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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An important update on Jeff Hanks 12JAN11

HERE is an update on the status of Jeff Hanks and his struggle with PTSD and his pending redeployment to Afghanistan from IVAW. We need to support our troops, and to insist the US military provide these men and women with adequate treatment for their injuries, including PTSD and TBI. 

We last reported to you that Jeff's deployment date was postponed.  Now we know why.
Overwhelmed by the pressure and anxiety of his pending deployment that night, Jeff had a mental break-down on Sunday afternoon.  He is now receiving care at a civilian mental health facility where he will be for at least the next ten days. The Hanks' are feeling more optimistic about Jeff's care now that he is out of the Army's reach and getting in-patient treatment by civilians.
We are relieved that Jeff was not deployed given the state of his mental health.

But we are outraged that it had to go this far.

Let us be clear - the U.S. Army command at Fort Campbell, specifically Captain Jason Ambrosino, pushed this soldier to the brink.  And they need to be held accountable. 

We know that your emails to Cpt. Ambrosino are having an effect.  To date his inbox has been flooded with over 2,400 messages, letting him know that people from around the country are monitoring his actions closely. (After about the 1500th email, it appears that he has set up an auto-reply message referring people to the Public Affairs Office at Fort Campbell.)  He also is required to respond within 15 days to the Article 138 redress request we submitted charging him with various violations of Jeff's rights.
Presently, Army officials at Fort Campbell are remaining quiet about what Jeff could face when he returns from the hospital.  They could choose to punish him for going AWOL back in October.  They could try to discharge him without any benefits.  They even could set a new deployment date.
We are preparing to increase the pressure should Jeff's commanders take such negative action, but first we need to give Jeff and his family a little space and time for Jeff to get the care that he needs.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  We will keep you informed as soon as there are new ways to take action.
Jeff is one of thousands of soldiers right now who are being forced into combat despite suffering from serious mental health problems.  The Army is denying treatment to soldiers in Jeff's situation every single day.  That is what the Operation Recovery campaign aims to stop.  Over the next few months, we will be sending outreach teams to military bases with high rates of suicide, letting GIs know that they have the right to heal and holding those accountable who are denying that right.

Your support is what makes this work possible.

Thank you,
The Operation Recovery Campaign Team

JEFF HANKS REDEPLOYED TO AFGHANISTAN from IVAW 8JAN11

JEFF HANKS, US Army, diagnosed with severe PTSD, has been redeployed to Afghanistan. Please participate in this e mail campaign from IVAW calling on the military to stop deploying troops suffering from PTSD to Afghanistan and Iraq. Click the link or header to participate....

Tell Captain Ambrosino: Stop Deploying Traumatized Troops!

Make a donation

Send us your feedback

Army Specialist Jeff Hanks faces imminent redeployment to Afghanistan - Your help needed

Less than two months after surrendering himself at Fort Campbell from AWOL status, and without having received treatment for his war wounds, Jeff Hanks was told this week that he is scheduled for redeployment to Afghanistan TOMORROW. Today, Iraq Veterans Against the War's Operation Recovery Campaign is hand-delivering an Article 138 Redress Request to Hanks’ commander detailing numerous violations of Jeff's right to heal.
Send a message to Jeff's unit commander, Captain Jason Ambrosino: STOP REDEPLOYING WOUNDED WARRIORS!
Since being back at Fort Campbell, Jeff has been a good soldier, all the while struggling with symptoms of severe PTSD and presumed Traumatic Brain Injury:

• He suffers from hearing loss and bad headaches daily. 
• He experiences extreme anxiety in crowds and while driving. 
• He has such graphic nightmares that he doesn't want to sleep near his family members for fear of hurting them. 

Jeff has tried doggedly to get the health treatment he needs, but consistently has faced roadblocks erected by Captain Ambrosino.  Jeff started to get some relief when he began seeing a civilian counselor off-base, but Captain Ambrosino put an end to that.

Four separate medical professionals have diagnosed Jeff with PTSD, but Army Behavioral Health personnel and Captain Ambrosino refuse to acknowledge this fact.

