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News :: Iraq |
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Photos from War: Truth and Consequences |
Current rating: 0 |
by wayward
Email: badadvice (nospam) gmail.com (unverified!) |
13 Nov 2004
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Photos from AWARE-sponsored Veteran's Day event
My name is Robert Wahlfeldt. I was in the US Military during WWII from 1943-1946. I volunteered to go as a 17 year old who left high school early to avoid being drafted at 18. I joined the Navy and after boot camp was assigned to new construction destroyer duty. The USS Waldron. Our ship was sent to the South Pacific to join up with the Third and Fifth fast Carrier fleet as a picket ship since we had the new and latest radar equipment. We were placed at the perimeter of the task force as a lookout and to draw fire away from the rest of the fleet. We were expendable.
As a member of AWARE, Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort this former Navy man says, “NO MORE WAR!” Let's help the next generation find ways to work with the world in more positive ways. I plan to offer my life as an example that you are never too old to learn. Support our military by bringing them home now! |
 Robert Wahlfeldt, WWII veteran |
 Bob Illyes, Vietnam veteran |
 Joe Miller, Vietnam veteran |
 Meg Miner, Gulf War veteran |
 Paul King, Gulf War veteran |
 Roaa al-Heeti, UIUC law students, speaks about visiting Iraq in 2003 |
 Roaa speaks to attendee |
 Paul Vogel, keynote speaker, with his son's combat boots. Vogel recently visited his son in Iraq. |
 A group of singers leads the audience in a round |
This is the text of Bob Wahlfeldt's speech:
My name is Robert Wahlfeldt. I was in the US Military during WWII from 1943-1946. I volunteered to go as a 17 year old who left high school early to avoid being drafted at 18. I joined the Navy and after boot camp was assigned to new construction destroyer duty. The USS Waldron. Our ship was sent to the South Pacific to join up with the Third and Fifth fast Carrier fleet as a picket ship since we had the new and latest radar equipment. We were placed at the perimeter of the task force as a lookout and to draw fire away from the rest of the fleet. We were expendable.
As I look down this line of my younger panel members I see former military personnel and veterans who also served in the various branches of the US Military.
As the oldest member of this group I will share that I have seen my share of death and destruction. I saw the destruction from US bombardment in cities in Japan. I witnessed what took place due to war .. the so-called “Great War.” I am a member of what is being called the “greatest generation.”
Admittedly from WWII up to and including the current US military engagement the power of the US military has done plenty to further the US Empire and global reach around the world.
However, from my perspective of almost 80 years of life and as a veteran I say: that the loss of service personnel's lives, war has not brought us a better world. Nor has the loss of countless civilian lives in addition to the destruction left in the wake of the war made the world safer.
Veterans are often overlooked when they come home with physical or psychological injuries. If we have seen combat we will never be the same. Part of our humanity has been taken. I have spent my life since military duty being involved in grassroots politics, the labor movement, human rights organizations and other groups intent on giving instead of taking life.
As a member of AWARE, Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort this former Navy man says, “NO MORE WAR!” Let's help the next generation find ways to work with the world in more positive ways. I plan to offer my life as an example that you are never too old to learn. Support our military by bringing them home now! |
See also:
http://www.anti-war.net/
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This work is in the public domain. |
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In response to Jack Ryan |
by --
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
14 Nov 2004
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you cannot effectivly fight tyrants and oppression with more tyranny and oppression |
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In response to Jack Ryan |
by --
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
14 Nov 2004
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you cannot effectivly fight tyrants and oppression with more tyranny and oppression |
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Re: Photos from War: Truth and Consequences |
by ,
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
14 Nov 2004
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5'; |
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Re: Photos from War: Truth and Consequences |
by Carol Hollowell
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
15 Nov 2004
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Well put! Thanks for all that you do. |
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Re: Photos from War: Truth and Consequences in Heet City |
by alheety
info (nospam) heet-iraq.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 0
06 Jul 2006
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to roaa alheeti come to visit heet-iraq website about heet city in adress www.heet-iraq.com |
