Spc. Eli Israel on JVB duty in Iraq
My story by Spc. Eleonai "Eli" Israel. Other reports by Military resisters can be found at Courage to Resist. For like my brother 'Nam Vets, not really too many years back and since, it does take real "Courage" when one realizes the folly they've been sent into to start speaking of the truth to the reality of War, especially Wars Of Choice engaged by Civilian and power seaking Military Leaders for nothing more than ill gotten gains in Wealth, Status, Quick Advancement, and a want for History to label them as Great Leaders forever more!
Two months ago, I took a stand that changed my life forever. As a Soldier, a JVB Protective Service Agent, and a Sniper with the Army who had been in Iraq for a year (running over 250 combat missions), I refused to continue to be a part of the occupation. I regret nothing.
Joining up, the first time
I joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the spring of 1999, the month of my 18th birthday.
"Eli's" journey to serve his country is just one man's story of the why. It varies from my own story as it does from the tens of thousands of others, throughout history. One thing I do know, not all join the military for the monies needed to jump into the Industry of Higher Education, most don't choose that route and never did, most choose a higher learning through experiance, chosen professions, other means than a need for a piece of paper saying they are intelligent. I know I did as did my 4 brothers and 3 sisters, all advancing their intelligence along a wide veriaty of interests. That is what has built this Country, through hard work and the innovations found in the masses, All highly educated but in differant ways.
The military can and does give structure to ones life, that is totally differant than what the majority experiance and it is never forgotten.
Thirteen weeks after arriving at Parris Island, I was changed forever. I graduated as the leader of a platoon squad with a meritorious promotion, and was now well on my way to a shining career as a Marine.
Then came September 11, 2001.
Re-enlisting for my country
Like many after September 11th I wanted to serve, again. I felt I owed something more to my country after my years of training. I trusted my president and my leadership to tell me the truth. I also trusted my own integrity. I knew that I would never willingly do anything that I knew to be immoral or wrong.
This time, unlike 'Nam except for many of us who served there, Eli and the country found out rather quickly the Lies that the president and other leaders used trying to justify their bloodlust, those Lies are well known and still there!
I reasoned that my actions during these missions were justified in the name of "self-defense." However, I came to realize my perception was wrong. I was in a country that I had no right to be in, violating the lives of people, and doing so without regard to the same standards of dignity and respect that we as Americans hold our own homes and our own lives to.
Destroying lives
I have taken and/or destroyed the lives of people who were defending their families from being the "collateral damage" of the day. Iraqi boys are joining groups like "Al Qaeda" for the same reason street kids in the U.S. join the "Cribs" and the "Bloods". It’s about self protection, a sense of dignity, and making a stand. The young man whose father and cousin we "accidentally" killed, and whose mother and siblings cry every time the tank rolls through the neighborhood, doesn't care who Osama Bin Laden is. The "militants" we attacked were usually no different than an armed neighborhood watch group who didn't trust their government. We didn’t trust the government either, and we put them in power!
Our own sacrifices, as tragic as they are (and they are tragic), are dwarfed in comparison to the carnage that has been brought on the Iraqi people.
Some realize, rather quickly, they aren't there fighting to defend the U.S. by invading someone elses country, that did nothing to deserve the invasion of destructive power, they realize they are trapped in an existance of survival, their's and those they are serving with!
Taking a stand
I informed my chain of command of my beliefs. I could tell from that first conversation that things were not going to go well. I told them that I believed our presence in Iraq was unlawful. I explained that I no longer believed in a policy of war and that I would file as a conscientious objector. Simply put, I could no longer in good conscience participate in a combat role against the Iraqi people.
I was just released from the brig the other day and I’m now in the process of being "kicked out" with an "Other Than Honorable" discharge. I regret nothing.
True 'Honor' and 'Courage' is one standing for their beliefs and trying to live by those beliefs as an example for others to see and hopefully respect.
Military strikes back
The next day I was told that I had been "flagged" as an OPSEC (operational security) “concern”. No reason given. They were hostile and consumed with the task of making "an example" out of me, and they were looking for ways to ruin my reputation and credibility.
I’ll let them think they won, for now.
Freedom
The truth will come out, and there is nothing they can do to hide it. The occupation is a disaster. I’m convinced that every day it continues that it makes America, and the Iraqis less safe.
For many of us that truth has been there since the War Drums started beating and hasn't wained one iota, only gotten stronger as the carnage unfolded, we were 'The Focus Groups', millions strong, that the so called Intelligent Leaders, Media, Power Brokers, War Profitteers, only heard in whispers as we came together in one Large Voice of opposition to the coming Failed Policies!
Seek the truth. Make the stand.
If they were sent to fight, they are too few. If they were sent to die, they are too many!
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