Jeff's lawyer charges that Captain Ambrosino has failed to meet the accepted standards of care for soldiers suffering from PTSD, has interfered with the care that Hanks was receiving from a civilian counselor, and has violated Department of Defense regulations.
Tell Captain Ambrosino that he is violating the rights of soldiers and breaking the law.

Jeff's pre-deployment health screenings two days ago denied his PTSD, and results of an MRI for suspected head trauma will not be available until after he is in Afghanistan.  The Army behavioral health specialist who conducted the screening told Jeff he should seek treatment while deployed in Afghanistan.  But Jeff knows that it getting treatment in-country is a joke!

The way Jeff has been treated is OUTRAGEOUS, and he is not the only one who's had this experience at Fort Campbell.  In fact, in 2009, Fort Campbell led the Army in suicides and had to shut down the base for three days when a series of suicides occurred after troops had returned home from deployment.
Well, 3,000 soldiers returned home to Fort Campbell yesterday, and unfortunately we may expect a similar situation to un-fold in the coming weeks.

The Operation Recovery campaign is setting up shop at Fort Campbell

Late yesterday, members of the Operation Recovery team arrived at Fort Campbell to take action on behalf of Jeff Hanks and all soldiers who are in a similar situation at Campbell. 

Today, we are holding a press conference, and serving Captain Ambrosino notice in-person that we will no longer allow him to violate soldiers' right to heal.
Take action now, by letting Captain Ambrosino know that the public is watching his actions, and we will stand up for the rights of wounded warriors.

We plan to be in Fort Campbell for several weeks, where we will outreach to soldiers and their families who are dealing with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Military Sexual Trauma.  And we will continue to hold Captain Ambrosino and any other officer accountable who dares to deny soldiers their right to heal.

In Solidarity,
The Operation Recovery Campaign Team

The Army's backlash against Jeff Hanks from IVAW 28DEZ10

HERE'S  a big surprise, the US Military is reneging on the commitment to provide Jeff Hanks with treatment for his PTSD at Ft. Campbell, KY and has set a redeployment date of 8 JAN to send him back to Afghanistan. This from IVAW

Army reneges on medical care for Jeff Hanks, sets January 8 deployment date back to Afghanistan

When we last reported to you about Army Specialist Jeff Hanks, he had turned himself in to Fort Campbell, Kentucky after going AWOL when the Army denied him treatment for his severe PTSD.  Because of our efforts, Jeff's commanders were forced to give him proper medical care with a civilian therapist off base.

But the Army has stopped Jeff's therapy and is again denying his right to heal. 

Your donation today will help us turn up the heat on Jeff's commanders.

                                      Photo courtesy of HillbillyReport.org
Jeff's commanders have disallowed further therapy treatments and have set a re-deployment date of January 8.  Jeff is predicting that they will charge him with an Article 15 and detain him once he sets foot in Afghanistan.  They will likely attempt to court martial him there, where he will be far away from his lawyer and other supports.
Perhaps the Commanders at Fort Campbell think we have stopped paying attention. 
But we are working on a strategy that will get Jeff the care he needs.
Will you help with a contribution today?
Make a gift here and help us keep the pressure on Jeff's commanders.
On average, 11 soldiers from Fort Campbell are killed in action each month.  Because soldiers at Fort Campbell are so heavily deployed to Afghanistan, the base community there is also experiencing an epidemic of suicides.

This military community is really hurting right now and needs our collective support.

That is why our Operation Recovery campaign to stop the deployment of traumatized troops will be targeting outreach efforts at Fort Campbell in the New Year, and we are developing a local network of civilian support.
Your year-end gift today will help defend Jeff Hanks' right to heal and help us organize others at Fort Campbell to stand up for their rights and end multiple deployments of wounded soldiers to Afghanistan.
If you have already made your end-of-year gift, we thank you.
If you have not yet made your donation, we could use it right now.  
Please make a generous gift today.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Iraq Veterans Against the War staff
Aaron, Amadee, Bryan, Chantelle, Jason, Joe, Jose, and Selena

Iraq Veterans Against the War is a 501(c)(3) charity,
and welcomes your tax deductible contributions

