coming player in displacing the story of Home. Speaking of what was then the war itself with the story of called "post-Vietnam syndrome" GIs coming home to the country (PVS), Willie told Salt that their that had betrayed them and their Vietnam experience had taught mission. Coming Home, for which veterans that American society Willie's interviews were used, had was a lie and that that same so- powerful feminist and anti-war ciety did not want to deal with messages and was heralded as Willie Hager 30 THE VETERAN Spring 2007

Are We Still Missing the Point? attention to the human costs of and the VA and minimize their continued from page 29 that war and mustered the politi- priorities and benefits. And we cal support for increased services often experienced non-acceptance bonded to what Willie described as a result of patriotism. It was for the mentally and physically at VFW and American Legion to Salt as "little bullshit jobs that a patriotic act to rally with the wounded. The needs of the current Posts throughout America. don't really count." At about that grassroots to maintain our Con- wars' many victims will be best Hopefully we can be more time, I read Neil Postman's book stitutional perspectives. We won. served not by public lamentations supportive to the men and women Teaching as a Subversive Activity. Nixon and his band of thugs were on the costs of war and pledges coming home today. Vietnam I used it as a kind of playbook ousted from power and for a while, to support the troops but by an veterans have never been a quiet for a dialectical engagement with the government did the People's anti-war movement inclusive of group. The counsel and experience society—surviving within it while Business. Remember the Erich the men and women sent to fight we offer is practically unprec- simultaneously working for its Fromm quote: "The successful the war. edented in American history. But transformation into something revolutionary is a statesman, the I'm afraid the recognition of that beyond itself. unsuccessful one a criminal"? Willie: Absolutely! But only if fact might take a very long time. Given the context, and using this we don't allow the government to Diane: Willie, you and veterans history as a criterion, I consider divide and conquer us as they did like Calixto Cabrera ("Alfredo" "outlaw" an honorable defini- after our initial victories back in in Camo) joined the military as tion of character synonymous The Day. There is always a cost for Jerry Lembcke is a professor patriots and believers. You turned with "patriot." Oh, yes; and I still speaking truth to power. For us, it at Holy Cross College in down a presidential appointment believe. was being shunned as Communist Worcester, MA. The Spitting to Annapolis to become a Marine. agitators and told that Vietnam Image: Myth, Memory, and Yet ultimately, you chose the out- Diane: In the '60s and '70s, VVAW wasn't a real war. Our service was the Legacy of Vietnam (2000) law life after Vietnam. How do you trail-blazed post-traumatic stress questioned. We were labeled cry- is available nationwide. Willie feel about that choice now? research using their own lives as babies and sissies for calling at- Hager and Diane Ford Wood are collateral. Can this make a differ- tention to inferior conditions at the principal organizers of PTSD- Willie: I am still a patriot and ence to today's returning vets? VA (See Camo, Still at War, Winter centered VetSpeak.org. Still at always will be. I joined the Ma- Soldier and more). Some older War will soon be available at rine Corps in 1959 as a result of Jerry: The movement of in- veterans worried that the surge Wisbooks.com. Camouflage & patriotism. Ten years later, I left service resisters and Vietnam of new combat veterans might Lace (2005) is available at and joined VVAW in 1971 – also veterans against the war called infringe on their lock on Congress www.cdbaby.com/camo. War…Good God You All! Paul S. Cameron Recently, I made my annual Similarities Differences 8. Relatives serving in same guest appearance to high school 1. American involvement gener- VietnamWar units. American History classes to share ated by political interests. 1. Troop strength dependent upon 9. Computer email, cell phone, my Vietnam War experience with 2. Escalation during the first five the 'draft.' and letters. students. Generally, the students years of involvement. 2. The Vietnam War was training- 10. Technology is highly ad- ask me to share specific Vietnam 3. American presidents were from jungle oriented. vanced. War areas of concern to enhance Texas during escalation period. 3. 365-day tour (volunteer exten- information they have obtained 4. Lack of enough training to meet sion). Today, I'm seeing a great deal from the teacher and textbook. expectations of the regions and 4. Homeland support was lacking of concern among my students For instance, students will inquire type of warfare. (always). about a war in their generation. about the daily life of an American 5. Peace talks seemed ill-fated 5. News media coverage was It's time for the heads of state in soldier during their tour of duty during both wars. minimized. Washington DC to rethink what's in a combat zone, or what was 6. Administration and Congress 6. Severely wounded soldiers really going down in Iraq and the it like living in America during were at odds about continuing US medically discharged after hos- entire Middle East region. As a the war years. War…huh…good involvement. pitalization. member of the Vietnam Veterans God y'all ,what's it good for? 7. Change of military leadership 7. Females in combat roles. Against War (VVAW), I wish to (from Edwin Starr's song, War). was constant throughout US in- 8. Soldiers (blood relatives) could quote Edwin Star from his song, With the aid of video clips, photo volvement. not serve in the same unit. War: albums, sketchbook drawings, and 8. Guerrilla or insurgent activ- 9. Letters only form of contact letters, I'm able to illustrate to ity complicated US military suc- to/from home. "War has shuttered many a the students with a fairly realistic cess. 10. Basic weaponry and equip- young mans dreams concept of war. When a living war 9. Regular rotation of troop ment. Made him disabled bitter and veteran tells the truth about their strength due to length of US in- Iraq War mean experience, students better under- volvement. 1. No draft, just enlistments, re- Life is much too precious to stand the meaning of war. Most 10. High rate of disabling wounds serves. spend fighting wars these days war veterans do not talk about such as loss of limbs and perma- 2. The Iraq War is training-desert War can’t give life; it can only their war experiences for various nent injuries. oriented. take it away reasons. This year, an interesting 11. American public opinion 3. 12-18 months and recall. War! Huh – Good God y’all question was posed to me in the moved from support to opposition 4. Support for war stronger (at What’s it good for classroom. The teacher asked me of US involvement. first). Stand up and shout it. to make a comparison between the 12. War veterans formed anti-war 5. News media saturation due to Nothing!!!" Vietnam War and today's Iraq War. groups to join the American peace technology. Therefore, my response included movements. 6. Severely wounded soldiers al- the following: In previous years, my classroom lowed to discharged after hospi- visits have been almost entirely talization return to war zone. targeted the war of my genera- 7. Females in non-combatant Paul Cameron is a member of tion. role VVAW. Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 31

