Sir! No Sir! Exposing and Debunking Military Lies from Vietnam to Iraq

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan - Fundraisers and Houseparties (III)

• Wednesday February 27, 7 - 11:59 PM: Knight Auditorium of the high school, 744 West Main St., Hyannis. For more information, contact CCPJ at 508-432-1718

rmer UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter (in photo) will speak at Barnstable High School on Wednesday Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., along with comedian Jimmy Tingle, as part of a fundraiser for the Winter Soldier campaign of Iraq Veterans Against the War.
Ritter and Tingle will discuss "the corporate media's coverage of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, the Bush administration's plans for the 'War on Terror,' and the need for diplomacy," according to the website of Cape Codders for Peace and Justice, the sponsoring organization.
The evening will begin with a monologue by Tingle, a presentation by Ritter, an interview of Ritter by Tingle, questions from the audience and a book signing, according to the CCPJ website. Suggested donation at the door, $10.
The event will be held in Knight Auditorium of the high school, 744 West Main St., Hyannis. For more information, contact CCPJ at 508-432-1718 or [email protected].

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• Saturday February 23, 3 - 7 PM: Dan Electro's Guitar Bar, 1031 E. 24th St. Houston, TX

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• Saturday February 23, 7 - 11:59 PM: Bucketworks, 1340 N. 6th St, Milwaukee, WI

IVAW hosts a Winter Soldier Fundraiser. Good Music, Cold Beer, Raffles and other ways to dip into your wallet.
Help America's veterans stop Bush's war.
Featured musicians: Tacia Northey, Barry Weber, Carol Williams
Sponosred by VVAW

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• Friday February 22, 6 - 9 PM: Addams-Melman House, 212 Centre Street, Bath, Maine

Maine Veterans For Peace (VFP Chapter 001) invites you to a fundraising party to benefit Winter Soldier, the public war crimes investigation being organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) in Washington, D.C. from March 13-16, 2008.
At Winter Soldier U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will give eyewitness testimony about the war crimes committed by their units at places like Haditha, Fallujah and Abu Ghraib, atrocities which are endemic to wars of occupation directed essentially against civilian populations. "Once again, " IVAW has noted, "politicians and generals are blaming 'a few bad apples' instead of examining the U.S. military policies that have destroyed Iraq and Afghanistan." Iraqi and Afghan survivors will also testify.
In order to ensure the success of Winter Soldier, IVAW must raise thousands of dollars for travel and hospitality of witnesses, and for the necessary technical support that will allow the event to be simulcast throughout the country. Maine VFP is asking you to join us to help support this historical initiative that we expect will have considerable impact in readdressing public attention to why these wars must be ended and all our troops brought home now.
Special Guest: Liam Madden will be joining us. Liam served as a Communications Electronics Specialist in the Marine Corps from January 2003 to January 2007. While enlisted he was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Thailand, Okinawa, Japan, and Korea. During his last year in the Marines, Sergeant Madden co-founded the Appeal for Redress, a campaign of service members demanding that congress halt the war in Iraq. Liam is currently the president of the Boston chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and is a student at Northeastern University.
Please join us. Mid-winter fellowship and dancing will be encouraged. There will also be a brief reading by Michael Uhl from Vietnam Awaking, a memoir which provides an account of how Vietnam veterans were organized around the issue of American war crimes in Indochina, which led to the original Winter Soldier in 1971.
Please bring a dish to share. VFP will provide non-alcoholic beverages.
Contact/RSVP: Michael Uhl - 677-6018 or Bruce Gagnon - 443-9502

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• Thursday February 21, 7 PM: NY Society for Ethical Culture 2 W 64th St New York NY

The evening will begin with a special taped greeting to the young vets from Pete Seeger followed by a panel of VVAW discussing the first Winter Soldier (1971). The 2nd Winter Soldier will be in D.C. next month. We will next have panels of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (live) and young veterans (live feed or dvd) that have chosen to go to Canada (tape or 'live feed'). Music provided by Meetliah.