Download free Operation Recovery posters, Campaign update 3DEZ10

Download Operation Recovery posters Make a Holiday Donation to IVAW Send us your Feedback Free Operation Recovery Posters Art and creative expression is an important aspect of the work that Iraq Veterans Against the War does to create a culture of GI and veteran resistance.  In a special collaboration for our Operation Recovery campaign, members of the Just Seeds Artists Cooperative have developed original poster designs depicting war resisters and the trauma of war.  During our Veterans Day week of action, we hung the posters in public spaces to promote awareness and discussion of the veteran suicide epidemic, the continued deployment of traumatized troops, and GIs' right to heal. We are now offering 8 1/2" x 11" downloadable versions of two posters here for you to hang in your office, in the window of your home, or in public spaces you frequent. Download PTSD Shadow by Nicolas Lampert and War is Trauma by Eric Ruin. You can also forward these posters to a friend by clicking here. Operation Recovery Campaign Update Specialist Jeff Hanks, the formerly AWOL soldier who refused to deploy to Afghanistan when the military denied him mental health care, has been reinstated to regular on-base duties at Fort Campbell.  Due to our efforts, the Army is providing Jeff civilian mental health treatment outside of the base, but he still awaits a decision on whether he will be charged with an Article 15 for going AWOL.  When Jeff turned himself in on Veterans Day, his commanders were pretty hostile.  But after the news coverage of Jeff's story made it to the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, they knew that the public was watching.  We will keep you updated on any developments in Jeff's case. Due to the publicity around our Operation Recovery campaign and Jeff's case, five more service members have contacted us with similar stories.  We are presently talking through the various options they have and ways that we can offer support. On Veterans Day, IVAW filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for data from the military on numbers of troops who are dealing with trauma in the divisions most highly deployed to Afghanistan.  The information we seek includes numbers of troops deployed while on psychotropic medications and numbers who have sought help or been treated for Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, and Traumatic Brain Injury.  The information will also provide insight into how the military is administering screenings for trauma before troops are deployed to combat.  So far, we have heard back from Fort Campbell who reports they are compiling information on the 101st Airborne Division to meet our request. Make a Holiday Donation Your financial support is what makes our work possible.  Please consider a holiday gift. We are counting on your support to ramp up the Operation Recovery campaign in 2011. Make a gift today. Thank you! In Solidarity, Iraq Veterans Against the War

Iraq Veterans Against the War is a 501(c)(3) charity, and welcomes your tax deductible contributions

Jeff Hanks awaits punishment, More soldiers come forward, Veterans Day Round-up 18NOV10

