Killeen: Under the Hood Update, September, 2010
Friday, September 10th, 2010
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Posts Tagged ‘Fort Hood Support Network’
Killeen: Under the Hood Update, June, 2010
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
At Under the Hood, Memorial Day 2010 was a day to remember two friends who were mainstays of the Texas peace community. Nick Travis III, 55, passed away suddenly early Monday morning, May 24, in Austin. Lisa Morris, 28, passed away unexpectedly the next day in Copperas Cove. Nick, a long-time peace activist, was known to show up at Under the Hood with his guitar and infectious smile. People couldn’t help but be a little happier with Nick around. Lisa, a regular at Under the Hood, always made sure to stand in protest with fellow soldiers, veterans and family members at the gates of Fort Hood. She leaves behind many friends. Both will be missed dearly. Our work continues on in their memory.
Under the Hood needs YOUR support now! This is a critical time and we won’t be able to keep our doors open without your sustaining donation. Please consider signing up for a recurring donation today. If you believe in the work we do at Under the Hood, show us your support by considering a monthly donation. As little as $10.00 a month can go a long way toward making Under the Hood sustainable. Two hundred supporters contributing $10 a month will help us ensure that we can continue to provide these important services. It’s easy to become a sustainer through PayPal. The first 100 supporters to sign up for a sustaining donation will receive their choice of a poster or 12 oz. bag of Under the Hood coffee!
We would like to thank our most recent UtH supporters. A special thanks to our newest sustaining donors.We now have 16 sustaining donors toward our goal of 200! We also want to thank Lee & Hardy Loe and Sue & Walter Long for their generosity. Because of these two families, we had two very successful fundraisers in Houston and Austin in May. We are also very grateful for a $1,000 grant from the Nonviolent Action Community of Cascadia in Seattle, Washington.
The Fort Hood Support Network (FHSN) operates Under the Hood Café and Outreach Center. FHSN is a Texas non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. Donations may be treated as tax-deductible.
Under the Hood has had a steady stream of soldiers reaching out to us for support. For the first time, however, a group of military spouses recently contacted Under the Hood for assistance. As the U.S. heads into its tenth year of combat in Afghanistan and continued combat missions in Iraq, the number of soldiers facing multiple redeployments and resulting physical and mental health problems is reaching unprecedented levels. Soldiers and families are increasingly finding that the Army is doing little to address these and other health issues soldiers face. In fact, right here in Fort Hood, the Army is violating its own regulations by training soldiers for deployment despite their non-deployable status.
In an effort to call attention to this mounting problem, a group of military spouses scheduled a press conference to speak out against combat training for soldiers with a no-deployment profile, and for the Army’s lack of medical assistance and support. You can read Dahr Jamail’s interview with these spouses in his truthout article here.
RISE TOGETHER: IVAW national convention is coming to Austin July 8 – 11, 2010. IVAW and Under the Hood mutually support each other’s efforts to end the war, one soldier at a time! We look forward to seeing many of our IVAW brothers and sisters this July. For more information about the IVAW convention, check it out here.Under the Hood film makes the top 10 spotlight in the Austin Chronicle. The film “Under the Hood” by filmmakers Sarah Garrahan and Lauren Sanders was listed in “Take 10: The annual 10 Under 10 showcase spotlights collegians and cameras” in last month’s Austin Chronicle. Congratulations to Sarah and Lauren for their great work. Check out the video here.
Under the Hood Update is now on Facebook. Become a fan! You can find archived issues and connect with other fans of Under the Hood. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here.
Or visit Under the Hood on the web atKilleen: Under the Hood Update, May, 2010
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Under the Hood is pleased to announce that Eric Jasinski was released on April 24, 2010. On March 30, 2010, Spc. Eric Jasinski was sentenced to 30 days confinement in the Bell County Jail. Jasinski, 23, who is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, went AWOL in 2009 to seek help for his PTSD. According to his attorney, James Branum, “He was seeing a psychiatrist for his condition and prescribed Zoloft for depression and Trazadone to get to sleep, and they handed him his gun and told him to go back to Iraq.” Branum went on to say, “We, as Americans, need to see how combat vets are treated today. Eric is in jail because he has PTSD and was denied the care he needed. His ‘desertion’ was an act of desperation, the act of a soldier who had no other options.” Eric’s supporters held a vigil on the evening of March 30th outside of the East Gate. Vigils were subsequently held every Saturday at the Bell County Jail Annex, 113 West Central Avenue, Belton, Texas until Eric was released.
We can’t support soldiers and veterans without YOUR support! Become a sustainer, sign up for a recurring donation today. Please consider a monthly donation of $10.00. Two hundred supporters contributing $10 a month will help us ensure that we can continue to provide these important services. It’s easy to become a sustainer through PayPal. The first 100 supporters to sign up for a sustaining donation will receive their choice of a poster or 12 oz. bag of Under the Hood coffee! The Fort Hood Support Network (FHSN) operates Under the Hood Café and Outreach Center. FHSN is a Texas non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. Donations may be treated as tax-deductible.
