IVAW Member To Refuse Deployment To Iraq
By Spencer Ackerman
05/15/2008
11:26AM
While the Winter Soldier hearing goes on, this just arrived in my inbox:
Member of Iraq Veterans Against the War to Publicly refuse to deploy to Iraq
Washington, DC – Today, immediately following Winter Soldier on the Hill, Iraq Veterans Against the War member Matthis Chiroux will publicly announce his refusal to report to Active Duty.
Chiroux will be making his statement in the Cannon House Office Building's Rotunda, located just inside the building's main entrance.
Sergeant Matthis Chiroux, 24, originally from Auburn, Alabama, has served in Germany, Japan, Afghanistan and the Philippines since his enlistment in the US Army in June 2002.
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© 2007 The Washington Independent
Comments:
Posted 05/15/2008 01:27pm with
As Matthis’ sister, friend, and eternal supporter I would like to comment on how noble I think it is that Matthis is brave enough to stand up for something he believes in. I am scared for you Matthis, and I am angered by this choice. I also publicly disagree with how the Iraq Veterans Against the War have, in my opinion, exploited my brother in this very trying and difficult time in his life.
Posted 05/15/2008 05:41pm with
As a member of IVAW and someone who knows Matthis personally I can firmly say that no one is ‘making” Matthis or “forcing” Matthis to refuse deployment.
Instead IVAW will act as an amplifier to let others know about his descion so it can have the most impact possible and so that he is afforded the most safety possible as a public refuser.
If you are worried, which I understand most family members would be, I’d personally be willing to talk to you as would any member of IVAW. I’ll contact Matthis and let him know.
Posted 05/17/2008 01:19pm with
Sgt. Chiroux has made a considered, I hope, stand on his principals. As a young man who had the courage to volunteer to defend his country with his life if called to.
As an older man with experience behind this sort of courage, he is making a stand. He will no longer serve in an immoral war of preemption.
Each act is the act of a principled, man of conscience.
May God bless him.