Prices:
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans - Free
Students - $5
Adults (Members Of Peace Groups) - $20

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• Wednesday February 20, 6 - 9 PM: DePaul University Art Museum, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614

This spring, Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) is revealing the reality of the U.S. occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. In what will be history's largest gathering of U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Iraqi and Afghan survivors, eyewitnesses will share their experiences in a public investigation called Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan.
This event will include a film screening of "Winter Soldier", a 1971 documentary film of testimonies by Vietnam Vets Against the War about the atrocities they committed in Vietnam. We are please that Iraq vet Patricia McCann will talk about the Winter Soldier campaign and Sex Crimes committed by male U.S. troops on Iraqi civilians AND female U.S. troops.

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• Wednesday February 20, 7 - 9 pm: IVAW benefit, Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, Putnam Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

VFP Chapter 147 (Saratoga Springs) present a screening of the film "Winter Soldier" to raise funds for Iraq Veterans Against the War's project "Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan" which will take place in Washington DC March on 13 to 16, 2008. Veteran and civilian survivors of the modern conflicts in both countries will give public testimony and share the eyewitness stories "...that have been censored from the American public about the true human cost of these wars."
Cost: A hat will be passed for donations to be sent to Iraq Veterans Against the War. Note that the library does not sanction fundraisers.

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• Sunday February 17, 2 PM: IVAW Fundraising Houseparty, Vashon-Maury Island Green Party

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• Sunday January 27, 3 PM: Home of Sev and Louise Bruyn, 48 Glenwood Ave., Newton Center 617–332–1764

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• Sunday, January 13, 2 - 6 PM: Connolly's Pub, 121 W. 45th St., between 6th Ave and Broadway, New York

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan - IVAW Fundraising Flyer

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click here to download the flyer as a pdf file

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan - Inform Your Local Media about Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan - Editorial Board

This was originally published on the Veterans for Peace Website

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Inform Your Local Media about Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan - Editorial Board

Your voice is needed to get your local media (radio, television, newspaper) to publish information about Winter Soldier.

What is an "Editorial Board Meeting"?

An editorial board meeting is a meeting with the editorial board of a local newspaper or managers of a local radio or television station. By meeting with these people, you relay your message face to face, being able to bring all out all facts, and openly answer all questions and responses. You should have a reason for wanting to meet with an editorial board. In this case, we are trying to encourage our media to cover the Winter Soldier Campaign.
Depending on the issue you want to talk about, the newspaper, television, or radio station will give you different editors to work with. It helps to know the previous positions of the news source, as well as editors that you may like to work with.

How to set up an editorial board meeting:

• Find two to four people who can represent Veterans For Peace well. They should include people very familiar with war or the aspects of war (ie. Veterans, military families, policy makers, etc).
• Call the editorial page editor. Be brief, telling them what you would like to discuss and ask for a meeting.
• Hopefully, they will be able to tell you who you can talk to, how many people you can bring, what date and time, etc.
• Be flexible to work with their schedule. They are very busy and you are asking for a favor from them - so be flexible!
• Have one person be the spokesperson, introducing others and make a 15-20 pitch of the issue.
• Bring material to back up your story or position. This includes a one page summary of your position, phone numbers of experts/individuals attending, flyers, pamphlets, or newspaper articles already published (no more than 10 pages of material)
• If they choose not to adopt your position or focus on your issue, offer to submit an op-ed instead.
• If you are meeting with television or radio representatives, be warned that if they are interested, they may want to do an interview right there. Be prepared!

Additional notes: Do not take it personal if the media does not respond positively to your requests and position. Sometimes it takes multiple visits, follow-ups, and suggestions from people to make editors come around to your position. When they do decide that your issue is something they would like to focus on, you at least have those contacts already in place for future communications.

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan - Fundraisers and Houseparties (II)

• Saturday February 27, 7 - 11:59 PM: Knight Auditorium of the high school, 744 West Main St., Hyannis. For more information, contact CCPJ at 508-432-1718

rmer UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter (in photo) will speak at Barnstable High School on Wednesday Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., along with comedian Jimmy Tingle, as part of a fundraiser for the Winter Soldier campaign of Iraq Veterans Against the War.
Ritter and Tingle will discuss "the corporate media's coverage of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, the Bush administration's plans for the 'War on Terror,' and the need for diplomacy," according to the website of Cape Codders for Peace and Justice, the sponsoring organization.
The evening will begin with a monologue by Tingle, a presentation by Ritter, an interview of Ritter by Tingle, questions from the audience and a book signing, according to the CCPJ website. Suggested donation at the door, $10.
The event will be held in Knight Auditorium of the high school, 744 West Main St., Hyannis. For more information, contact CCPJ at 508-432-1718 or [email protected].