Under the Hood has recently received copies of the Fatigue Press. The Fatigue Press was published every other month in Killeen, Texas during the days of the Oleo Strut, predecessor of Under the Hood.
Karen Stansbery sent three 1970 issues of the Fatigue Press to Under the Hood with this message: “I found them the other day when cleaning out an old trunk. My husband was stationed at Fort Hood in the late sixties. The Oleo Strut was very important to us just like Under the Hood is to many G.I.s now. Thank you for all you do.” Thanks to Karen Stansbery for sharing this piece of history! Check out the issues here.Join us at our next fundraiser and house party in Austin this Saturday, May 15th from 6 to 9 p.m., 211 West Live Oak, Austin, Texas 78704. Thanks to Lee and Hardy Loe for offering their beautiful home for a house party in Houston on Friday, May 7th and thanks to all who attended and donated. If you weren’t able to attend, you have another chance to hear the stories of active duty soldiers and veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, and meet with special guest Cynthia Thomas, military wife and manager of Under the Hood Café. A special short video and multi-media presentation will be shown. Snacks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. $10 donation suggested at the door. You can RSVP to this event by visiting our Facebook invite. We hope to see you there. For more information about this event, please feel free to contact Jim Turpin, Fundraising Committee, by e-mail or you can call him at 512-965-3726.
Under the Hood film makes the top 10 spotlight in the Austin Chronicle. The film “Under the Hood” by filmmakers Sarah Garrahan and Lauren Sanders was listed in “Take 10: The annual 10 Under 10 showcase spotlights collegians and cameras” in this week’s Austin Chronicle. Congratulations to Sarah and Lauren for their great work. Check out the video here.
Under the Hood Update is now on Facebook. Become a fan! You can find archived issues and connect with other fans of Under the Hood. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here.
P.O. Box 16174 | Austin, TX 78761-6174 US
Killeen: Under the Hood Update, April, 2010
Sunday, April 11th, 2010
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Houston: Under the Hood Cafe House Party & Fundraiser
Sunday, April 11th, 2010Friday, May 7, 2010, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
at the home of Lee and Hardy Loe, 1844 Kipling Street, Houston
(View Map)
Hear the stories of active duty soldiers and veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with Special Guest Cynthia Thomas, Military Wife and Manager of Under the Hood Café.
Snacks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.
Suggested $10 donation at the door
“Under the Hood Café” items will be available for sale including the new “Under the Hood Café” poster and organic/fair trade “Under the Hood Café” coffee.
“Under the Hood Café” (UtH) has been open since February 1, 2009 at 17 S. College Street in Killeen, Texas about one mile from Fort Hood, the largest military base in the U.S.
In the spirit of the “Oleo Strut”, UtH is a place for soldiers to gather, relax and speak freely about the wars and the military. Support services for soldiers include referrals for counseling, legal advice and information on GI rights. Since its doors opened, the staff and volunteers with UtH have supported a number of soldiers and veterans dealing with the devastating after effects of war.
The Fort Hood Support Network (FHSN) operates “Under the Hood Café” in Killeen, Texas. FHSN is a Texas non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. All proceeds benefit “Under the Hood Café”.
Join us and hear how “Under the Hood Café” is making a difference in the lives of these young men and women.
Sponsored by FHSN Jim Turpin Fundraising Committee UtH (512) 965-3726. The Loes: 713-524-2682 [email protected]
Facebook page for this event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111719738854964&ref=mf
Killeen: Under the Hood Update, March, 2010
Saturday, March 13th, 2010
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Under the Hood 2009 highlights–excerpts from Under the Hood Update
Thursday, December 10th, 2009Under The Hood
5-10 p.m., everyday
17 S. College Street
Killeen, Texas
(254) 449-8811, http://www.underthehoodcafe.org/
In the spirit of the Oleo Strut, Under The Hood is a place for soldiers to gather, relax and speak freely about the wars and the military. Support services for soldiers include referrals for counseling, legal advice and information on GI rights.
Under The Hood needs your donations and support!
Our community was deeply affected by the November 5th tragedy.
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.
Benefit show for Under the Hood Coffeehouse at New World Deli, Austin
Thursday, July 16th, 2009*The Melancholy Ramblers* play a special benefit show for *Under the Hood!!*
Sunday, July 26th 6-8pm
NeWorlDeli 4100 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas
Suggested donation: $8 (GIs free)
Under the Hood Outreach Center and Café is located near the gates of Fort
Hood, the largest military base in the U.S. It is a safe haven for Fort
Hood GIs and their families to socialize, speak freely, and access
resources. Please visit our website www.underthehoodcafe.org for more
information. Under the Hood is a project of the Fort Hood Support Network,
a non-profit corporation with 501(c) (3) status.