Seizure Disorders and VA Benefits ated with the epilepsy (text in the doctor to verify a diagnosis, they VA rating schedule immediately will accept "competent consistent continued from page 29 following the epilepsy ratings, lay testimony" as to the frequency codes 8910-8914, discusses this of seizures. This number deter- them in depth. taken and is a constant variable in and "unemployability"). In addi- mines the rating that the VA gives Most importantly, the person determining the likelihood of or tion, paragraphs 4.120 thru 4.122 the disability and the amount having a petit mal seizure will the frequency of petit mal seizures. in the rating schedule should be of compensation paid monthly. RARELY realize that they just had The blood level may be low, be- reviewed before agreeing with This is one of the few times that one! The typical petit mal seizure cause it's in a regular "trough" due ratings assigned by the VA. counselors, friends and family can lasts only a few seconds and is easy to stress or adverse drug interac- Under the VA Rating Sched- "testify" in support of the veteran, to miss unless you are looking at tions decreasing the medication's ule's diagnostic code 8911, per- by documenting any seizures that the face of the person having the effectiveness. Several petit mal centages are given for the amount they observed. More importantly, seizure, and see the blinking eyes seizures may occur every minute of seizure activity so a "60%" rat- this is something that the veteran or blank stare. "Atypical" seizures until the next dose is absorbed and ing is assigned if seizure activity cannot do with total accuracy, may occur without blinking. Dur- reaches a "therapeutic" level or if averages one major seizure every since outside observers may be ing the seizure they are temporarily the trigger is removed or lessened. 4 months over the past year or 9 or the only ones aware that a petit "absent" from reality, though not Conversely, during times of "peak" more minor seizures weekly. This mal seizure even happened. And "unconscious." They actually lose blood levels, increased sleepiness rating also entitles the veteran for doctors spend too little time with a few seconds of time during the may increase the susceptibility to consideration of "Total Disability the patient to make a truly com- petit mal seizure. This can be very being startled and may look like due to Individual Unemployabil- prehensive report. The supporting disconcerting, even dangerous, an absence seizure. ity," which pays compensation statements should begin with the for the person having the seizure, In addition, the combina- at the 100% rate if the disorder phrase "I swear the following to especially if it happens while driv- tion of seizures and medications prevents "gainful" employment. be true" and the signature should ing or simply walking where they means that it takes a constant Even if you consider a be notarized. Present this evidence may stumble and fall or pause in a mental effort to minimize seizure medication to be "successful" if to both the VA and your doctor. crosswalk. A petit mal may happen activity and compensate for the it's "99% effective" in preventing Based on this evidence the doctor while you're hurrying to get ready effects of the medications, that seizures, that 100th time, when a can write up an opinion verifying in the morning, which may cause is, to maintain "normality." This petit mal seizure does occur, is in- the accuracy of the reports and the you to stumble, fall, hit your head extraordinary amount of focus evitable, but not always observed. severity of the seizure disorder. and cause a grand mal seizure. needed to accomplish routine tasks Since petit mal seizures last only So, the ratings given for the Seizures are often "triggered" makes them even more susceptible a few seconds, a sufferer has the physical damage to the nerve, when the person is "startled," to being startled. And the neces- opportunity to have a seizure 6- bone, muscle and skin systems which may take surprisingly little, sary attention to their own needs 10 times every minute. If we call should be combined with ratings especially if their anticonvulsant also commonly leads to behavior it six times a minute, that 100th for the seizures themselves, the medication is "off" for any reason. which can be misperceived (and time will happen in less than 17 mental disorders caused by having The trigger might be a car horn, a misdiagnosed) as being thought- minutes, more often in "stressful" the seizures and other disabilities, subway or elevator door opening, less, self-centered, egotistical or situations. Not all seizures are ob- the side-effects of medication a flash of light, a strong odor, a ignoring the needs of others. served since it's hard to tell if that and the effects of their long-term light touch on a shoulder or arm Often this behavior interferes "pause" during a telephone con- use. or a call to get their attention, even with normal behavior so much versation was a petit mal seizure. a mental search for a word during that it warrants an additional Since this math is never-ending, a conversation or consternation diagnosis of a "mental disorder," "hiding the disability" is often when they are criticized or under such as dementia, paranoid de- impossible and a self-delusion. stress. lusions, depression, bi-polar or It's easy to understand why many Ray Parrish (Sgt., USAF, 72-75) The amount of anticonvul- generalized anxiety disorder. VA suffering from a seizure disorder is VVAW’s military counselor. sant medications in the blood disability ratings should include also live with depression, anxiety If you need help, call him at varies constantly but regularly, these additional disabilities as and mood disorders. 773-561-VVAW or email him at depending on how recently it was secondary to or directly associ- Although the VA needs a [email protected].

Peace Speaks From The Mirror

War is not a DVD that speaks to him of peace. to eat some pizza, drink some beers "Think of your wife and children, and pause the war to take a pee. your suicide will hurt them War is a Soldier in a dark room all alone throughout their lives, you can not see his tears a life of emotions and tears, because he hides them. you could never hurt them more." Those who think they know of war So he puts the gun down can never watch the Soldier weep. like he has done before A Soldier has a war on his TV and peace speaks from the mirror recorded in his brain, filmed by emotions and reminds him once again, edited with pills See, you are filled with love now, so he can live like normal people do. I'll see you if you need me, There are no fast clips like if a thousand white moths of the dead, the wounded turn into crosses on a hillside the Soldier must keep seeing them as the war comes back to you the rest of his life. for coming back without them." But some nights he holds a pistol to his head, his finger on the trigger —Dennis Serdel looking into a mirror VVAW - Perry, Michigan 32 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 VVAW Members Form Backbone of Philadelphia's Sea of Tombstones Sandy Fulton Since October 2005 VVAW Bill came back from Washington members from the Delaware determined that the best way Valley area have been working on to bring home the war losses to the preparation, installation and Philadelphia-area citizens was to observation of Arlington North—A create a Sea of Tombstones. Sea of Tombstones. On three Only 17 days remained important weekends—Veterans until Veterans Day! Yet Bill had Day 2005, Memorial Day 2006, faith that there were enough Veterans Day 2006—we set out activist veterans. He finalized the rank after rank of white-painted Liberty Bell lawn reservation, wooden tombstones on the lawn of procured materials, and got a the national shrine, Philadelphia's team together—not only VVAW Liberty Bell. The next display members but activists of the is planned for Memorial Day Philadelphia Regional Anti-War 2007. Network (PRAWN) and others. Cindy Sheehan and Bill Perry Arlington West and Eyes Intense, heavy work over the next Wide Open inspired VVAW two weeks —sawing, painting, In August 2006, to promote he coordinated the tombstone National Coordinator, tireless adding lawn prongs and photo greater local veteran activism, displays but he's provided far activist Bill Perry, to speak to markers, loading, setup—resulted a new super-activist group was more than his share of hard work the National Park Service, to in an impressive 4-day weekend formed, Delaware Valley Veter- and money. He's been an activist turn Philadelphia's Liberty Bell display of white-painted wooden ans for America (DV-VFA), now for years, and since the founding lawn into a temporary military rectangular gravestones (we numbering over 30 veteran mem- of DV-VFA six months ago has graveyard. That was in the late do not use crosses) with photo bers. Of those who came together been the primary organizer of summer of 2005, following Cindy markers for Gold Star families' in DV-VFA, at least 60% were an enormous number of local Sheehan's Peace Bus appearance loved ones. The commemoration already members of VVAW, and and Washington, DC peace vet in Philadelphia, but there was little offered a quiet respectful space the veterans who worked on the activities, summoning DV-VFA interest when Bill presented it at a where visitors, including bereaved 2005 tombstone project form one to support over a hundred actions. local peace vets' meeting—except families, could mourn the troops of its two core groups. Bill led a large combined DV-VFA among certain VVAW and IVAW killed in Iraq. The construction The other core group is from and VVAW group at the recent veterans eager for local actions to team mingled with the crowd IVAW. Patrick Resta, President January 27 Rally and March, reach ordinary citizens. The plan and furnished handouts exposing of DV-VFA, was a combat Army where he was on stage with other came into focus in Washington the lies that had, as of November medic in Iraq, and his long-range activists. All his peace and justice DC in October 2005, during 2005, caused the deaths of over project, with fellow IVAW member activities, which number from four Bill's discussions with Gold Star 2,000 Americans and an estimated Chad Hetman, is to obtain funding to six per week, couldn't possibly families desperate to reawaken 100,000 Iraqis. This Sea of for a halfway house for PTSD be listed here. antiwar activities. On October Tombstones attracted thousands of victims returning from Iraq and Other DV-VFA members get 25, the day after DOD confirmed awed visitors, and the Park Service Afghanistan to our area—a safe out and work hard. Some turn their 2,000 troop deaths, Bill, Col. invited us back. Tragically, by place with counseling where they talents to writing, led by Dave Ann Wright and Gold Star family Memorial Day 2006 the number can sleep, board, and reacclimate. Kalkstein, a New Jersey veteran, members Cindy Sheehan, Juan of tombstones had increased. On Patrick is well aware of PTSD, Sandy Fulton and Dr. Jon Bjornson, Torres, Bea Salvidar, Bill Mitchell, Veterans Day 2006 the tombstones both as a medic and a victim. both of Philadelphia. Dave is not and DeDe Miller placed wreaths at numbered 2,500, as US deaths Bill Perry, who joined VVAW only an outstanding writer, but an Arlington National Cemetery and reached 2,843. Iraqi deaths, by in 1969 and testified at Winter organizer of boundless energy and later that evening were arrested at last November, were believed to Soldier in 1971, is DV-VFA's managerial ability who's taken a a "Die-In" at the White House gate. number above 650,000. Executive Director and continues leading part in coordinating our to lead the Arlington DV-VFA film series and other North projects. Delaware Valley peace actions, He served as a especially those in South Jersey. combat paratrooper Sandy resigned after 12 years in Vietnam, was as a Naval officer in December wounded in action 1968, joined VVAW in 1969, is a and suffers from charter member of the Arlington combat PTSD. Cemetery Women's Memorial, and 100% disabled, he mother of a Gulf War vet. Retired, advises veterans she's been a published writer, on benefits and editor and illustrator, with over provides a useful 20 books in energy conservation, liaison between community development and the union activists history of dissent, as well as poetry and the many in The Veteran. In the Navy she veterans groups to became the first woman to undergo which he belongs. full vacuum tests in NASA's Bill's energy and space suit. Sandy is DV-VFA's planning expertise secretary and has been creating Arlington North-Sea of Tombstones, Memorial Day 2006. are inspirational. the tombstone photo markers, Bill Perry carefully answers questions of a little girl wondering why Not only has a PTSD-suffering veteran, a Gold Star family's son, killed himself. continued on next page Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 33