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• Saturday February 23, 7 - 11:59 PM: Bucketworks, 1340 N. 6th St, Milwaukee, WI

IVAW hosts a Winter Soldier Fundraiser. Good Music, Cold Beer, Raffles and other ways to dip into your wallet.
Help America's veterans stop Bush's war.
Featured musicians: Tacia Northey, Barry Weber, Carol Williams
Sponosred by VVAW

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• VFP Chapter 001 (Maine) Friday February 22, 6 - 9 PM: Addams-Melman House, 212 Centre Street, Bath, Maine

Maine Veterans For Peace invites you to a fundraising party to benefit Winter Soldier, the public war crimes investigation being organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) in Washington, D.C. from March 13-16, 2008.
At Winter Soldier U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will give eyewitness testimony about the war crimes committed by their units at places like Haditha, Fallujah and Abu Ghraib, atrocities which are endemic to wars of occupation directed essentially against civilian populations. "Once again, " IVAW has noted, "politicians and generals are blaming 'a few bad apples' instead of examining the U.S. military policies that have destroyed Iraq and Afghanistan." Iraqi and Afghan survivors will also testify.
In order to ensure the success of Winter Soldier, IVAW must raise thousands of dollars for travel and hospitality of witnesses, and for the necessary technical support that will allow the event to be simulcast throughout the country. Maine VFP is asking you to join us to help support this historical initiative that we expect will have considerable impact in readdressing public attention to why these wars must be ended and all our troops brought home now.
Special Guest: Liam Madden will be joining us. Liam served as a Communications Electronics Specialist in the Marine Corps from January 2003 to January 2007. While enlisted he was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Thailand, Okinawa, Japan, and Korea. During his last year in the Marines, Sergeant Madden co-founded the Appeal for Redress, a campaign of service members demanding that congress halt the war in Iraq. Liam is currently the president of the Boston chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and is a student at Northeastern University.
Please join us. Mid-winter fellowship and dancing will be encouraged. There will also be a brief reading by Michael Uhl from Vietnam Awaking, a memoir which provides an account of how Vietnam veterans were organized around the issue of American war crimes in Indochina, which led to the original Winter Soldier in 1971.
Please bring a dish to share. VFP will provide non-alcoholic beverages.
Contact/RSVP: Michael Uhl - 677-6018 or Bruce Gagnon - 443-9502

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• Wednesday February 20, 6 - 9 PM: DePaul University Art Museum, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614

This spring, Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) is revealing the reality of the U.S. occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. In what will be history's largest gathering of U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Iraqi and Afghan survivors, eyewitnesses will share their experiences in a public investigation called Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan.
This event will include a film screening of "Winter Soldier", a 1971 documentary film of testimonies by Vietnam Vets Against the War about the atrocities they committed in Vietnam. We are please that Iraq vet Patricia McCann will talk about the Winter Soldier campaign and Sex Crimes committed by male U.S. troops on Iraqi civilians AND female U.S. troops.

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• VFP Chapter 147 (Saratoga Springs) Wednesday February 20, 7 - 9 pm: IVAW benefit, Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, Putnam Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Screening of the film "Winter Soldier"
A screening to raise funds for Iraq Veterans Against the War's project "Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan" which will take place in Washington DC March on 13 to 16, 2008. Veteran and civilian survivors of the modern conflicts in both countries will give public testimony and share the eyewitness stories "...that have been censored from the American public about the true human cost of these wars."
Cost: A hat will be passed for donations to be sent to Iraq Veterans Against the War. Note that the library does not sanction fundraisers.

