A Lesson from Egypt, Operation Recovery update, Jeff Hanks status 11FEB11

FROM IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR, thoughts on  the Egyptian revolution, Operation Recovery, Afghanistan, PTSD, TBI, Jeff Hanks, and organizing at Fort Hood.

A Lesson from the Egyptian Revolution We at Iraq Veterans Against the War are energized by the revolution in Egypt brought about by the peaceful mass movement of Egyptians from all walks of life.  While we know the struggle will continue in the coming weeks, months, and years, to transform an autocratic political culture into a uniquely Egyptian democratic project, we here at IVAW are drawing an important lesson that we hope Americans will take to heart -- democratic regime change does not have to come with foreign invasion and overwhelming violence. We will be watching the events in Egypt closely to draw the many other lessons surely to come. Operation Recovery Update 23,000 soldiers will be deploying to Afghanistan to replace the 101st Airborne Division returning home this month.  Many of these replacement soldiers have served in previous deployments and are suffering from un-treated trauma such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Military Sexual Trauma, and Traumatic Brain Injury. They will be deploying from several military bases across the country, including Fort Hood, Texas, one of the largest U.S. military installations in the world, home to approximately 50,000 troops and their families.  IVAW has active duty members at Fort Hood.  The base also is home to Under the Hood Cafe, a safe space and alternative information center for troops run by IVAW allies. IVAW's Operation Recovery Campaign is preparing to launch an extended outreach drive to Fort Hood troops this spring. Will you help sustain our outreach to soldiers heading to Afghanistan with a donation today?  Any amount will help, but please consider becoming a sustaining donor with a monthly or quarterly donation.  Your regular contribution will ensure that we can maintain our presence at Fort Hood through the summer. Click here to pledge your ongoing support.  Choose the recurring donation option and type "Operation Recovery" in the designated project area (or make a one-time donation).                      Aaron Hughes outreaches to a military family at Fort Hood IVAW's Organizing Team Leader, Aaron Hughes, just returned from a two and-a-half week visit to Fort Hood where he outreached to troops, organized a GI Rights training, and developed a comprehensive outreach and organizing plan with the IVAW Fort Hood chapter members. Read more about his Fort Hood trip. One thing Aaron learned during his trip is that GIs are very receptive to the message of Operation Recovery.  They know that soldiers are suffering from trauma and feel they have few choices in seeking treatment. Beginning in April, our Operation Recovery campaign will deploy a team of several organizers to Fort Hood who will be there throughout the summer.  This is the first time we will have a concentrated organizing presence at a military base for such a long period.  During our time at Fort Hood, we will: Outreach to 1,000 service members and/or military family members; Un-cover evidence about the mis-treatment of troops with trauma by collecting 300-400 surveys of service members about their experiences at Fort Hood; Bring in new IVAW organizers-in-training for two-week intensives where they will hone their skills; and Begin targeting commanders at Fort Hood who violate soldiers' rights to heal. Help sustain our outreach presence at Fort Hood with a regular donation.  Click here to become a sustaining donor or to make a one-time contribution. Jeff Hanks is doing well - thanks to you! We are glad to report that Jeff Hanks, the soldier who refused redeployment to Afghanistan in order to get treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD, has been receiving good mental health care.  Thanks to your emails to his commander, Cpt. Ambrosino, the Army has stated they will not deploy Jeff to Afghanistan and will discharge him from service. But Jeff's struggles are not over.  We now await the Army's decision on what type of discharge he will receive.  A medical discharge will allow Jeff to obtain full benefits, including medical care.  But the Army may give him an "Other Than Honorable" discharge, which would prevent him from getting the benefits he deserves after honorable service in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We are working with Jeff's lawyer for the best outcome, but may call on you again to take action if pressure on Jeff's command is needed. Thank you for your continued support. In Solidarity, IVAW Field Organizing Team Aaron, Chantelle, Jason, and Joe

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