Sea of Tombstones continued from previous page now more than 1,000, working Pennsylvania soon on tombstone construction, and afterward, then joined producing text and graphics for the veterans' march on flyers, flags, stickers and political Washington to return buttons. medals. As Camp MD Many others contribute to for 1,200 Vietnam vets he graphics, since creative teamwork attended Dewey Canyon is the backbone of DV-VFA III in Washington DC, activism. Jon Bjornson, Bill Perry, May 1971, and in 1972 Ray Smith, Dave Kalkstein and moderated a panel Sandy Fulton worked as a team on the psychological designing the flyer to advertise the consequences of the Sea of Tombstones for last Veterans Vietnam War at Winter Day. (Go online and click on Soldier II in Boston and DV-VFA and VVAW veterans from Delaware Valley marched together in DC, Jan 27: www.vfp144.org to view the flyer.) another on war crimes Jon Bjornson, Jack Marquess, Walt Comisak, Peter Brunner, Bob Fields. All, Photo talents enhance our written in Harrisburg, PA. Jon including the photographer, Sandy Fulton, signed up with VVAW 37 or more years ago. documents. Marine veteran John sat on panels of both the Kline and former Army doctor Jon American Psychiatric and is webmaster of the DV-VFA Perry and Michelle Resta, and Bjornson deserve special credit for Association and American website, www.vfp144.org, where Dr. Jon's daughter Noelle. We their large-size photo displays at Orthopsychiatric Association you can scroll down and click team up with Gold Star Families the Sea of Tombstones and their to determine the cause and on an impressive short video of and Military Families Speak Out, accomplished photography during treatment of what was then called the Memorial Day 2006 Sea of represented at the last Sea of all DV-VFA actions. "Post Vietnam Syndrome"—now Tombstones. Other hard-working Tombstones by speakers Cindy "Doctor Jon," retired PTSD—and is a recognized PTSD DV-VFA activists include Sam Sheehan, Celeste Zappala, and psychiatrist and a Major in the authority. Adams, Peter Brunner, antiwar Sue Niederer, along with regional Army Medical Corps in Vietnam, Ray Smith, Army vet, of- poet Robert Dennen, Al Kovnat, protest musicians like rapper is DV-VFA's treasurer and, like fers his background as a CAD- Jack Marquess, disabled Marine S.O.N., and the Philadelphia Bill, a Regional VVAW contact. CAM graphics expert. Ray has Bruce Tornari, Steve Mortillo, Grannies' Peace Brigade. DV-VFA For the Sea of Tombstones, he contributed graphics edits and Toby Hartzbarger, Cathy Santos had the pleasure of rallying for the constructs and laminates the furnished color printing for the and Mark LaChance. Most are Grannies at their trial on December photo markers. Jon has a peace Sea of Tombstones photo mark- Marine or combat Army veter- 1, where charges against them vet record of almost 40 years, ers. An enthusiastic member of ans and either VVAW or IVAW were thrown out. We often join starting as an organizer and leader DV-VFA, he and his wife Nancy members. actions with Colonel Ann Wright of Pennsylvania VVAW in 1969. travel all the way from Atlantic We continue to work hand and Gulf War vet Dennis Kyne, He served on two panels at Winter City to saw, nail and paint wood, in hand with PRAWN members both of whom spoke, with Michael Soldier in 1971, moderating one. help out during the displays, and and two of them, Nancy Smith Berg—whose civilian son was Distressed at lack of press coverage participate in many other actions. and Monique Frugier, a noted killed in Iraq—at November 11's at Winter Soldier, Jon organized Rich Gardner, disabled Navy vet photographer, are now associate Sea of Tombstones. war crimes hearings called "We and both a DV-VFA and PRAWN members of DV-VFA, as are For the opening day of Accuse" at the University of activist, helps with construction veterans' wives Nancy, Terry Washington DC' s Camp Democracy, DV-VFA furnished 21 veterans—the only contingent from the Philadelphia area. Each week we take part in four to six rallies, forums, antiwar film showings, panel discussions, lobbying efforts, support of other peace groups, letter-writing campaigns, and other antiwar and pro- veteran actions. We've lobbied for veterans' benefits and coordinated the visit of Lt. Watada's parents to Philadelphia. Most DV-VFA members participate regularly in these activist efforts, and we don't intend to stop even after the troops come home. We've learned the hard way that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."

Sandy Fulton is proud to be a member of VVAW and Delaware Valley Veterans for America. Philadelphia Gold Star mother Celeste Zappala speaks of her son, KIA Sgt.Sherwood Baker, at Sea of Tombstones, Veterans Day 2006. Speakers from IVAW/DV-VFA and Gulf War, (l to r): Chad Hetman, Dennis Kyne, Steve Mortillo, Toby Hartzbarger, Patrick Resta. Behind Celeste Zappala, unseen: Mark Lachance. 34 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Tilling the Man I Will Teach You to When a most famous warrior leaves Perform a War I will teach you how the playing field for the slaying field, to perform a war a clean operation it's not "wise" when his demise is by to remove that dangerous tissue which can no longer be controlled the hand of some one in the same command. we first name it cancer we curse it for an inhuman bastard nothing legitimate to be found the pathologic question When friendly fire tears friendly flesh, must be asked and answered weighing whether a pound of flesh will be enough war's haze can fill a maze of lies. shared definitions in hand we sharpen our knives It began with those who chose sanitary chrome and steel to burn the slain man's clothes. bright lights remove any shadow By unwritten regulation (and with no hesitation), of doubts patriotic anesthesia dulls the senses those higher up the chain tried to bury common and other to the loud cutting the blame before the man and avoid shame ripping and bleeding to come by overly praising his already glittering name. once hidden viscera bloody red broken bone white and hypoxic blue tissue stare out at us As usual, it was the stupid lie, not the anxious deed, that unexpected collateral damage can be dressed announced fate's crime with a loud cracked chime. with sterile white gauze although the bloated smell —Horace Coleman sometimes remains

