“My Two Younger, Twin Brothers Are In Iraq” “They Hate It” One Guardsman Said “You Get Messed Up Over There And Don’t Get Treated Right Back Here”
From: Alan Stolzer, The Military Project
To: GI Special
Sent: February 18, 2008
Subject: Railroad Station Outreach
While walking toward [XXXX] Station to make outreach rounds a young man asked me where it was. I told him to follow me. After a few words I asked him if he knew anyone in the military.
“My two younger, twin brothers are in Iraq.”
I told him why I was going to [XXXX] Station (outreach) and asked him how his brothers felt about the war. “They hate it.”
I then gave him copies of the material I was about to hand out (“Sir, No Sir!” DVDs, copies of our last outreach handout and GI Specials).
He took the material gladly and said “if George Bush was here I’d punch him in the face.”
He told me just as we reached [XXXX] how one of his brothers was on his 5th deployment to Iraq and when home recently, scared hell out of his wife awaking from a nightmare shouting “we’re in the wrong house!”
Needless to say the family is very worried and also doubtful about the care he might receive through the VA. There are no plans for treatment. We spoke a bit more and came to the conclusion that the occupation was all about oil and for the need for complete withdrawal of all troops.
Once inside the Station I found two older Guardsmen near the info desk by the waiting room – an area where two troops are usually stationed.
At first they seemed reluctant to talk but relaxed after realizing I was interested in their lives.
Although they rattled off reasons for U.S. presence in Iraq and predicted the military would be there “up to 10 more years” one of them was dubious about continued presence of our troops. I told them about the Military Project, our outreach at armories and overall support of troops.
The dubious soldier was eager to take a DVD and printed material. The other said he’d watch the DVD with his friend.
Up on [x]th Street two more Guardsmen stood 10-12 away from the info desk there which is always attended by a cop. But since the cop was busy and the two troops were standing off I approached.
When I told them about the young man I walked down [x]th Avenue with one responded quickly: “sure,” he said, “you get messed up over there and don’t get treated right back here.”
Both were pleased to take the outreach material.
Later on at Office Depot I asked the cashier if she knew anyone in the military.
Her brother was a vet and hated the war.
That’s worth a GI Special anytime.
I’ve learned that if you’re in the post office, a store, talking to a street vendor or anyone you’re having a casual conversation with; ask if they know anyone in the military.
Even if you don’t have handout material with you it’s still possible to exchange phone numbers, etc.
Since almost two-thirds of the country is against the war it’s highly likely the stranger you’re talking to will be receptive.
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