Donate now to support IVAW's continued work with Operation Recovery. Read more about Jeff Hanks' story here. Donate to Jeff Hanks' legal defense fund here and put "JH Legal Defense" in the Special Project box. Give us your feedback here. Update on Specialist Jeff Hanks                                     Photo courtesy of HillbillyReport.org A week ago, Specialist Jeff Hanks turned himself in to Fort Campbell, Kentucky after going AWOL when the Army denied him medical care.  Jeff's father had contacted IVAW, after hearing about our Operation Recovery campaign to stop the deployment of traumatized troops.  Because of our efforts in a short period of time, Jeff's story got covered in a number of local and national media outlets, including a feature on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, seen by an audience of millions.  Jeff's command was extremely hostile when he turned himself in on Veterans Day, but after the CBS story aired on Friday, they changed their tune. The good news is that since then, Jeff was allowed to see a civilian behavioral health professional off base who officially confirmed that he has PTSD.  His commander can't deny that now, and his ongoing treatment will be covered by his military insurance.  Now he awaits with uncertainty any punishment that the Army may hand down. I just got off the phone with Jeff's wife, Christina, who said they expect to hear something in the next 24 hours about consequences for Jeff, and they are very nervous about possible punishment from the Army.  She described how difficult this ordeal has been on them and their two daughters, ages 3 and 5.  She thinks that supportive emails would provide a big morale boost to Jeff and the family as they prepare for what lies ahead.  Please send letters of support to Jeff and Christina via email at CMH1more30@yahoo.com.  We will keep you updated as Jeff's situation un-folds. Two more AWOL Soldiers from Fort Campbell come forward Since Jeff went public with his story, two more AWOL soldiers from Fort Campbell have contacted IVAW with similar stories.  One attended Jeff's press conference and spoke about his similar experience of seeking medical care for PTSD only to be denied by the military.  Another contacted us from Florida, where he has been staying with relatives while he figures out how to get the care he needs.  IVAW's Operation Recovery campaign is presently working with both soldiers to support the best course of action for each of them.  We will keep you posted about their cases. Veterans Day Week of Action Round-Up         Volunteers prep goodie bags for GI outreach at Ft. Lewis Iraq Veterans Against the War took to the streets last week in honor of Veterans Day with a variety of actions and events around the country.  Check out our Photo Gallery of these events.  Here is just a partial list: NYC members marched in Vet Day parade and recruited two new members The Philly chapter outreached on campuses and wheat-pasted information about the Operation Recovery campaign Savannah, GA members did GI outreach and held an Operation Recovery teach-in Central IL members did campus outreach to veteran students Chicago members held a Veterans Day ceremony, organized the Intrusive Thoughts art opening, held a Warrior Writers workshop, and wheat-pasted posters around the city in a special collaboration with Just Seeds artists collective Madison, WI members chalked Operation Recovery facts on the sidewalks of their campus Kansas members participated in Ride to the End and did outreach in Manhattan, KS and on Fort Riley Fort Lewis members did base outreach to GIs and celebrated the anniversary of the Coffee Strong GI cafe San Francisco members held a teach-in about the Operation Recovery campaign In addition, Iraq Veterans Against the War's Executive Director filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain data about the trauma experienced by the most heavily-deployed divisions of the military. Last week was very busy, but we have more work ahead of us.  Consider making a donation to support the continued work of the Operation Recovery campaign to stop the deployment of traumatized troops. Thank you! Sincerely, Aaron Hughes Field Organizing Team Leader P.S. Many thanks to James Spence and the folks at HillbillyReport.org for capturing Jeff's press conference in photos and on video last week!

Iraq Veterans Against the War is a 501(c)(3) charity, and welcomes your tax deductible contributions

Jeff Hanks turns himself in to Fort Campbell from IVAW 12NOV10

JEFF HANKS is a very brave man for standing up for himself and his family and going public, exposing the hypocrisy and the lack of proper care for our active duty military. Be sure to watch the video of his news conference.

Make a special Veterans Day donation to IVAW here. Read more about Jeff Hanks' story here. Donate to Jeff Hanks' legal defense fund here and put "JH Legal Defense" in the Special Project box. Give us your feedback here. Yesterday, Jeff Hanks turned himself in to Fort Campbell in Kentucky.  After and eloquent and emotional press conference, he walked through the gates flanked by members of IVAW's Operation Recovery Campaign Team.  They waited while he had a meeting with his commander where he presented three separate civilian medical diagnoses of severe PTSD.  He now awaits the decision of his command and could be charged with an Article 15.  But he is hoping that instead of punishing him, the Army gives him the medical treatment he so desperately needs.   Tonight, Jeff's story will be featured on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.  Tune in to the program on your local station. Due to IVAW's efforts, Jeff has been supported fully in this process, and he is feeling good about his decision. He knows he has done the right thing by standing up for his right to heal. He also knows he has you standing behind him, and that means a lot. On behalf of Jeff, thank you for your continued support.  We will keep you updated as his story un-folds. In Solidarity, The Operation Recovery Team P.S. Find out more about Operation Recovery: Stop the Deployment of Traumatized Troops here.

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COURAGE TO RESIST E MAIL NEWSLETTER 8NOV10

ARTICLES AND UPDATES on PTSD, TBI, conscientious objectors, Bradley Manning, Jeff Hanks, and Naser Abdo.