Mar 07 afterwards we will remove our gloves and wash our hands

—Larry Kerschner

“Road stop... STOP...”, painting by Iraq Vet, Aaron Hughes, displayed at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, Chicago, Veterans Day 2006 www.aarhughes.org www.nvvam.org Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 35 Here We Grow Again - VVAW Kentuckiana Marty Webster Long before 9/11 and the start of the Iraq War, Carol Rawert Trainer had been active in Louisville Peace Action Community (LPAC). Carol has now expanded her efforts and formed a new chapter of VVAW in Louisville, Kentucky. Our newest chapter is called VVAW Kentuckiana. Kentuckiana is the Louisville and southern Indiana area. Carol first represented VVAW at the Kentucky State Fair from August 17-26, 2006. Carol is a Vietnam-era vet and the wife of Vietnam veteran and retired Air Marty Webster congratulates Carol Rawert Trainer and her husband Force officer, Harold Trainer. Harold on their new banner, provided by a grant from the VVAW National Office She participated in the Louisville Peace Action community booth, but there was no mention in news shopping center in Louisville. The hard that day and it was so cold whose theme was "Support the concerning the event following Monday, they organized the ground was frozen and they Troops: Stop the War." On each At 4pm on January 12, a "Protest the Escalation of the could not put their yard signs in day of the fair VVAW and IVAW VVAW Kentuckiana sponsored War" event surrounding a visit the ground. brochures were distributed along another RAP (Random Act of by Senator Mitch McConnell as At Waterfront Park, in with other related materials. For Protest) at Hurstbourne and he spoke at Vincenzo's restaurant. Louisville on Monday, March the most part, they were supported Brownsboro Road. This was to The demonstrators certainly let 19, LPAC/VVAW Kentuckiana set and thanked by the public, protest the surge. It was rainy and him know how they felt about his up about 4,000 small white flags including active-duty military and dismal and about 4 people showed stance on the war. to commemorate the US and Iraqi veterans. up. This was in a mostly pro-Bush On March 2, VVAW deaths since March 19, 2003. The VVAW Kentuckiana has area and they felt good to be in their Kentuckiana took part in the flags were arranged in straight also sponsored a series of protests face to remind them that a war is Second Annual King Memorial lines, approximately 200' x 200', and demonstrations surrounding going on. "One screamer rode by Walk and Peace Fest which helped on the Great Lawn at Waterfront the 3,000 plus deaths. and yelled, 'Get over it.' I gave close out the Fourth Annual Park. Throughout the day, they had On New Years day VVAW that a lot of thought. How can we Greater Louisville Martin Luther speakers, musicians, a bell choir, Kentuckiana sponsored their get over it when people die every King, Jr. Season of Service 2007, and people to read the names of first protest at Hurstbourne and day for a lie and in our name?" which mobilized over 2,000 the dead. Brownsboro Road, in Louisville, said Carol. The chapter has been volunteers for community service I truly believe that it is Kentucky. VVAW Kentuckiana very active and continues to keep projects. Close to 1,000 walkers because of folks like Carol and member Harold Trainer, USAF the pressure on congress through participated. her husband Harold stepping Retired, came up with an idea for RAPs, phone calls and emails. The For those who could not forward to help carry the VVAW "Random Acts of Protest (RAP)." RAPs that Carol and her husband attend the DC event, LPAC/ banner that we are able to remain About 6 people showed up. Not do seem to be very effective. "It VVAW Kentuckiana held an anti in the vanguard of the anti-war bad for the first chapter event with only takes a few on a busy corner war protest on Saturday, March movement. last minute arrangements. to make an impression," Carol 17, at the busy intersection of What a privilege it is to offer On Saturday, January 6th added further. Hwy 22 and Hurstbourne Road, a them our thanks and support, VVAW Kentuckiana co-sponsored Carol and Harold attended very "Republican" area. They had share with them the benefits of our a massive demonstration at the and displayed their VVAW someone on each corner holding experiences and with great pride intersection of Hurstbourne and Kentuckiana Chapter banner at the VVAW signs and "Out of Iraq and respect, welcome them to the Taylorsville Road in Louisville. anti-war marches in Washington now" signs left over from UFPJ VVAW family. There was a protest at the on both January 27 and March march in DC. There was a lot of Federal Building in Louisville on 17. interaction. One woman and her January 10 after Bush's speech to On Saturday, February, 17 daughter stopped and delivered the nation. About 50 people joined VVAW Kentuckiana participated Starbucks coffee to everyone and Marty Webster is the National with VVAW Kentuckiana for the in a "Cut off War funds" thanked us for being there. The Organizing Secretary for VVAW. event. Local media was present, demonstration by the Summit snow was coming down pretty

