Also: Kyle Snyder remains AWOL, continues to speak out against the war
Army moves forward with court martial of Lt. Ehren Watada
November 11, 2006 After an unexpected delay, the Army has announced the forwarding of charges against Lt. Ehren Watada by Fort Lewis Commanding Officer Lt. General James Dubik. Lt. Watada is to be court martialed for missing movement (article 87 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) and multiple counts of “Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman” for his public opposition to the illegal and immoral occupation war in Iraq. Lt. Ehren Watada responds "The referral of the charges was not unexpected. I'm moving forward as I always have with resilience and fortitude to face the challenges ahead . . . I think the recent elections show more and more Americans are opening their eyes, but we aren't there yet. I hope that actions such as mine will continue to help expose the truth behind the fundamental illegality and immorality of the war," said Lt. Ehren Watada. "The reason I spoke out, I saw that what was being done in terms of this war was so illegal and so immoral, and not being checked. It was a danger to our troops and a danger to our country. So, I think what needs to be done is some kind of accountability in Washington (D.C.) and also investigations into how this war was started in the first place." Lt. Watada told reporters at a press conference last Thursday that "almost every day, someone from the military or the outside sends me some kind of correspondence or approaches me in person to render support or their respect.” December 8-10 days of action to support Lt. Watada and all GI resisters
Widespread public support and pressure will help create true support for courageous troops facing isolation and repression, and help protect their civil liberties and human rights. We call for the following: 1) Support for all war objectors In the Pacific Northwest, these actions will serve as a warm up for larger mobilizations and events to coincide with Lt. Watada’s trial early next year. The actual court martial date has not yet been sent. Citizen’s hearing on Iraq, January 20-21 One important event in support of Lt. Watada’s courageous stand in opposition to the illegal and immoral occupation war in Iraq already underway is citizen’s hearing to be held in the Seattle area over January 20-21. Confirmed participants include David Kreiger and Daniel Ellsberg, while Veterans for Peace and Gold Star Families for Peace have joined the effort. More information coming soon! Bob Watada, currently in middle of a cross-country speaking tour in support of his son Ehren, responded to the referral of charges by declaring, “People come up and tell us that Ehren is a true American hero. Of course, we are concerned about the outcome of the trial, but we are very gratified with the enormous support from a broad sector of the American people." Visit www.ThankYouLt.org for up-to-date information for the campaign to support Lt. Ehren Watada. Kyle Snyder remains AWOL, continues to speak out against the war
Kyle Snyder, Iraq veteran and war resister, remains AWOL after returning last week from Canada and attempting to be discharged from the Army. At the risk of arrest, he is speaking out bravely on behalf of war resisters and active duty GI's. Kyle has been speaking to the media, in public forums, to university students, to military age youth and even to those in the military. “When I joined the Army I took an oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, and that is what I am doing. By refusing to fight in an illegal war, I am obeying international laws," Snyder explains. His former unit, the 94th Engineers, now based at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, is slated to return to Iraq in January for the 3rd time. The Army wants Kyle to return to that unit, and will not say what they will do when he does. Military authorities at Ft. Leonard Wood have not yet returned calls from Snyder's attorney, Jim Fennerty, of Chicago. Call Ft. Leonard Wood Fort Leonard Wood Office of the Commanding General Major General William McCoy, Jr., 573-596-0131 and the Public Affairs Office, 573-563-4013 email: alleym@wood.army.mil Demand that the Army "Discharge Kyle Snyder with No Punishment" It is clear that the vast majority of Americans want the war to end and the troops to come home. This is the moment to give our full support to Kyle Snyder and all war resisters. Send your words of encouragement and support to Kyle Snyder at: supportkyle@couragetoresist.org Donations are still urgently needed for Kyle's legal and political defense! For updated action alerts, information, and to donate visit:
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It's time for us to escalate public pressure and action in support of Lt. Watada and the growing movement of thousands of courageous men and women GI’s who have in many different ways followed the their conscience, upholding international law, taking a principled stand against unjust, illegal war and occupation and stood up for their rights. 
Take Action to Support GI Resistance and GI Rights Dec. 8-10th! 
