This article "Anti-war group brings message", by Drew Brooks, was published in the Fayetteville Observer, August 7, 2008
Jason Hurd started speaking out against the Army’s involvement in Iraq after he returned from that country in 2005.
The Asheville native said he quickly found a shared view and camaraderie with a group called Iraq Veterans Against the War.
On Wednesday, the group sponsored a free concert for soldiers and veterans at Docks at the Capitol on Hay Street in Fayetteville. Two bands, The Greens and Rebel Inc., played. About 30 people were there at 8:30 p.m.
Hurd said the group has received a positive response in Fayetteville, and there is talk of starting a chapter here.
Hurd said group members are taking their message on the road, visiting nine military communities in seven states as part of their “State of the Union” tour.
Hurd said it was important that members of the military and veterans understand it’s OK to oppose the war.
“Look, you’re not alone,” Hurd said. “We’re with you and we’re here to support you.”
Founded in 2004, Iraq Veterans Against the War now counts 1,250 members who share their belief that the occupation of Iraq is unconstitutional and illegal.
Hurd said he became disillusioned by the death and destruction he saw while serving as a medic in central Baghdad. Others in the group, he said, are sick of the war’s effect on their families.
“When your spouse goes off to war, you’re essentially alone,” he said.
Hurd said the group wants to dispel the notion that you can’t support the troops and oppose the war at the same time. The vets in the group, he said, give it more credibility. He said it was all right for soldiers to express their First Amendment views so long as they aren’t in uniform.
Hurd said the group wasn’t in Fayetteville to force its message on soldiers. While on the U.S. tour, the group makes no speeches, aside from short introductions, before the concert begins. Volunteers are available to talk with soldiers individually.
The group will host a Veterans Affairs health-benefits workshop Friday at 7 p.m. at Docks at the Capitol.
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