VVAW on the Move in Louisville the parallels between the Vietnam has always been there and thanks War and the war in Iraq. "I'm out to the effort of veterans like Carol continued from page 27 here because I have always had the Rawert Trainer our new VVAW feeling that my absence from any contact in Louisville, VVAW will 3,000 plus is not just a statis- different. There was a banner that social-justice movement makes always be there. tic. These are sons and daughters. stated "Honor the Warrior Not me complacent." They are real people who deserve the War – Kentuckiana Chapter VVAW Louisville Contact our honor in a totally misguided – VVAW." Carol Rawert Trainer was inter- and insane war. After seeing the VVAW viewed by WHAS-TV Channel There was the usual ar- banner, Suzy Post, 73, director 11. The Louisville Courier Journal ray of "Peace Now" and other emeritus of the Metropolitan covered the event but didn't men- Marty Webster is the National anti-war signs amid the display. Housing Coalition, said she was tion VVAW or show the banner. Organizing Secretary for VVAW. However this time something was frightened by what she views as Yes VVAW was there. VVAW 36 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 The Global Class War and Working with Classes Horace Coleman (reviewer) The Global Class War: How a prosperous, fair, and sustainable class victims." working with a priest in a low America's Bipartisan Elite economy. And, say I, in using "identity income parish, with middle school Lost Our Future - and What It To paraphrase and summa- politics, "family values," "pro-life teachers and students, high school Will Take to Win it Back. rize Faux's book: and abstinence only" sex educa- teachers. Providing literature, By Jeff Faux * NAFTA was supported and tion issues, religiosity, sexual sharing personal history, answer- (John Wiley & Sons, 2006) promoted by America's financial orientation, etc. to divert and stir ing questions, making referrals, and political elite. up the "common" folk. Do we have getting a letter-to-the-editor pub- Jeff Faux's language is clear, * Business lobbyists are home grown, US style, Sharia law, lished, etc. Low key, unglamorous crisp and comprehensible. The regularly against minimum wages, Taliban and jihadists tearing us things. book's about globalization, those health and safety rules. apart? The flag follows the dollar; It's Memorial Day for me who put it into effect and how it * Any place in the world is the dollar follows the flag. The every time I watch the Nightly affects various economic classes essentially the same as any other military goes along, ahead, or soon News on PBS and see another and countries. if wage competition, encouraged after, to support and defend corpo- batch of young faces--KIAs from Some sample chapter head- by trade agreements, pushes rate--not national--interests. Iraq and Afghanistan. So many ings: wages down and eliminates job Class in America is as blatant "good citizens" who say they • NAFTA [North American Free security. and obvious as rank insignia on "support the troops" don't do any Trade Agreement]: Class Re- * Three overlapping circles a sleeve, cap, shoulder or collar thing that does that. union at the top of the American pyra- is in the military. In civilian life All those faces: Male. Fe- • "Good Jobs" and Other Global mid shape and affect government we know about knockoffs, imita- male. Soldier, sailor, reservist, Deceptions the most: The Policy Formation tions, counterfeits and the real Marine, Air Force, National • The Governing Class: America's Organizations of politic and tech- thing—supposedly. Except in Guard. White, Latino, Black, Worst-Kept Secret nocratic Washington; the Corpo- politics. And, taste, style, bluster, Asian, Middle Eastern and all the • How Reagan and Thatcher Stole rate Community's managers; the garishness and ostentatiousness combinations--all the patches--in Globalization Social Upper Class (the super rich (hopefully). Why is it that those the American quilt. • A Bipartisan Empire who live off their investments). who have the most money and I hate to see people die in • NAFTA: Who Got What * Corporate executives and clout, are usually the first to shriek dubious battles they've entered • The Constitution According to lawyers move back and forth and whenever class warfare is men- because they didn't know recent Davos [Davos is a Swiss resort in and out of power positions in tioned? Even though their class history, current affairs or the rea- where corporate managers meet business and the government. is winning. sons for what they've committed annually with political leaders * There is only one political "It's worth remembering," to. Informed assent is one thing. to "discuss" the "state of the party in this country [Demopubli- said Faux in a February 06 Nation Putting your life, mind and soul world"] can /Republicrat (call them Dimo- article, "that Franklin Roosevelt, on the line because of some power •Toward, and Beyond, a Conti- crat or Repiglican if you like)]. who was as elite and privileged and money seeking, stay-at-home, nental Democracy In an article published in as one could get, responded to Judas goats is another. the Nation magazine in Febru- the economic crisis of his time by The struggle for truth and Faux founded the Economic ary 2006, Faux wrote "Here in becoming--as they muttered in the justice is a continual. Policy Institute (EPI), a think- America, the coming unrest could best clubs--"a traitor to his class." tank on political and economic turn right as well as left. The Re- But a positive problem solver for issues American face. He's been publican Party is hopelessly tied to his nation. an economist in the Departments the multinational priorities of the It's hard to have people re- Horace Coleman is a veteran, of State, Labor and Commerce. US business elite, but its managers spond appropriately to what is poet and writer. He is also a EPI's mission is providing re- are skilled at stoking nationalist painful, long-term and difficult. VVAW contact in California. search and education that promote resentment among the working- Lately I've found myself Flyboys: A Book and its Covers Dave Collins (reviewer) Flyboys: A True Story of raids against the island of Chichi in 1846, and finally the explicit was complete. Military leadership Courage Jima. However, after introducing imperialism of the Spanish- was marked not by the broad, By James Bradley this story Bradley engages in a American War. "liberal" education of the samurai (Little, Brown and Company, lengthy digression. He sets about Bradley argues that the first but a narrow and constrained base 2003) exploring the historical context for stage of Japanese imperialism, a of knowledge intended to produce the Japanese aggression that began highly successful expansion into a ruthless and racist killer. Junior "Can't judge a book by lookin' at its against the Russians in 1904, ex- Russian territories, reflected long troops were treated as near slaves cover," sang The Yardbirds. I have panded against China in the 30's, standing military traditions of the trained to accept brutality from found few books of which this is and finally came to the US. samurai class. He suggests that the their superiors as the natural order. more true that James Bradley's Bradley argues that after standards of conduct in that impe- All civilian efforts turned to the Flyboys. On the surface this ap- Commodore Perry's gun ships rial war reflected samurai tradi- waging of wars of conquest. pears to be yet another tale of the opened Japan in 1853, Japanese tions of the honorable warrior. Only with this context es- war in the Pacific. I undertook to leaders looked to western nations, With a new, weak, emperor in tablished does Bradley return to read the book at the urging of a the US in particular, as models for 1926, the military began to change. the central story, the lives and friend, but suspected I would put it their imperialist period. Bradley Rapidly, Japan became a very dif- fate of a handful of aviators taken aside after not too many pages. undertakes an unflinching look ferent place, deeply militaristic prisoner by the Japanese garrison In Bradley's first World War at US imperialism in the second from top to bottom. Bradley exam- on Chichi Jima. Here Bradley II novel, Flags of our Fathers he half of the 19th and early 20th ines how the military even reached shapes the story in the tradition tells the stories of the Marines on centuries. He examines the long- into the elementary schools, dictat- of "honoring the warrior, not the Iwo Jima. The central story of Fly- running wars with nations of ing curriculum. By the 1937 inva- war." He traces the story of each boys is the fate of a group of Naval the indigenous peoples of North sion of China, Bradley reports that man from childhood to death at and Marine aviators shot down in America, the invasion of Mexico perversion of the samurai tradition continued on next page Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 37 A Soldiers Journey From War to Peace Aaron Davis (reviewer)

At Hells Gate: A Soldiers a Purple Heart. Journey from War to Peace After returning home, Claude By Claude Anshin Thomas dealt with drug abuse, alcohol- (Shambhala Press, 2004) ism, homelessness, divorce, and post traumatic stress disorder. I first read about Claude Thomas His healing journey began when in an newspaper article about his he met Vietnamese Zen master, peace walk across America in Thich Nhat Hanh. In 1995, he the summer of 1998. I read his took the vows of a mendicant Zen book, At Hells Gate: A Soldiers monk under Bernie Glassman. He Journey from War to Peace, two has walked across Europe and years ago. America for peace in what he calls Claude Thomas was raised a "pilgrimage". in a small town in Pennsylvania "As a Vietnam veteran, I feel and at the tender age of seventeen a responsibility to live, to heal, and enlisted in the Army. He was im- to change - so that the lives of all mediately sent to Phu Loi, Viet- those who have died in war will nam as a helicopter door gunner. not be wasted. Veterans have this assigned to the 116th Assault responsibility because we know helicopter Company. "During my war so intimately, so directly. tour in Vietnam, I was directly Their deaths ask us to learn, to responsible for the deaths of many, see clearly that war, that violence Zen monk Claude Anshin Thomas spoke to veterans in Salt Lake City, Utah. Vietnam vets Rick Miller and Nikko Schoch listen. Miller is A VVAW member. many people. But after the horrors in any form, is never a solution. Schoch passed away August 5, 2006 and the of basic training, and after my That war and violence do not lead Veterans For Peace Chapter 118 now bears his name. childhood of abuse and neglect, I to peace." didn't recognize what I was doing As a member of VVAW Claude Anshin Thomas is promotes peace and non-violence as killing people. The enemy was and Veterans For Peace, I highly currently a monk in the Soto (www.zaltho.org). simply the enemy, not human." Af- recommend At Hells Gate for its Zen tradition and active teacher ter being promoted to crew chief, message of hope and healing. and speaker in both the United Aaron Davis is VVAW member he flew over 625 combat missions Claude Anshin Thomas is very States and Europe. He is also the from Salt Lake City and and was awarded 27 air medals, a honest about his emotions, issues, founder of the Zaltho Foundation, President of chapter 118 Distinguished Flying Cross, and addictions and PTSD. a non-profit organization that Veterans For Peace

Flyboys: A Book and its Covers So, when Bradley finally young men and women consider comes to the flight of the Enola the enticements of recruiters continued from previous page Gay, it is simply impossible for this with all the facts. He has also the hands of their captors. The tale of the war, Bradley's writing gives reader to determine his perspective worked with Veterans For Peace of each man is told through first the appearance of becoming con- regarding employment of nuclear as a speaker and in support of person reports of surviving family fused and unfocused. Discussing weapons to end the war without the documentary Cost of War. members, friends and comrades. the pending invasion of Japan, he invasion. It seems that it is likely He is a co-founder of OIF/OEF The only one of these fliers to at one point takes the side of the that Bradley sought to convey Veterans Assistance Fund. have survived, G.H.W. Bush, debate that says invasion would the confusion and uncertainty receives no special treatment due have been monumentally costly, that may have been quite real for to his subsequent celebrity; an that each and every Japanese decision makers at the time. He admirable bit of restraint on the civilian would have taken up does note that the destruction and part of the author. whatever arms were available death resulting from firebombing In telling of the suffering to repel the invaders. Noting overshadowed that of Hiroshima the captives endured, Bradley the deep penetration of military and Nagasaki by orders of mag- again provides context, returning propaganda and its effects on the nitude. to the "Indian Wars" and the US psyche of the population, he poses Though based on the cover of occupation of the Philippines. the argument that the cost in US this book I would not have guessed In this well-documented section military casualities might have run it, James Bradley has made a sig- of the narrative he examines the to the millions. He then flips the nificant contribution to the annals great grandfather of "waterboard- argument as he examines Curtis of anti-war writing. Flyboys is a ing" developed by the Army in the LeMay's firebombing campaign unique addition to that canon and Philippines and encouraged by and its devastating consequences worthy of a serious read. US military leadership. He also in most major cities of Japan. Re- documents the brutality of the plete with interviews of survivors Dave Collins is the Austin Japanese in the China campaigns, of the firebombing of Tokyo and contact for Vietnam Veterans where the senior officers on Chichi other cities, he makes real for the Against the War. Following Jima honed their brutal ways. The reader the horror that campaign his retirement from a career as most chilling aspect of this part of produced and the devastation it a management consultant, he the tale relates to ritual cannibal- wrought. In one startling passage, returned to peace and justice ism that arose among Japanese he presents data compiled by the activism, an effort he began in officers in Malaysian campaigns Strategic Bombing Survey reflect- 1971 as Oklahoma coordinator and brought to the little hunk of ing the extent of damage – in one for VVAW. He has helped Non- rock in the North Pacific. city fire destroyed over 80% of Military Options for Youth in In examining the conclusion the residences. Austin, working to ensure that Dave Collins 38 THE VETERAN Spring 2007