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• Sunday February 17, 2 PM: IVAW Fundraising Houseparty, Vashon-Maury Island Green Party

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• Sunday January 27, 3 PM: Home of Sev and Louise Bruyn, 48 Glenwood Ave., Newton Center 617–332–1764

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• Sunday, January 13, 2 - 6 PM: Connolly's Pub, 121 W. 45th St., between 6th Ave and Broadway, New York

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan - Statement of Support (VVAW)

This position paper was originally published on the VVAW website

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From March 13-16th 2008, Iraq Veterans Against the War will gather in our nation's capital to break the silence and hold our leaders accountable for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. We hope that you'll join in supporting this, because this is a story that every American needs to hear!
This spring, a main priority for Vietnam Veterans Against the War is to support IVAW as they conduct their own Winter Soldier Investigation, in March, around the 5th Anniversary of the war on Iraq. IVAW faces similar challenges that VVAW faced 40 years ago. Faulty intelligence and outright lies have brought our generations closer; shared by eerily similar experiences, politics and atrocities. War crimes have been identified, and once again, politicians and generals repeat history by blaming 'a few bad apples' for such atrocities, rather than examining the military policies that destroyed Vietnam then and are destroying Iraq and Afghanistan now.
January 1971, VVAW held the Winter Soldier Investigation, where veterans testified about war crimes and atrocities they committed or witnessed in Vietnam. This spring, the largest gathering of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will share their experiences in a public investigation called Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan. Providing testimonies to war crimes the United States perpetuates with the ongoing wars and occupations, as well as, the increasingly poor treatment of returning veterans by US government agencies here at home. Veterans participating and attending the upcoming WSI will undoubtedly receive backlash similar to VVAW members in 1971. Since IVAW's inception, it has been a concern of VVAW to provide support, understanding the need of many veterans and veterans speaking out against war. VVAW will participate and provide support IVAW deems necessary for this event including: financial, logistical and emotional.
VVAW is committed to getting IVAW members, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, to Washington DC March 13-16th for the WSI. And it's VVAW's goal to raise enough money to help provide housing for these veterans at the event. Your financial support will help us in achieving this! Vietnam Veterans Against the War are seeking members and friends to host fundraisers, provide monetary donations, personal support and spread the word about Winter Soldier Investigation.
Without you, VVAW would not be able to spearhead or continue supporting such prolific events. Please make a generous tax deductible donation and/or provide with fundraising efforts.
To donate on-line, click here

Make/Mail checks to: VVAW
PO Box 2065, Station A
Champaign IL 61825-2065
Memo: IVAW-WSI
Sincerely,
Barry Romo (Vietnam Veterans Against the War, National Coordinator)

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUPPORTING AND FUNDRAISING EFFORTS:

1. Sponsor an IVAW member to get to Washington, DC for WSI. Expense per veteran to participate in this WSI is approximately $1600./p>
2. Host a film screening of Winter Soldier or other GI-movement type films, such as Sir! No Sir! or The Ground Truth.
3. Host a book club reading on Winter Soldier or similar books, discuss the impact and importance of such an event; get others to participate.
4. Host an 'End the Wars in 08 house party.' Open your home to friends, family and fellow activists to network and continue building relationships of solidarity. To increase interest, attendance and donations, you can use the New Year, the wars, and the significance of the upcoming Winter Soldier Investigation.
5. Help with outreach in your area, such as: peace and justice organizations, community colleges, universities, local VA and Vets Centers…wherever you might find veterans.
6. If you know Iraq or Afghan vets who may be interested in attending and/or testifying themselves – talk to them, help get them in contact with IVAW event organizers.
7. Mentor. Testifying and listening to testimonies will be stressful to many veterans. If you can go to DC, offer personal support to those attending. After the event has concluded you can volunteer to provide support to a vet in your area.

IVAW's Guide to throwing a Winter Soldier House Party

Hosting a fundraiser is a great way to support the veterans and service members who are organizing Winter Soldier. Here's how it works: invite all your friends, coworkers and anyone else you think might be interested in supporting IVAW. The goal of the event is to raise awareness for IVAW and provide an easy way for them to contribute to Winter Soldier. You can plan any kind of event you like, but here are a few ideas that you can build on to plan your event.

Steps to a successful house party

1. Decide what kind of party you want to host

• a barbecue or potluck
• a dance party
• Tea Party or wine and cheese tasting
• Contact musicians or bands you know about doing a benefit show.
• Come up with your own unique party idea.
• It's also good to keep in mind that the event doesn't have to be at your home. If you have access to a church or community center that would be willing to provide space for a fundraising event of greater capacity, think about holding a larger event.

2. Make your invite list

Hosting a fundraiser is a great way to support the veterans and service members who are organizing Winter Soldier. Here's how it works: invite all your friends, coworkers and anyone else you think might be interested in supporting IVAW. The goal of the event is to raise awareness for IVAW and provide an easy way for them to contribute to Winter Soldier. You can plan any kind of event you like, but here are a few ideas that you can build on to plan your event.

