He has their back - Iraq Veteran Begins Weeklong Tower Guard Vigil in Bellingham, Washington
[ED Note: Also see Tower Guard Vigil, Washington Outsiders, and Dying to Preserve the Lies. NM]
Returning Iraq veteran, Evan Knappenberger, who well knows tower guard duty in Iraq, launches his 'tower guard' duty in Bellingham, Washington this week. He wants to draw attention to the US military 'STOP-LOSS' and INACTIVE RESERVE policies which he submits are being used as a substitute for conscription in a political war. See press release and his new website www.TowerGuard.org
This military family agrees with him - we know the 'back door draft' all too well with two of our own caught up in it After they were already deployed in Iraq and had not much other choices. My son-in-law going back for second 'stop lossed' 15 month deployment to Iraq this year - 2007, hints that it may be longer - 18 months or longer. Pay attention to the rumors that there may be additional extensions beyond the already announced 15 month deployments applied to all the troops. Evan, respect and my hat is off to you in your 'tower guard' vigil up there in Bellingham. (first blogged at Washington Outsiders ) See Evan's press release below the fold
Iraq Veteran Begins Weeklong Tower Guard Vigil
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Marie Marchand, Executive Director
WHERE: Federal Building 104 E. Magnolia Street, Bellingham, WA Standing Tower Guard on a 6' scaffold at the Federal Building in downtown Bellingham, Iraq Veteran Evan Knappenberger, 1st BDE, 4th Infantry Division, started a weeklong vigil on June 1st to draw attention to the US military STOP-LOSS and INACTIVE RESERVE policies, which he submits are being used as a substitute for conscription in a political war. I spent a year in Iraq. I pulled 97 nights on tower guard, explained Knappenberger. Many of the friends I served with have completed their contractual obligations to Active Duty. Now, they're being sent back to Iraq for their third or fourth tours. Some soldiers are getting called up after living years of civilian life. Stop-loss is an unethical policy. The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center, a non-profit organization in Bellingham, is supporting Knappenberger's week-long action. "This is a powerful, highly-visible action," said Executive Director Marie Marchand. "It's a nonviolent, creative way of educating the public about this widespread exploitation and abuse of our soldiers. Evan has seen this injustice perpetrated against his friends and comrades. We will do everything we can to help him get his message out." Community members have shown an outpouring of support for Knappenberger, including help with night security, media outreach, meals, and solidarity. A new website has been set up: www.TowerGuard.org. "People come out of the woodwork to support courageous leadership like this," stated Marchand. "This is huge; and the news is spreading across the nation like wild fire." Western WA University students are also hyped-up by this action. Student group, Western Against War, has made a statement of support for Knappenberger. "For those who take notice, this sobering demonstration will bring the hardships our solders have been forced to endure a little closer to home," stated Michael Biesheuvel, WAW president. "Western Against War wholeheartedly supports Evan." Knappenberger invites the public to talk with him while he is on Tower Guard, and to learn more about the unethical stop-loss policy. ###
Marie Marchand, Executive Director
He has their back - Iraq Veteran Begins Weeklong Tower Guard Vigil in Bellingham, Washington | 5 comments (5 topical)
He has their back - Iraq Veteran Begins Weeklong Tower Guard Vigil in Bellingham, Washington | 5 comments (5 topical)
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