Story ideas and fan/hate mail: [email protected]

Some of the IVAW & VVAW Milwaukee Beer Fest 2007 crew Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 39 Slim Review Bob Riggle Watermelon Slim & the more harp work than either of his start with some good guitar work Mama. Problem is I'd pick it as best Workers last two cds. Very special guest from very special guest Magic dance song also. If I were a dancing The Wheelman David Maxwell on piano provides Slim as he and Homans trade licks. person! There is just enough of a (Northern Blues, 2007) some fanciful ivory tickling on Magic Slim also provides backing subdued salsa rhythm there that for www.watermelonslim.com I've Got News and especially so vocals throughout the cd. some reason creates this vision of on Newspaper Reporter. Slim gets While not credited I do be- a small, dark club with a bunch of What a pleasant surprise to find some of the cd's best harp licks off lieve he performs the short but bikers doing some kind of cowboy a copy of the newest cd from on this cut also. great guitar solo on Rattlesnake. swing-rumba. Buy the cd and see Watermelon Slim and the Work- In the cut Black Water there Probably the best hot guitar lick what you come up. ers recently in my PO Box. I is a sharp contrast between the on the cd. Bill Homans (Watermelon hope Slim (a.k.a. Bill Homans) short edgy, syncopated strokes A lot of images came to my Slim) is a 2004 W.C. Handy was paying these guys overtime. of the rhythm guitar against the mind while listening to Peaches. Blues Award nominee, a VVAW It was only six months ago The vibrato-like chords of the dobro Some very soulful harp licks gave contact in Oklahoma and fresh off Veteran reviewed his last one. And slide guitar. A great background this cut such a slinky and sexual an appearance at the Milwaukee constantly on tour also? Way to to the lyrics where Slim is highly mood as I pictured Peaches "stroll- Blessing of the Bock and points stay busy guys. A special thanks critical of the lack of concern or ing and clearing the aisles like a everywhere. to Bill for providing his own per- care for victims of hurricanes by mako shark." Made me feel like sonal copy so this review could the Pols. Took me a while to totally a lecherous lounge lizard. I hope be possible. black out the music and focus on that was the intended effect. Bob Riggle has been a VVAW If you like harp and piano the message. Time for my favorite part member since 1971. he is you'll want to check this latest The title cut Wheel Man gets of these reviews. Best road trip currently the VVAW Chapter work. Homan's has included much the cd off to an eye opening upbeat tune. That would be Truck Driving Contact from Cave Creek, AZ.

Watermelon Slim and the Workers at the 2007 Milwaukee Beerfest 40 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 Debunking the Myths about "Cutting Funding for the War" Mark Wesibrot and Robert Naiman