PTSD Soldier refusing deployment "I am just trying to get help," insists Jeff Hanks, US Army infantryman who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is expected to surrender to the Army next week. Bradley Manning legal overview We expect the pre-trial hearing of accused Wikileaks whistle-blower Bradley Manning to take place early 2011, followed by trial about four months later. Naser Abdo, Muslim peacemaker On the anniversary of the shooting at Fort Hood, Naser Abdo, a Muslim servicemember seeking Conscientious Objector status based on the principles of Islam tells the missing story of Muslim peacemaking. SF Bay Area event: Mailing / pizza party this Wednesday Help Courage to Resist mail our tri-annual newsletter and fund appeal to supporters around the world. Join us at 55 Santa Clara Ave, Oakland CA 94610 this Wednesday evening, November 10, from 5pm-10pm. AWOL Soldier Jeff Hanks refusing deployment due to PTSD Please consider a donation to Jeff's defense fund hosted by Courage to Resist. Est. need is approx. $1,500. By Sarah Lazare, Truthout. November 5, 2010 "I am just trying to get help," insisted Jeff Hanks (photo right), active duty US Army infantryman, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. "My goal in this situation is to simply heal. And they wonder why there are so many suicides." Jeff spoke rapidly over the phone from Virginia, where he, his wife and his two young daughters are staying while he is AWOL from the military. Days earlier, Jeff had walked out of an airport, refusing to board a plane headed for Kuwait, which was to be his first stop on his way back to Afghanistan. During his mid-September leave from his second combat tour with the 101st Airborne Division, Jeff sought help from Fort Bragg and Fort Campbell military doctors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical wounds sustained in battle. Yet, just as his treatment was getting started, his command interfered, insisting that his military health care providers grant him clearance for immediate deployment. His providers acquiesced, even though they had not completed preliminary testing. Jeff, who has trouble being in large crowds of people and difficulty controlling his anger, says he is in no state to deploy back to the war from which he is still struggling to heal. The 30 year-old soldier decided that his only choice was to go AWOL. Jeff plans to turn himself into his command at Fort Campbell on Veterans Day, November 11. He will be accompanied by supporters, including members of Iraq Veterans Against the War. Read more... Bradley Manning legal update and overview We expect the pre-trial hearing of accused Wikileaks whistle-blower Bradley Manning to take place early 2011, followed by trial about four months later. Both hearings should be open to the public and media in the Washington DC area. Supporters will be encouraged to attend. - Courage to Resist By David Coombs, attorney for Bradley Manning. November 1, 2010 I. The Military Process: The basic structure of the military process is similar to any criminal trial in a civilian court. Once allegations are made, the government begins to investigate the alleged crime. The government’s investigators are usually either Military Police Investigators (MPI) or Criminal Investigation Division (CID) officers. These individuals interview the key witnesses, secure all available evidence, and create a report that details the nature of their investigation. Based upon the investigation by MPI or CID, the government prosecutor (Trial Counsel) then discusses the case with the soldier’s chain of command. The trial counsel will typically recommend to the command the possible charges that could be preferred against the individual soldier and discuss the likelihood of success at trial. II. Charges have been Preferred: Once charges are preferred against a soldier, each level in the chain of command will make a recommendation as to what level of court-martial should hear the soldier’s case. The command can recommend a Summary Court-Martial, a Bad Conduct Discharge Court-Martial, or a General Court-Martial. Each level of court-martial has different maximum punishments that it is authorized to impose. If the charges against a soldier are serious, such as in this case, then they will be most likely be heard by a General Court-Martial. In any case where the command has recommended trial by General Court-Martial, the Brigade Commander will direct that the case be first investigated by an Article 32 Investigating Officer. Read more... Naser Abdo: The missing story of Muslim peacemaking On the one-year anniversary of the shooting at Fort Hood, TX, Naser Abdo (photo right), a Muslim servicemember seeking Conscientious Objector status based on the principles of Islam tells the missing story of Muslim peacemaking. Please consider a donation to Naser's defense fund hosted by Courage to Resist. By Kimber Heinz, War Resisters League. November 5, 2010 Today, November 5, 2010, marks the one-year anniversary of the Fort Hood shooting, in which former Army psychiatrist Major Nadal Halik Hasan shot and killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, wounding 42 others. As U.S. servicemembers and the families of the victims of this shooting grieved for those who were killed and Americans mourned the loss of life, reports on these crimes riveted the mainstream media. The shootings were certainly newsworthy. The problem is that almost the only time Muslims are featured in the U.S. news media is when a Muslim engages in an act of violence. A one-sided focus on violence committed by some Muslims fuels the racist narrative that “Islam is a religion of violence"—which underwrites the so-called “Global War on Terror.” In spite of ongoing efforts by many in the Muslim religious community and Muslim-American organizations, the long and vital history of Muslim peacemaking has been lost in the avalanche of reports on Muslims where the mainstream media connects them only with violent extremism. The lack of acknowledgment and recognition in the U.S. of Muslim peacemakers continues to have grave effects on Muslims all over the world as well as those at home in the U.S. Additionally, the ongoing hyper-focus by the U.S. state and mainstream media on Islamic militants to the exclusion of those Muslims whose peacemaking efforts oppose militarism of all kinds continues to prop up and justify ongoing U.S.-backed military occupations, including those of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine. Private First Class Naser Abdo, a 20-year-old Muslim servicemember currently serving in the U.S. Army and seeking Conscientious Objector (C.O.) status on the grounds of Islam, is a Muslim peacemaker. Read more... Please click here to forward this to a friend who might also be interested in supporting GI resisters.

