Occupy DC – For Revolution

I was stationed in Afghanistan when they announced that Osama bin Laden had been killed. I looked around at my fellow soldiers and asked, “Should we pack up? This war is over, right?” But word never came. I went to too many funerals that year. I felt like we were betrayed by our government. From Afghanistan to the United States, all anyone wants is a life of freedom, community, and peace. It was clear to me that we weren’t helping the Afghan people, and there was suffering on both sides.

I served three tours of duty with the United States Army in Afghanistan. My duties included making media for the Afghan population and dropping leaflets out of planes that were sometimes shot at by frustrated Afghans. I received a combat action badge for these activities.

As the United States enters its 12th year of the occupation of Afghanistan, I’ve chosen not to go back. One month ago I went AWOL, and am now a deserter. This makes me a fugitive, subject to arrest at any time.

For several weeks, I’ve been running from the law, staying at “safe houses” of antiwar supporters and using fake names. I’ve given several speeches on why I left my unit, at the Green Festival and at Freedom Plaza in Washington DC, and at a Veterans for Peace rally in New York City. Each time I waited to be pounced on by the police. When I didn’t, I prepared to turn myself in at Fort Hamilton. I never thought I would become a fugitive, but all I’m trying to do is the right thing.

I felt that it was my duty to dissent. As soldiers, we’re not supposed to have voices, but now I’m raising mine. Because there’s no reason that Afghan children should go to sleep terrified at night. Because only a few wealthy people benefit from our sweat and blood. Because 38 service members, including 26 active-duty soldiers, took their own lives last month, unable to heal the open wounds left in their souls from too much pain and war.

I learned this courage from my family. This past summer, my father officiated a Christian wedding, marrying his best friend to her gay lover. Since both my parents work for Christian organizations, my father knew that it could be the end for both their careers. But my father had the courage to stand up for what was right. The least I could do was learn from his example.

I’m now facing an uncertain legal battle, but I’ve never felt more confident in my path. Even if this war were justified in the beginning, there’s no reason our brothers and sisters should have to die in the sand.