This piece appeared on Huffington While there certainly would not troops - a resolution that still has around the impasse, it's not obvi- Post in February 2007. be zero danger, there is no reason not passed the Senate, although ous that this strategy will work, to think that the danger would in- it was supported by a majority of so long as the myth that ending The key talking point of supporters crease, and every reason to think Senators. funding for the war will harm the of indefinitely continuing the US that it would decrease. There may The mostly likely outcome troops is left unchallenged. It's occupation of Iraq boils down to well be some armed groups in Iraq is that Congress could, using its quite clear how the President's this: there is nothing Congress can who have a specific goal of killing power of the purse and other war supporters in Congress are going do to compel the withdrawal of US American soldiers, and perhaps powers, force the withdrawal to argue against the Murtha plan: troops from Iraq except "cut the such groups would continue to of US troops from Iraq in the they are going to say that it is a funding," and cutting the funding sneaky way to cut the funding, would hurt the troops. and therefore, it will harm the So far this argument has been troops. quite effective at cowing the lead- The simplest way So Murtha plan or no, those ership in Congress; indeed, until who wish to end the war and bring now the leadership has mostly to remove them the troops home would be well- echoed this argument. advised to get busy pulling apart It's not surprising: this ar- (the troops) from the argument that ending funding gument has not been seriously for the war will harm the troops. challenged in the media, and in danger is to remove As Tom Matzzie of MoveOn has fact, according to recent polls, it's argued, Democrats need to directly partly accepted by a majority of them from Iraq. rebut the Republican charge that the public. Recent polls indicate Democrats are threatening the that a majority wants Congress safety of American forces in the to take action to bring the troops field by pushing restrictions on war home within a year, but a majority try to kill American soldiers even future. Even if Congress didn't funding. "Cutting off funding as also opposes "cutting the funding." if it were clear that US soldiers appropriate a dollar of the Pres- described by the media and White Of course this is a chicken-and- were withdrawing, but there is ident's request for more funding, House is a caricature," Matzzie egg situation: the media take cues no reason to think that an orderly enough money has already been told The Politico, "It has never from the leadership of the parties, withdrawal would increase this appropriated to cover an orderly happened in US history, and it the party leaderships take cues risk. On the other hand, the bulk withdrawal. And if more money won't happen now." from the media, and the public of the insurgency is clearly moti- were needed to cover an orderly takes cues from the parties and vated by a desire to drive US forces withdrawal, Congress would ap- the media. from Iraq, and since attacking US prove it in a heartbeat. But so long as the Congres- troops is a risky enterprise, there is Does "supporting the troops" Mark Weisbrot is Co-Director sional leadership fails to challenge every reason to believe that if the require "supporting their mission?" of the Center for Economic the view that there is nothing US were to demonstrate the inten- US troops do not determine their and Policy Research (www.cepr. that they can do except cut the tion to withdraw its forces attacks "mission." Subject to the require- net) Washington, DC and Presi- funding, and cutting the funding on US forces would decrease. In ments of US and international law, dent of Just Foreign Policy. He would harm the troops, the war fact, in the past insurgent groups US troops follow orders from our received his Ph.D. in economics will not end. negotiating with US officials have elected government. If Congress from the University of Michi- There is no question that the offered to cease attacks on US must "support the mission" in or- gan. He has written numerous troops are in danger. They are in forces if the US would set a time- der to "support the troops," then research papers on international danger because they are in Iraq. table for withdrawal. So it is likely Congress must support and fund economic policy. He writes a The simplest way to remove them that establishing such a timetable whatever President Bush decides, column on economic and policy from danger is to remove them would make US troops safer, even even if it is criminally insane. Ac- issues that is distributed to over from Iraq. during the withdrawal. cording to this logic, if President 550 newspapers by McClatchy- There is no serious question Would withdrawing from Bush orders 150,000 US troops to Tribune Information Services. that regardless of what path Con- Iraq give "victory" to our enemies? jump off the Golden Gate Bridge His opinion pieces have appeared gress takes towards promoting Only children and adults who have as a message to Osama Bin Laden in the Washington Post, the a withdrawal of US forces from lost the ability to reason allow that we are not to be trifled with, Los Angeles Times, the Boston Iraq, as long as US troops are in themselves to be ruled by this then Congress must not only sup- Globe, and most major US news- Iraq Congress is going to make logic. A rational person asks first: port this, but approve tax dollars to papers. He appears regularly on sure that US troops have equip- what is in my interest? If extricat- pay for the buses to drive soldiers national and local television and ment for self-protection. In fact, ing themselves from a dangerous to the bridge. radio programs. Democrats in Congress arguably enterprise that is gaining them Representative Murtha and have been more concerned about nothing is in their interest, rational Speaker Pelosi have offered a way Robert Naiman is National Coor- protecting the troops in Iraq than people do extricate themselves, around the impasse about "cutting dinator of Just Foreign Policy, the Administration, on questions even at the "cost" of mockery by the funding": they plan to give the a membership organization de- like body armor and armoring of their "enemies." President all the money he asks for voted to reforming US foreign vehicles, for example. Is there any danger Congress the war in Iraq, but put restrictions policy to reflect the values and Would an orderly withdrawal will bring about a "precipitous" on the money that would have the serve the interests of the major- (or "redeployment") of US troops withdrawal? Is Congress capable effect of stopping the President ity of Americans. Naiman edits from Iraq increase the danger to of doing anything opposed to the from increasing troop deploy- the daily Just Foreign Policy US troops? Obviously, after the President's policy in Iraq pre- ments in Iraq and force him to news summary. JFP's web site is withdrawal the troops would be cipitously? Look how long it took begin withdrawing troops. While www.justforeignpolicy.org. in much less danger. How about the House to pass a non-binding Representative Murtha deserves while they are being withdrawn? resolution against the increase in credit for trying to figure out a way Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 41 Gates' Definition Suggests Further Confrontation with Iran Robert Naiman Before saying anything critical of had in 1953). "The Shah's regime some effort to appear to work - to Moreover, the policy of our new Defense Secretary, Robert was becoming increasingly and protect the country's fundamental confrontation with Iran keeps us Gates, let me state the obvious: egregiously corrupt," wrote Wil- interests, unless your rule is im- from getting out of Iraq. Even I, too, am grateful that Mr. Gates liam Daugherty, assigned to the posed by a foreign power. I hope Henry Kissinger says a US mili- has replaced Donald Rumsfeld. US embassy in Tehran at the time. that's not what Mr. Gates has in tary victory in Iraq is "no longer But if you were hoping that the "To counter rising discontent, the mind. possible." Kissinger said the best replacement of Rumsfeld by Gates Shah gave his security forces carte Some recent press commen- way forward was to reconcile the meant a fundamentally different blanche to ferret out and halt the tary has suggested that the threat differences between Iraq's war- US policy regarding the current dissidents; serious human rights of a US attack on Iran has sig- ring sects with help from other confrontation with Iran, I'm afraid issues ensued..." Daugherty wrote nificantly receded. This is almost countries, including Iran. But a little cold water is in order. that the embassy staff were "utterly certainly true if we are talking this contradicts the present US Defense Secretary Gates astonished" at the decision by the about the very short term. policy, because US threats against says the US is open to a "deeper" Carter Administration to admit But the danger we need to Iran undermine the possibility dialogue with Iran, the Washington the deposed Shah to the US, since be concerned about is not the of cooperation on Iraq. Iran, for Post reports. That's welcome news. they had warned Washington of possibility that the United States example, warned that it might not But his further remarks suggested the dangers associated with such is going to attack Iran this week. attend a regional conference on his notion of a "deeper" dialogue is a decision, and had been told by The danger we need to mobilize security in Iraq with the United rather limited. Gates recalled how "Washington seniors" the conse- against is that the United States States if the Iranian diplomats are he and Zbigniew Brzezinski met quences of the Shah's admission will attack Iran before George not released. with Iranian leaders in November to the US were so obvious no Bush leaves office. If we are to Activism has started to shift 1979 with an offer of diplomatic one would be "dumb enough" to head off that danger, we need to US policy in Iraq. But to get out recognition - "only to be met with allow it. mobilize now. of Iraq, we have to shift US policy Iranian demands that they hand "The American search for The recent flare-up over the on Iran. The first step is to get the over the Shah." elusive Iranian 'moderates' is a Iranian detention of the 15 British "option" of a US military attack Gates seems to be suggesting recurring - and mostly fruitless Marines - which, for all we know off of the so-called table. that the fact that Iranian leaders - theme since the revolution in at present, may well have been in demanded that the US turn over 1979," Gates continued in his waters claimed by Iran - the area in the deposed Iranian dictator shows remarks. question has never been subject to Robert Naiman is National how unreasonable the Iranian This suggests that Gates' an international treaty - indicates Coordinator of Just Foreign leaders were. apparent definition of an "Iranian the dangers of the current policy Policy, a membership But the demand for the re- moderate" - someone uninterested of confrontation. Action provokes organization devoted to turn of the Shah was completely in pressing fundamental Iranian reaction. The United States seized reforming US foreign policy reasonable: the Shah was accused interests - would not be shared by 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq, and to reflect the values and serve of major human rights abuses in most people in the world. now Iran has seized 15 British the interests of the majority Iran and the theft of significant No wonder the search has sailors. The Iranian government of Americans. Naiman edits the Iranian public assets (and some been "mostly fruitless." It's hard says its action was not in retalia- daily Just Foreign Policy news Iranians feared the US would re- to become a leader of a country if tion, but no outside observer says summary. JFP's web site is impose the Shah by force, as it you don't work - or at least make the two events are unrelated. www.justforeignpolicy.org 42 THE VETERAN Spring 2007 In Memory of Alan Reilly David Cline On the morning of October 14, lived. He also volunteered as 2006, while riding a subway train a horticulturalist at Garretson to New York City, Alan E. Reilly Farm, a community-run garden was found dead from a heart in northern Jersey. attack. He was 54 years old and He is survived by his wife, had been a helicopter repairman mother and father, sister and three in Vietnam during 1971-72. He bothers. He was buried with a worked as an independent graphic military color guard and honors. artist and lived with his wife Alan was a very humble person, Paulette in Harrison, NJ. not the type to jump in front of a For many years Al was an camera or microphone. He just active member of the Clarence kept plugging away for what was Fitch (NY-NJ) chapter of VVAW right and just, constantly marching as well as NJ Veterans For Peace against the war in Iraq, helping Chapter 21 and the Jersey City others and educating the public Vietnam Veterans Memorial about the true nature of war abroad Committee. He was involved in and here at home. assisting the homeless, whether He will be greatly missed by it was standdowns in Newark his comrades and friends. Rest or personal efforts to feed the in peace brother, you will not be homeless who often lived by forgotten. the railroad track near where he

My Winter Soldier

Paulette Reilly

After my husband Alan Reilly with. Alan had an acute awareness practice. One of the homeless Muller: it’s not just that war is passed away I read his copy of of social injustice and political gentlemen Alan sometimes wrong; war is only a symptom of a Winter Soldiers: An Oral History hypocrisy. Alan knew you did not brought food to has a face full sickness that has infected too many of the Vietnam Veterans Against have to go to war to see evidence of buckshot scars. Someone had hearts for far too long. Alan never the War. I'm glad he had this of man's inhumanity to man. snuck up close to this homeless lost his compassion, never lost his organization and the Veterans For Someone in our neighborhood man while he lay sleeping on the hope, never lost my respect, my Peace to turn to for all the things goes out into the Kearny Meadows ground and shot him just for the love. He's in my heart, he's in my I was never equipped to help him and uses homeless people for target hell of it. To paraphrase Bobby thoughts, he's in my dreams.

