Texas Labor Against the War

Under the Hood couldn’t make a difference for soldiers without people like James M. Branum, Attorney at Law.  And who better to tell you how important James’ work has been than the first soldier he ever defended at Under the Hood, Victor Agosto?  Victor explains, ”After I decided to refuse deployment, it became clear that I would need professional legal counsel to ensure the lightest punishment possible for myself.  But that wasn’t all I needed – it was very important to me to have an attorney who shared my commitment to the cause of peace, someone who truly understood that I wanted my case to be about more than just my personal struggle.”  Agosto goes on to say, “James has helped countless other soldiers wade through the murky waters of the military justice system, while asking for very little in return. I have met few people who can match his capacity for self-sacrifice. I am proud to call James M. Branum, attorney at law, my friend.”

 

The mother of a soldier who was recently helped by James had this to say: “He provided legal counsel and expert advice and was also empathetic to my son’s circumstances.   He helped us through a very difficult process.  I am so thankful for James; his understanding of military law and his moral integrity made all the difference in the world.” 

 

James provides legal services on a sliding scale.  While most lawyers in military law charge high rates, he believes that everyone should have a right to good legal counsel.  Although James receives some financial support from Courage to Resist, the Oklahoma Center for Conscience, peace churches, and other fundraising, his philosophy makes James the poorest, most hard-working attorney you are likely to ever meet.  He explains that while he was a student, he worked one summer for his father, a small-town attorney in Oklahoma.  During that summer, he met people who had been denied justice simply because of poverty.  Although seeking a religious degree, he realized that he had a calling to help people in a different way, and began to pursue a legal career. 

 

Because of limited resources available to help soldiers, James explains that there is often more work than he can do.  Legal help is usually a last resort for many soldiers, but James points out that the GI rights hotline is also a great resource for soldiers seeking advice and help. 

 

James is often found visiting Under the Hood with his dog and long-time friend, Sandy.  The next time you see him, you’ll also get to meet the newest member of his family, his new dog, Gypsy! 

 

Under the Hood appreciates James’ outstanding contributions to help soldiers in need. 

 

Join us for HOODSTOCK FLASHBACK! a great evening of music, this Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Jovita’s, 1617 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas.  For a mere $10 admission fee, you will hear from over a dozen local artists, including Barbara K, Karen Abrahams,Sugar Bayou, Will T. Massey, Richard Bowden and many more!  Doors open at 6 p.m. and the fun keeps going until 11 p.m.  Join us for a great evening of music, food, camaraderie, important information, and a silent auction.     Your continued support of Under the Hood will allow us to continue our important work in Killeen. Whether you are making a one-time donation or want to sign up as a sustainer, it’s easy to contribute through PayPal.     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.

While President Obama was telling the press that the war in Iraq is over, Under the Hood was holding a press conference of its own, telling the truth about Iraq.  Supporters of Under the Hood, probably more than anyone, would love to see an end to the war in Iraq.  But with 50,000 ”combat ready” troops remaining in Iraq and 5000 more troops being sent from the 3rd ACR at Fort Hood, we felt a responsibility to tell the REAL story.  Guest speakers included State Representative Lon Burnam, Iraqi-American Dr. Dahlia Wasfi,  Under the Hood Manager Cynthia Thomas, Larry Egly speaking on behalf of the Peace & Justice Support Network of the Mennonite Church, and Leslie Cunningham with Texas Labor Against the War, with additional representatives from Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace, and CodePink Austin.  Speakers discussed the catastrophic impact that our presence in Iraq has caused to our economy, soldiers, families, U.S. labor, and last but not least, the people of Iraq.  In addition to the mainstream media, our own Alice Embree provides more details on the press conference in the Rag Blog.

 

 

Interested in sharing some of your time and talents with Under the Hood?   We are always happy for support in any form.  Along with monetary support to keep our doors open, we can always use other forms of assistance.  If you believe that you can provide support in some way, please feel free to contact us.  We’d be happy to put you to work!