3. Decide on a Date

Pick a date 2 or more weeks in advance to give you enough time to plan for the event and to give your guests enough notice. Think about what kind of party you are having, the people you know, and whether it makes more sense to hold your event on a weekend or a weeknight.

4. Making Turnout Calls

You'll get a better turnout for your party if you make reminder calls to the people you've invited. This is also a good time to answer any questions your guests may have about IVAW and Winter Soldier.

5. Party Program

Your event should include some way for you, as the host, to share information about IVAW (through our handouts, video, etc.) and to ask your guests to donate to IVAW's Winter Soldier. This could mean bringing everyone together so that you can thank them for coming, share information, and ask for support. We have provided informational flyers you can download about our work and ideas for other ways to share this information with your guests.

Depending on your guests you can ask for anything from $10 per person to $1,000 or more. IVAW is a non-profit and donations are tax-deductible.You can also raise money throughout the party by:

Selling drinks. Requesting a donation at the door on a sliding scale, especially if your event includes some form of live entertainment. Asking a local cafe or restaurant to donate food and putting a donation bin on the food table. You can also ask local businesses to donate gift certificates and then sell raffle tickets. You might be surprised by how willing businesses are to donate their services in exchange for the publicity.

The Pitch

At some point in the party, perhaps one hour in or so, take a bit of time to present information about IVAW and ask for donations from the guests. The following are some things you can say about IVAW and Winter Soldier (in addition to why you support our work) followed by some guidance from the grassroots fundraising guru, Kim Klein.IVAW is the only anti-war organization led by Iraq vets and active duty soldiers calling for the immediate end to the war.

• Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan will feature testimony from U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, who will tell the hard truth about what is really happening, day in and day out, in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• The four-day event will bring together veterans from across the country to testify about their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan - and present video and photographic evidence.
• In addition, there will be panels of scholars, veterans, journalists, and other specialists to give context to the testimony. These panels will cover everything from the history of the GI resistance movement to the fight for veterans' health benefits and support.
• IVAW is working to make sure GIs and members of the public can view the testimony from anywhere in the world thru the web, check out IVAW.org for more information (updated regularly).
• In the past year IVAW has grown from 10 to 40 chapters, and now has close to 750 members, veterans and GIs who have served in the US military since September 11, 2001.

The following is from great grassroots fundraising expert Kim Klein, from her book “Fundraising for Social Change”

“Everything at the house party should be built around the pitch. Make arrangements ahead of time with at least two and not more than four people that when the host [you] says “I hope you will make a donation,” they will take out their checkbooks, or hand over checks to members of the organization [house party hosts]. They don’t have to be ostentatious about it, but a few people have to set the tone that this is the time to give money. Some people object to this practice, claiming that it imposes too much pressure. However, a little more thought will show that it is the considerate thing to do. Few people have the self-confidence to be the first to do anything. When the host (you) asks for money, many people are prepared to give, but everyone has a brief attack of anxiety, “Perhaps this isn’t when you give the money,” or “Perhaps I am the only person in the room who believes in this cause,” or “Perhaps everyone has already turned in their money and I will look odd if I give my money now. “The host must be the one who gives the pitch… “I hope you will join me in helping this important cause.” It doesn’t matter if the host [you] is nervous or doesn’t like asking for money. Our proceeds will be cut by at least half without a pitch from the party sponsor…in order for the guests to give money, the host must also say that he or she gives money and wants anyone who agrees with him or her to do the same. How the pitch is made determines how the money will be collected. This is also decided ahead of time. The best way to get the most money at the party is to pass around donation forms [these are available for download below] and envelopes that you provide immediately after the host speaks. If you would prefer, the host can say, “Please put your donation in the basket over there,” and point to the place. Like all fundraising strategies, house parties only work if someone actually asks for the money. Otherwise a house party is just a party – fun, but no funds.”

6. After the Party

Besides cleaning up there are a few things to do after the party.

