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U.S. resisters' solidarity with Israeli "shministim" refusers
Statement signed by over two dozen U.S. military war resisters. Reprinted by AlterNet, Democracy Now, The Progressive, Common Dreams, Indymedia, and Daily Kos.
December 18, 2008
We are U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who have refused or are currently refusing to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We stand in solidarity with the Israeli Shministim (Hebrew for "12th graders") who are also resisting military service. About 100 Israeli high school students have signed an open letter declaring their refusal to serve in the Israeli army and their opposition to "Israeli occupation and oppression policy in the occupied territories and the territories of Israel." In Israel, military service is mandatory for all graduating high school seniors, and resisters face the possibility of years in prison.
We have also refused to participate in unjust acts of military aggression, and many of us have gone to prison or currently live with that possibility as a result. We believe that resistance to unjust war is a bold assertion of humanity in the face of overwhelming violence.
The Global War on Terror, like the Israeli occupation, is propped up by racism and dehumanization and sets the stage for never-ending war and occupation. We are inspired by the brave refusal of our brothers and sisters in Israel to take part in these destructive policies, and we want to let them know today, December 18th--the day of international solidarity with the Shministim--that they have our deepest respect and support.
In Solidarity,
Stephanie AtkinsonSpecialist, US Army Reserve. Went AWOL October 1990 to resist Gulf War deployment. Discharged in lieu of courts martial.
Chris Capps-SchubertSpecialist, US Army, communications. Went AWOL March 2007 to resist Afghanistan deployment. Discharged in lieu of courts martial.
Eugene Cherry Specialist, US Army, medic. Went AWOL June 2005 to resist Iraq redeployment, later won honorable discharge.
Matthis ChirouxSergeant, US Army, journalist. Currently refusing Inactive Ready Reserve recall.
James CircelloSergeant, US Army, airborne infantry. Went AWOL April 2007 following Iraq deployment. Discharged in lieu of courts martial.
Carl DavisonUS Army, security. Refused Iraq deployment in 2008. Served one month in the brig.
Matthew EdwardsUS Marine Corps. Resisted Iraq deployment and was discharged March 2003.
Stephen FunkLance Corporal, US Marine Corps, logistical support. Went AWOL February 2003 to resist Iraq deployment. Served six months in the brig.
Andrew GorbySecond Lieutenant, US Army, infantry. Discharged May 2007 as a conscientious objector.
Patrick HartSergeant, US Army. Went AWOL in 2005 to resist Iraq deployment and has lived in Canada since.
Ryan JohnsonPrivate Second Class, US Army. Went AWOL January 2005 to resist Iraq deployment and currently lives in Canada.
Dale LandrySenior Airman, US Air Force. Went AWOL in 2007 following Afghanistan deployment and has lived in Canada since.
Benjamin LewisUS Marine Corps, mortar man. After two Iraq deployments, now refusing Inactive Ready Reserve recall.
Robin LongSpecialist, US Army. Went AWOL in June 2005 to resist Iraq deployment and lived in Canada until being deported July 2008. Currently serving a 14 month sentence at the Miramar Naval Brig near San Diego, California.
Christopher MagaoayLance Corporal, US Marine Corps. Went AWOL in 2006 to resist Iraq deployment and has lived in Canada since.
Camilo MejiaStaff Sergeant, Army National Guard. Refused to redeploy to Iraq in 2004. Served nine months in the stockade.
Geoff Millard Sergeant, Army National Guard. Went AWOL and later discharged following 2005 Iraq deployment.
Brandon NeelyUS Army, military police. Refused recall from the Inactive Ready Reserve in 2007.
Perry O'BrienUS Army, medic. Discharged as a conscientious objector November 2004 following Afghanistan deployment.
Jeff PatersonCorporal, US Marine Corps, artillery control. Refused Desert Storm deployment August 1990. Served two months pre-trial confinement. Discharged in lieu of courts martial.
Ryan SouzaSenior Airman, US Air Force, crew chief. Applied for conscientious objector discharge July 2008. Awaiting decision on his application by the military.
Chanan SuarezdiazHospital Corpsman, Third Class, US Navy. Discharged following 2004 Iraq deployment.
Benjamin VigesUS Army, airborne infantry. Discharged as a conscientious objector following 2003 Iraq deployment.
Dean WalcottUS Marine Corps, military police. Went AWOL in 2007 following Iraq deployment and has lived in Canada since.
David Wiggins MDCaptain, US Army, doctor. Resigned commission near the Iraq border during Desert Storm 1991.
Steve YoczikPrivate, US Army. Went AWOL November 2006 to resist Iraq deployment and has lived in Canada since.
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