This was originally posted to the Courage to Resist website, June 13, 2008
At 5:00 am this morning, Army PCF Jose Crespo at Fort Carson, Colorado did not return to Iraq as scheduled. Jose told his sergeant that he was not "refusing" to deploy, but that he "could not" do so due to the circumstances in his family. "Well if you won't get on [the bus], then you're refusing." Jose replied, "Whatever you say." He is currently on restriction and now faces a possible court martial. More information coming soon.
While on leave from Iraq, Jose discovered his family in the midst of a serious health crisis. Determined to help, Jose requested a hardship discharge, or a posting near his home so he could take care of his family. The Army's response was to order him back to Iraq. Courage to Resist first spoke with him two days ago for this audio interview.