• Send us the donation forms as well as the donations. Send to: IVAW, P.O. Box 8296, Philadelphia, PA 19101
• Send thank you notes, by email or mail to your guests

Winter Soldier: Iran and Afghanistan - Fundraisers (Cape Cod, February 9)

The description of this event was originally published, February 13, 2008 on the Falmouth Bulletin website. The video was originally posted to youtube on February 13, 2008

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Jpe Bangert speaks in Falmouth:

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United front: Anti-war activists pack Moonakis Café
By Sarah Murphy

FALMOUTH - A large crowd gathered in Moonakis Café this past Saturday but, unlike the usual patrons, those in attendance wanted more than pancakes and home fries; they were hungry for change.
Proceeds of the fundraising event will support Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, a demonstration to be held in Washington, D.C. Thursday, March 13 to Sunday, March 16.
Sponsored by Iraq Veterans Against the War, the four-day anti-war protest will bring together veterans from across the country to testify about their experiences. Panels of veterans and scholars will also cover topics such as veterans’ health benefits and support.
The fundraiser was organized by Moonakis café owner Paul Rifkin of FalmouthPeace.Org and Mike Tork of Veterans for Peace, Vietnam Veterans Against the War and FalmouthPeace.Org.
Members of Cape Codders for Peace and Justice, the Cape Cod Group of the Sierra Club and Iraq Veterans Against the War were also present to show their support.
The term Winter Soldier refers to Thomas Paine’s description of the Summer Soldier in his collection of articles, “The Crisis,” written during the American Revolutionary War.
“The Summer Soldier fights only when it’s popular, when the weather is good but the Winter Soldier fights year-round under all conditions,” Tork said.
History is repeating itself for Joe Bangert of Veterans for Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
In 1971, Bangert testified with other Vietnam veterans, including current U.S. Sen. John Kerry, at the Winter Soldier Investigation. Bangert offered first-person accounts of atrocities, which he said, were committed against innocent civilians on behalf of the U.S. government in what he described as an “illegal war.”

Bangert likened the Vietnam War to the Iraq War.

> “We need to fight this beast. We need to build a base of resistance,” he said to the cheering crowd. “We’re not waiting for pie in the sky and the government process. We need to stand up and tell people what is really happening.
“This isn’t the country we want to leave our children. The American Dream has been wrenched away from us.”

Tork echoed Bangert’s sentiments.

“What is going on right now is completely illegal,” he said. “We attacked a sovereign nation. It completely violates the Geneva Conventions.”

Tork said war is not the antidote to terrorism.

“You’re not going to meet terrorism on the ground with an army. You have to fight it with diplomacy and intelligence.”
Pat Scanlon, a musician, activist and member of Veterans for Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War, entertained the crowd with selections from his album “Songs of Peace.”
Scanlon addressed the crowd before he sang “Young Soldier Welcome Home (I Can’t Walk in Your Boots).”
“Every time I hear George Bush say ‘Thank you for your service’ it makes me sick,” he said. “He doesn’t mean it. We really do.”
Liam Madden and Carlos Harris of Iraq Veterans Against the War represented the younger generation.
“We are people who care more about the words in the Constitution than the color of our iPod,” Madden said.

Madden described the potential impact of the D.C. protest.

“It’s not every day that ordinary people get to tell their version of history. No movement begins without the truth,” he said.
“Resistance is not controversial but going along with it is.”

Harris said he feels betrayed.

“We are out there risking our lives and to violate that trust by waging this kind of war is something you don’t recover from.”
When asked if he were optimistic that things would change, Harris said he is waiting for action.
“I can’t afford to be optimistic.”
Joan Power and Jane Richardson, members of FalmouthPeace.Org, show their concern by participating in the anti-war vigil in front of Falmouth Post Office from 11 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
“I do it because I believe so strongly in the possibility of peace,” Power said.

Richardson said our government is engaged in a fruitless war.

“Winning this war is impossible,” she said. “We don’t even have a defined enemy.”
Frances Johnson and her husband, Charles, spearheaded the vigil, which started with a small group and continues to grow.
“We’re very upset about what our government is doing,” Johnson said. “We stand every week and we will continue to stand until our government stops invading other countries. Today we had 24 people out there. When the people lead, the leaders will follow.”
Charles, a Korean vet, was invigorated by the enthusiasm in the room.
“I haven’t felt the spirit rising this way in a long time,” he said. “We need it. I’m encouraged.”