Fort Hood GI coffeehouse needs your help!
Friday, June 5th, 2009Dear Friend of Peace,
I am writing to you as an ally and a board member for the Fort Hood Support Network, which manages Under the Hood Café in Killeen. We are beginning an intense campaign to raise funds in order to be able to renew our lease this fall and keep our doors open for another year. Please see the attached fundraising letter and take a few minutes to send it on to any of your contacts who may be able to contribute. The letter is pasted below for those of you who can’t open attachments, and, it is also accessible at our website www.underthehoodcafe.org.
Thank you for your support and for your work for peace.
Sincerely,
Fran Hanlon
June 2009
Dear Friends,
Under the Hood Outreach Center and Café in Killeen needs your support. The Center opened in February as a space for service members and their families to socialize, exchange information, and access services such as GI Rights counseling. With new soldiers arriving daily, we have the opportunity to build this community and continue giving a voice to those in need. We cannot do this alone. In order to keep this free speech zone open and viable, we need your help. Though we know that times are difficult financially for everyone, we ask that you open your hearts and pocketbooks.
Under the Hood is the culmination of months of work by veterans and their allies. Fort Hood GIs and their families, devastated by repeated deployments, find the center to be a refuge for free speech, where they are inspired to ask difficult questions about war, peace, and the rights and responsibilities of GIs. Recently, the center has been a great source of support for soldiers who are resisting deployment to Afghanistan.
Under the Hood is a project of the Fort Hood Support Network, a Texas non-profit corporation with 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status. Our website www.underthehoodcafe.org has information about making a tax exempt donation. Checks can be made out to the Fort Hood Support Network, P.O. Box 16174, Austin, TX 78761-6174. Regular, sustaining contributions would be welcome. In addition to financial contributions, we have a “wish-list” and welcome donations of labor, goods and entertainment.
Here is a link to a short video on Under the Hood:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSnqIHhwWlQ
Please take a few moments to read the following testimonials, and then consider giving generously to help us continue this important work.
In gratitude,
Fort Hood Support Network Board
Cynthia Thomas, Fran Hanlon, Alice Embree, Ronn Cantu, Tom Cleaver, Jeff Segal
A Project of Fort Hood Support Network • P.O. 16174 • Austin TX 78761-6174
Two Under the Hood patrons, both active duty soldiers, wrote these testimonials.
October 31st 2007 I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Though I knew it would change my life, Inever expected it to change for the worse. After completing basic combat training I was shipped out to my new unit in the 4th Infantry Division 1st brigade combat team 66th Armor Regiment. After a year of training and living the army life in Ft. Hood, TX, I received deployment orders to FOB Rustamiayh, just east of Baghdad, IQ. After my arrival in Iraq, my eyes quickly opened, and I began to oppose the “mission”. While I was over there I discovered Casey Porter, a dedicated filmmaker seeking to reveal the truths of Iraq, and we became friends. I did everything I could to assist him in his work, including a video interview. My tour finally ended after months of emotional struggle and I came back to the United States empty, with nothing inside me but hopelessness and regret.
After mere days of being home and “free” I began drinking heavily to forget the destruction and death I witnessed in Iraq. My life began to slowly disintegrate, and I found myself lost. Finally, Casey called and told me to come with him to Under the Hood Café. Though intoxicated at the time, I made my way down and immediately felt at home. Now two months later I feel my life is getting back on track and I have goals. I have completely quit drinking, and have remained sober for almost two months. I no long rely on alcohol to suppress my feelings. I feel that I am part of a support group who I can contact at any time, day or night. Now I can safely say that I feel better about myself, and I feel if it wasn’t for the coffee shop and the people I have met there, I feel I wouldn’t be here today. Under The Hood has saved my life and it needs to stay open for more people like me.
–Michael Kern
I lived a miserable existence since I turned against the war in Iraq in 2007. I have frequented Under the Hood Café since its grand opening in March of 2009. The café has become my refuge from a closedminded and dehumanizing military culture. I have seen it bring joy to every soldier and civilian that has become a regular here. The civilian staff is dedicated to helping soldiers deal with personal and legal issues. I have attained a sense of purpose that I have never had in my life. I am now committed to the success of both Under the Hood and the anti-war movement. I have spent countless hours discussing and thinking about ways to end these wars. The support I have received from my family at Under the Hood has helped me take the liberating leap from obedient soldier to war resister. I cannot remember the last time I was this happy. Under the Hood has changed my life forever.
–SPC Victor Agosto,
Afghanistan War Resister
A Project of Fort Hood Support Network • P.O. 16174 • Austin TX 78761-6174
