Texas Labor Against the War

Afghanistan war resister needs support..please forward widely

Posted by: “Fran Hanlon” 

Mon Aug 3, 2009 3:40 pm (PDT)

Hello All,
Victor Agosto, who has refused all orders related to deployment to
Afghanistan is preparing to be court-martialed on Wednesday morning.
Supporters plan to rally near the East gate of Fort Hood that evening at
7pm. Please consider joining us to show your support for Victor’s
courageous actions. Below is the press release which went out today. It
was written by an IVAW member at Fort Hood. Visit Under the Hood’s website
www.underthehoodcafe.org for a Killeen map. The rally site is at the
corner of Ft. Hood Rd. and W. Rancier Ave. You can call Under the
Hood (number on website) if you need further directions.

Also, CodePink is organizing weekly vigils every Saturday at the Bell County
jail until Victor is freed. More details on that to follow.

Peace,
Fran

SOLDIER OF CONSCIENCE TO BE COURT-MARTIALED
SPC VICTOR AGOSTO REFUSES DEPLOYMENT
AND FACES INCARCERATION FROM MILITARY

CONTACTS: James Branum 405-476-5620
866-933-2769
Cynthia Thomas 254-768-8300

SPC Victor Agosto, a Soldier stationed with 57th Expeditionary Signal
Battalion, 69th Air Defense Artillery, Rear Detachment, is scheduled for
court-martial on Aug.. 5 at Ft. Hood, TX. A victim of the highly unpopular
stop/loss policy, SPC Agosto, whose contract was over at the end of June,
was told that his next assignment would be deployment to Afghanistan. At
the end of April, with support of local residents, Agosto went public with
his intent to refuse the orders to Afghanistan, on the basis of the
occupation being “immoral and unjust.”

Instead of going ‘underground’ and trying to escape punishment from the
Army, Agosto chose to remain at Ft. Hood as a tangible symbol of GI
resistance. Refusing all orders that directly support the war, he has found
himself in an overwhelming struggle to maintain his honor and position. His
court-martial will culminate with the sentencing portion of the trial, at
which, it is believed that the Army will enforce the highest form of
sentencing it can impose.

SPC Agosto’s attempt to raise awareness and support has not fallen on deaf
ears, even in a military community; he has found supporters and friends who
are willing to help. As the unit serves overseas, he continues to voice his
dissent for an “unjust” war. There will be demonstrators present the day of
his arraignment, located off-post due to military regulations concerning
demonstrations on military posts.

SPC Agosto’s attorney, James Branum will be available for interviews and to
read a public statement by Victor.
Wednesday, August 5
7:00 to 8:30 pm Demonstration for awareness and outreach to Soldiers at
Ft. Hood, East gate

This Month’s Iraq Moratorium event is sponsored by CodePink Austin.  See http://www.codepinkaustin.com/index.html

Iraq Moratorium
Friday, December 19th
5:00 p.m.
State Capitol building – south entrance
11th and Congress

This month’s message: Give Troops a Gift,
Bring Them Home Now!

This month’s Iraq Moratorium event announced by CodePink Austin:

Iraq Moratorium
Friday, November 21st
5:00 p.m.
In front of the Capitol (11th & Congress)

Join us as we speak out against ALL wars!

CodePink will wear black.
http://www.codepinkaustin.com/calendar.html

TxLAW will have new U.S. Labor Against the War stickers available free.
They say:
“2008 Election MANDATE
Stop the War
Bring all troops home now!
Care for them when they return”

This month’s Iraq Moratorium event is tomorrow (Friday) on 11th St. in front of the Capitol in Austin, 5 – 6pm.
Emphasis is THE COST OF WAR.
CODEPINK will bring the “$3 trillion” sign.

Bring yourself, bring your own signs . . .

Join CodePink and other Austin groups Friday for this month’s Iraq Moratorium event:  In front of the Capitol, on 11th Street at Congress Avenue, 5 – 6 pm.   CodePink will have a theme of “No More Funding,” and Cost of War–$3 trillion.

The Iraq Moratorium–every third Friday until the war ends.

From CodePink–Women for Peace:

CodePink Austin Dance Party and Fundraiser
DANCE FOR CodePink!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Jovita’s, 1617 S. First St.

Starting at 6 p.m.

FEATURING:

CERRONATO

Vallenato y Cumbia from the Texas Hill Country

and

THE DJEMBABES

Women whose drumming and singing create bridges
to understanding and who speak as instruments for
peace!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR FUN, DANCING, FELLASHIP,
AND SURPRISES! HELP US RAISE FUNDS TO
CONTINUE OUR CREATIVE, POWERFUL, AND
SOMETIMES OUTRAGEOUS WORK FOR PEACE!!

$10 suggested donation at the door

For more info go to www.codepinkaustin.com