03/15, NATICK MA - 1st War Resister to speak prior to surrendering

[carols]

Citizen Soldier
New York, NY
[phone]
Tod Ensign
[phone]
(day of event)

First Iraqi Veteran to Refuse Further Military Duty will Explain Resistance and Return to the Military

· Monday, March 15, 2004, at 11:00 a.m.

· The Peace Abbey: 2 N. Main Street, Sherborn, MA, near Natick. (See directions below).

The following people will speak:

· Staff Sgt. Camilo Mejia, 28, of Miami, FL. Fought from March-October 2003 in Iraq with then activated Florida National Guard. After returning home on leave, he decided, for reasons he'll explain today, not to return to Iraq. He will surrender to the military in Boston today.

· Maritza Castillo, mother, of Miami, FL.

· Carlos Godoy Mejia, father, noted Nicaraguan songwriter and performer.

· Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, will be present to express support.

· Louis Font, Mejia's civilian defense attorney, of Brookline, MA

· Fernando Suarez del Solar, his Marine son killed in Iraq.

Representatives of the following groups will also speak briefly in support of Sgt. Mejia and other Iraq war refusers: Veterans for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, & The Peace Abbey.

Directions: from Boston: Mass. Tpke (90W) to 95S, exit 16W to Sherborn. At T intersection, turn left onto 27S (still 16W). The Peace Abbey is ¼ mile down 27 on the left. From NY: I95N to 495N. Exit at 109E. Take 109E to 27N to stop sign when entering town of Sherborn. First right after stop sign.

[For PaisAn]

1. Courage

He has the courage of his convictions to do this. I hope many show up in support. Wish I could go.

[For PaisAn]

2. Hey Carol

I just realized it's you. Remember me, Lisa from NY? We met in DC attending an anti-war rally. We all stayed at that hotel in VA or MD. Rose, Dana, you, Don, me and others. I remember Don's T-shirt had a picture of Jeb with the red circle and line going through his face and the words "Nuff Said" I'm on page 3 of FringeFolk. Good to see you posting.

[carols]

3. Hi there!

Yes I remember you! How have you been? I have been going crazy trying to maintain 2 websites: http://www.falloutshelternews.com (mine) and the actions pages at http://www.legitgov.org/. And trying to keep on top of local events as well. Hope you are well. Drop me a line at [e-mail] and let me know what's new :-)
Carol