AWOL soldier surrenders after 19 months

[Barrett808]

AWOL soldier surrenders after 19 months
By ANGELA K. BROWN, Associated Press Writer
Fri Sep 1, 12:35 AM ET

KILLEEN, Texas - A year and a half after going AWOL before his second deployment to Iraq, a soldier surrendered at Fort Hood on Thursday with a dozen war protesters by his side.

Army Spc. Mark Wilkerson said he was tired of running and sought help from Cindy Sheehan's protest camp in nearby Crawford, which helps educate soldiers about their rights as war resisters.

"I just could not in good conscience go back to a war I felt was wrong," Wilkerson, 22, of Colorado Springs, Colo., said at Sheehan's camp before the 40-mile trip to the post near Killeen where he had been stationed.

Wilkerson would not be confined to a cell or other facility when he returns to his unit, said Maj. Joe Edstrom of the post's public affairs office. He said he did not know whether Wilkerson would be restricted to the post or what punishment he faces, but said his company commander would decide.

"He's back in the United States Army as a soldier again," Edstrom said.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060901/ap_on_re_us/awol_soldier

[spooked]

1. I know of one AWOL since 1972

that's 34 Years!

[saigon68]

3. "BRING EM ON" shouted the AWOL CHIMPANZEE

[onehandle]

2. Draft Bush Voters. nt