Winter Soldier

Words and Music by Leslie Fish - with additional words by Kathleen Taylor

They say the war is over. I watch the slow rain fall No one seems to notice the survivors of the fight. And wash away the posters from the streetlamp and the wall. You’re half an hour a hero and then pushed out of sight, No one wants to talk about that country or its war, As if they were ashamed of us—reminders of the war. But we are not the same people that we were before. Oh, they are not the same people that they were before.

Chorus They don’t want to talk about our government’s defeat, And I’m a winter soldier, still slogging through the snow, The protests, the resistance, the marchers in the street, Trying hard to make somebody see, The fraggings, the refusals to fight their bloody war, You don’t even have my reasons to forget the things we’ve done, ‘Cause we were not the same people that we were before. And I can’t let you go forgetting me. They say the war is over. It’s hard to realize. No one cares to mention the name of Viet Nam But we must go on fighting…our government’s damned lies. Or think about the legacies of bullet, blade and bomb, We’ll call them on their bullshit and remind them, just once more, We died there by the thousands, and we killed thousands more, That we are not the same people that we were before! And we are not the same people that we were before. Spring 2007 THE VETERAN 43 Where We Came from,Who We Are,Who Can Join Vietnam Veterans Against the VVAW also took up the Agent Orange victims. did not end when we were dis- War, Inc. (VVAW) is a national struggle for the rights and needs Today our government still charged. We remain committed veterans' organization that was of veterans. In 1970, we began finances and arms undemocratic to the struggle for peace and for founded in New York City in 1967 the first rap groups to deal with and repressive regimes around social and economic justice for all after six Vietnam vets marched traumatic aftereffects of war, the world in the name of “democ- people. We will continue to oppose together in a peace demonstra- setting the example for readjust- racy.” American troops have again senseless military adventures and tion. It was organized to voice the ment counseling at vet centers been sent into open battle in the to teach the real lessons of the growing opposition among return- today. We exposed the shameful Middle East and covert actions Vietnam War. We will do all we ing servicemen and women to the neglect of many disabled vets in Latin America, for many of can to prevent future generations still-raging war in Indochina, and in VA hospitals and helped draft the same misguided reasons that from being put through a similar grew rapidly to a membership of legislation to improve educational were used to send us to Southeast tragedy, and we will continue to over 30,000 throughout the United benefits and create job programs. Asia. Meanwhile, many veter- demand dignity and respect for States, including active duty GIs VVAW fought for amnesty for ans from all eras are still denied veterans of all eras. This is real stationed in Vietnam. Through war resisters, including vets with justice—facing unemployment, patriotism and we remain true to ongoing actions and grassroots bad discharges. We helped make discrimination, homelessness, our mission. Anyone who sup- organization, VVAW exposed the known the negative health effects post-traumatic stress disorder ports this overall effort, whether ugly truth about US involvement of exposure to chemical defoliants and other health problems, while Vietnam veteran or not, veteran or in Southeast Asia and our first- and the VA's attempts to cover up already inadequate services are not, may join us in this long-term hand experiences helped many these conditions as well as their cut back or eliminated. struggle. JOIN US! other Americans to see the unjust continued refusal to provide treat- We believe that service to nature of that war. ment and compensation for many our country and communities

SUPPORT VVAW! DONATE OR JOIN TODAY! Insignia of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Inc. VVAW Membership Vietnam Veterans P.O. Box 2065, Station A Against the War Champaign, IL 61825-2065

We took the MACV patch as our own, replacing the sword with the upside-down rifle with helmet, the international Membership Application symbol of soldiers killed in action. This was done to expose the lies and hypocrisy of US aggression in Vietnam as well as its cost in Name ______human lives. The original MACV insignia also put forward lies. The Address______City______State______Zip______US military was not protecting (the sword) the Vietnamese from Phone______invasion from the People's Republic of China (the China Gates), Email address______but was instead trying to "save" Vietnam from itself. Branch ______Our insignia has come to represent veterans fighting against new Dates of Service (if applicable)______"adventures" like the Vietnam War, while at the same time fighting Unit______Military Occupation______for a decent way of life for veterans and their families. Rank______Our insignia is more than 30 years old. It belongs to VVAW, Overseas Duty______and no other organization or group may use it for any reason with- Dates______out permission. Yes, add me to the VVAW email list. I do not wish to join, but wish to make a donation to the work of VVAW. Sign me up for a lifetime membership in VVAW. $250 is enclosed.

Membership in VVAW is open to ALL people who want to build a veterans' move- ment that fights for peace and justice. Most of our members are veterans of the Beware of VVAW AI Vietnam era, but we welcome veterans of all eras, as well as family members and friends to our ranks. The annual membership fee is $25.00 (not required of home- This notice is to alert you to a handful of individuals calling them- less, unemployed or incarcerated vets). selves the "Vietnam Veterans Against the War Anti-Imperialist" (VVAW-AI). VVAW-AI is actually the creation of an obscure ultraleft VVAW is a democratic organization. Chapters decide on local programs and projects under the general guidelines of the national program. Chapters elect local sect, designed to confuse people in order to associate themselves leadership and representatives to annual national meetings where major organiza- with VVAW's many years of activism and struggle. They are not tional decisions are made and national coordinators elected. These coordinators a faction, caucus or part of VVAW, Inc. and are not affiliated with are responsible for the day-to-day organizational leadership of VVAW and issuing us in any way. We urge all people and organizations to beware of national publications. this bogus outfit. Signature ______

Date ______

Total Amount Enclosed ______

Make checks payable to VVAW. Contributions are tax-deductible. RECOLLEC Remembering RandyTIONS Barnes Dave "Radar" Curry In VVAW' s early years, J. Randy $100,000 for the inmates' legal area. Doc joined other "Doc" Barnes was extremely ac- defense. Missouri veterans with tive in VVAW. At Dewey Canyon Doc Barnes continued to whom we worked and III, Doc came to be known as a fight for veterans for the rest of called me "Radar." It is dependable member respected by his life. In the years following his a nickname I'm proud the national leadership. He served participation in VVAW, he served of. Doc had an ability to his own important leadership as state president of Vietnam see what abilities were role in the Kansas-Missouri area. Veterans of America and was a in each veteran whom When numerous VVAW leaders mainstay of the organization. Doc he met. And Doc could were leaving the organization due had a wealth of information about pull those abilities to to its expansion of its anti-war every VA facility in the Missouri- the surface and put you mission to include issues such as Kansas region. He could tell a vet to work. civil rights and veterans benefits, just what he or she should say or Doc used to end his Randy Barnes saw the importance not say to get decent treatment. emails with "Take Back of these wider issues. During this past fall's elec- America." Doc was one Randy played a pivotal role tion, Doc was a firestorm of activ- of those who took back in Operation Heart of America. ity. He campaigned fervently for Missouri and made it a Military-style VVAW convoys progressive veteran candidates for blue state again. In his carried food and other supplies office in Kansas and Missouri and words and his memory, to the black residents of Cairo, several neighboring states. His I hope that we can begin Illinois, who were embattled by earlier ability to organize had not to take back this country a racist police force, the White waned as Doc put convoy after from what Randy feared Citizens Council, and the Ku Klux convoy together. The convoys would be "the fall of Klan. After the first convoy, Randy would travel to a candidate's dis- democracy." Barnes persisted in leading new trict in order to demonstrate that Randy "Doc" convoys to Cairo. veteran candidates and candidates Barnes died December When inmates of Leaven- supporting veterans issues were 2, 2006 in Kansas City worth Penitentiary, including part of bigger national movement Missouri at the age of several Vietnam veterans, rioted of veterans. 67. His death came days over deplorable living conditions, I only met Randy face-to- after a massive heart Randy Barnes and Kansas City face in spring of 2004 when he attack.He was interred VVAW formed the Leavenworth was serving as Missouri state in Arlington National Brothers Offense/Defense Com- coordinator of Vets for Kerry and Cemetary. mittee. The committee raised over I as secretary for the St. Louis

Operation Heart of America