Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of those who lost their lives and to the wounded. In the aftermath of the November 5th tragedy at Fort Hood, the coffeehouse was besieged with media attention.  Under the Hood provided an independent voice on the inadequate care of soldiers under stress and gave an antiwar perspective to U.S. and foreign media – both print and television.  Under the Hood was featured on NBC Nightly News, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, The Observer (UK), The Washington Post, and other local and national media outlets.

Our resolve was strengthened to provide a space for GIs, veterans and military families.  Through this year’s successful fundraising efforts Under the Hood was able to raise enough funds to extend our lease and just signed a lease for another year of operation. . . .

Here are just a few 2009 highlights:

• This Spring, two University of Texas film students produced a short documentary on the coffeehouse.
• On Memorial Day, active duty GIs led the first peace march in Killeen since the Vietnam era.
• In July, Christians for Peace and other area peace activists held a silent march and vigil to the gates of Fort Hood.
• In August, Victor Agosto and Travis Bishop, faced courts martial for resisting deployment to Afghanistan.  Under the Hood provided a critical support system for these soldiers.  Victor is now out of the Army and has joined the Fort Hood Support Network Board that operates Under the Hood.  The other soldier, Travis Bishop, was sentenced to a year and is serving that time in Fort Lewis.  On July 29, 2009, the day of Victor Agosto’s release from the Bell County Jail, Under the Hood hosted Col. Ann Wright (retired).
• A GI and veterans writing workshop was held at Under the Hood on Veteran’s Day, followed by a candlelight vigil at the gates of Fort Hood. . . .

But we need your continued support to keep our doors open. The Fort Hood Support Network (FHSN) operates Under the Hood Cafe in Killeen, Texas.   FHSN is a Texas non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.  Donations may be treated as tax-deductible.

We are especially grateful to our donors who make monthly contributions. . . . We want to acknowledge the help we have received from Veterans for Peace chapters, the Houston Peace and Justice Center, the Dallas Peace and Justice Center and CodePink.