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Fighting for our rights on Veterans Day - with your help from IVAW 11NOV10

FROM IVAW Iraq Veterans Against the War on Veteran's Day, here is the update on Jeff Hanks, an active duty soldier who is AWOL because he was refused treatment for PTSD by the U.S. Army.....click the link to read his story, compare it to the propaganda from the Pentagon about their policy of not redeploying service members suffering from PTSD or TBI...

Make a special Veterans Day donation to IVAW here. Read more about Jeff Hanks' story here. Donate to Jeff Hanks' legal defense fund here and put "JH Legal Defense" in the Special Project box. Give us your feedback here. IVAW is defending the rights of veterans and service members this Veterans Day (We are always doing this, but today is a day that more people listen.) As I write this, Field Organizer, Chantelle Bateman, member, Zach Choate, and civilian supporter, Ryan Harvey, are traveling with AWOL soldier, Jeff Hanks, who refused to re-deploy to Afghanistan after the Army denied him medical care.  They've been driving for hours through the Deep South, headed to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Jeff will hold a press conference, then turn himself in to the Army medical center on base. Jeff has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was due to receive medical evaluation and treatment during a leave from his tour in Afghanistan, when his military commanders effectively cancelled his doctor appointments to send him back to combat.  Jeff made the difficult decision to go AWOL to get the care he needed.  IVAW's Operation Recovery Campaign has helped Jeff to get the civilian medical care he so desperately needs, and identify a lawyer to defend his right to heal. Your past support has been critical to our work on Operation Recovery, and we are just getting started.  Would you consider making a special Veterans Day donation to sustain our efforts? Make a special Veterans Day gift now by clicking here. We are taking action across the country today Here are some highlights of the work we are doing today to honor Veterans and promote Operation Recovery: Members at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana are tabling on their campus, then doing an art installation about the issue of veteran and soldier suicide. Savannah members are holding a teach-in and then are flyering GI hang outs near Fort Stewart, GA. San Francisco members are holding a teach-in and education forum on the issue of military and war trauma. In Manhattan, Kansas, members are flyering at the annual Veterans Day parade and doing outreach to GIs at Fort Riley. Our Chicago chapter has organized an art exhibition, Intrusive Thoughts, part of a month-long series of programs at the National Veterans Art Museum. And this is just to name a few. We could not do this work without your moral and financial support. Help us continue our work with a special Veterans Day donation today. IVAW files Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on traumatized soldiers in the U.S. Army Today, we requested information from our government that will expose the scope of the problem of troops serving with un-treated trauma, including the number of troops that have reported or sought treatment for PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, or Military Sexual Trauma.  We specifically want to know about the 101st Airborne Division, the 1st Infantry Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, the 3rd Infantry Division, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the 10th Mountain Division.  These troops are the most heavily deployed and are dealing with extremely high rates of suicide and depression.  The U.S. Army has this information, but has not made it public. Your financial support now will help us continue to expose what the military is so eager to suppress - the systemic problem of war trauma ravaging our military. Thank you for making a special Veterans Day donation today.  Click here to give. In Solidarity, Aaron Hughes Field Organizing Team Leader

Iraq Veterans Against the War is a 501(c)(3) charity, and welcomes your tax deductible contributions