IVAW News - Upcoming Events (Winter Soldier Panel at the National Conference on Organized Resistance)

Winter Soldier: The Importance of Empowering Veterans and GIs to Speak Out (Location TBA)

Description: This March, from the 13-16, Iraq Veterans Against the War will be revealing the reality of the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan through public testimony. In what will be history's largest gathering of U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Iraqi and Afghan survivors, eyewitnesses will share their experiences in a public investigation called Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan. It is important as allies to learn to support and empower the voices of veterans and GIs, both those willing and not yet ready, to speak out. Come learn about Winter Soldier and how to become a more effective ally to both veterans and GIs.
Panelist - Geoff Millard served 9 years with the Armed National Guard of the United States and is currently the IVAW’s Washington, DC chapter president.
(From the NROC Website. For a full list of NROC panels and workshops, click here)

Winter Soldier: Iran and Afghanistan - Iraq Veterans Against The War e-newsletter (Winter Soldier Update)

This e-newsletter - from IVAW National Office - was posted to the Action For Justice Website, Feruary 15, 2008

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Iraq Veterans Against The War e-newsletter - Winter Soldier Update

IVAW is in high gear! Our members are focussed on reaching out to their active duty brothers and sisters. Our strategy is built around mobilizing the military community to withdraw its support for the war, and our members are putting that strategy into action.
Soldier, You're Not Alone
IVAW's Seattle chapter is spearheading a week of Active Duty outreach to Ft. Lewis from February 18-24, with support from the Bellingham chapter and other members in the northwest. The Seattle chapter has been very active - holding weekly meetings and working closely with GIs at Ft. Lewis to spread the word about IVAW's work to end the war. As part of this effort, the chapter is hosting a "Soldier, You're Not Alone" benefit concert on February 21st in Tacoma. All ages are welcome, and active duty servicemembers get in free with a Military ID. Spread the word!
Our fourth active duty chapter
Deep in the heart of Texas, soldiers at Ft. Hood who recently returned from Iraq have organized our fourth Active Duty chapter. Organizing an IVAW chapter on a military base isn't easy, which is why we're proud of all our members who are organizing on bases, both active duty and local veteran members who are supporting them. We welcome our newest members back from Iraq, and into the IVAW family!
Working together to build IVAW
Members in the Mountain Region are getting together for an organizing retreat February 23-24, and our members in the Los Angeles area have a retreat planned for this weekend. These retreats are organized locally to build member involvement, learn organizing skills, and sharpen IVAW's strategic impact. They're an important part of making sure that IVAW stays strong as we continue our rapid growth.
Winter Soldier Update:
Spreading the word about Winter Soldier
IVAW allies are hosting house party fundraisers from Los Angeles to Maine! Chapters of Veterans for Peace, affiliates of United for Justice with Peace, students from the Campus Anti-War Network, and labor organizers from US Labor Against the War are rallying their friends and neighbors to support Winter Soldier. All funds raised will go towards transportation and lodging for veteran, GI and civilian testifiers, and towards the live broadcast of their stories across the internet, television and radio. For information on how you can support Winter Soldier, see our How You Can Help Now page. You can find highlights from our Boston fundraising party featuring Howard Zinn and IVAW Board Member Liam Madden on our website.
Watching Winter Soldier
Public events featuring the live broadcasts of the Winter Soldier testimonies are being planned across the country. Planning an event? Be sure to post it on our site for others to see.
Making history
Winter Solider is an historic event, and our Boston area supporters are gearing up to make sure everyone can watch history in the making. That’s why a coalition of leaders in Boston’s peace and justice community want to make sure the stories told this March will be made available to everyone in their city. For more on their organizing efforts to secure a public space for all of Winter Soldier weekend, please contact Paul Shannon, [email protected].
Winter Soldier video now online
We've just posted an 18 minute preview of Winter Soldier on our site. Stop by and check it out, and pass the word - this is a great way to get people ready for the big event.
Winter Soldier is just 27 days away, and we'll have more news every week on how you can support and participate in Winter Soldier events around the country. The Winter Soldier Team is interviewing testifiers, preparing the satellite and website live feeds, and making travel and lodging arrangements for members who will join us for IVAW's biggest event to date. Many of you have stepped forward with donations to help us make this event happen, and we appreciate your support. If you haven't made a contribution to support Winter Soldier, please visit our donation page now!
Peace,
Kelly Dougherty
Former Sergeant, Army National Guard
Executive Director
Iraq Veterans Against the War