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Killeen: Under the Hood Update, November 2011

Leslie — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:38:51 +0000

November 2011

Under the Hood Café and Button Field Press present:

Combat Paper Project Workshop: from uniform to pulp….battlefield to workshop….warrior to artist
Saturday, November 5, 12 noon-6 p.m.
The workshop will include paper making from unserviceable
uniforms for servicemembers and veterans to facilitate communication that transcends the barriers of verbal communication. Visit our website for more details.

Under the Hood Café & Operation Recovery present:

Warrior Writers – Fort Hood Community Arts Forum

December 2-4, 2011
at Under the Hood Café

Warrior Writers invites you to join fellow soldiers,
veterans, military families, artists, and community members for a weekend of art-making and wellness workshops. The forum will feature writing and art-making workshops, opening a space for dialogue about the experiences of soldiers and the Fort Hood community. The forum will also include seminars exploring local support and resources for soldiers and veterans and a poetry performance and art gallery event showcasing soldiers’ and veterans’ work! The forum is free of charge for soldiers and veterans and sliding scale donation for community members. For more information, visit www.warriorwriters.org.

Veterans Day – Killeen Poetry Slam: Military Experience

November 11, 8 p.m.

Join soldiers, Veterans and Fort Hood community members at Under the Hood Cafe on Veterans Day for a special
Killeen Poetry Slam. A creative platform for the Fort Hood community to express their military experience and the impact it has in their lives. Let’s truly honor the service of our Veterans, servicemembers and military famlies by
listening to each other and sharing about your military experience and it’s impact on you.

Here’s a list of other upcoming events at Under the Hood:

Ribs & Rights

Thursday nights Under the Hood Cafe and the Operation Recovery Team will be hosting community BBQs and teach-ins on the rights of service members in the military. If you are a service member or a military family member and you want to know your rights or just hang out with a community that respects you, join us

.
Killeen Poetry Slam

Every 2nd and 4th Friday night, Under the Hood Cafe

hosts an Open Mic with the Killeen Poetry Slam, a nationally award winning slam. It’s a space for poets… but if you sing, rap, mime… whatever… it’s your mic.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Hoodstock III. It was a great success!
In fact, it may have been our best Hoodstock so far. Throughout the night, we estimate that
more than 100 people showed up to hear great performers, including Barbara K & Richard Bowden, The Possum
Posse and the amazing Austin Lounge Lizards. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in
a silent auction. We sold beautiful items by great local artists including work by Alan Pogue, Jim McCullough Studio, Carlos Lowry, Just Seeds Art Collective, JoAnn Mulert, and Malachi Muncy. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to hear from a number of soldiers who currently benefit from the support Under the Hood
provides. It was a great evening of fun, music, friendship, and serious conversation.

Speaking of great art, we hope that you had the chance to attend the Yo(ur) Art
Show at Under the Hood, which opened on September 30^th and was open through the month of October. Many amazing local veteran, soldier and civilian artists showed their work at this event. You can view photos of the show here.

So maybe you didn’t get to attend Hoodstock III, but you still want to show your support of Under the Hood. Well, it’s never too late! You can still show your support by making a contribution today. Whether you are making a one-time donation or want to sign up as a sustainer, it’s easy to contribute through PayPal.

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!

Check out the ResiStore! Now you can purchase great items
and support Under the Hood at the same time. Check it out here.

Under the Hood is on Facebook. Become a friend! You can connect with other friends of Under the Hood. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here.

Past issues of Under the Hood Update are now on the Under the Hood website! If you’ve missed any of our past issues, or if you just want to re-read past articles, please click here.

UPDATE FROM SEPTEMBER:

Under the Hood welcomes LORI HURLEBAUS as the new director!

Kyle Wesolowski stepped in as manager earlier this year when Cindy Thomas moved to be closer to her family. Kyle managed Under the Hood during some exciting times as Operation Recovery was ramping up and many other activities were taking off. Kyle’s leadership during this time has been critical to the success of Under the Hood.

Kyle is transitioning out of this role to pursue his education. Before stepping in as manager, Kyle spent a lot
of time at Under the Hood and is an important part of the UTH family. We appreciate everything that he has done and look forward to continuing to draw from his experience, insight, support and creativity. Thank you,
Kyle.

We’re excited to now have Lori Hurlebaus join the Under the Hood community as the new director. Lori joined us this summer as part of the Operation Recovery efforts in Killeen as a member of Civilian Soldier Alliance. Lori has been working alongside veterans, service members and their families for the past seven years to amplify their
experiences, defend the rights of service members and support their leadership in building a sustainable movement to withdraw military support for the wars and occupations.

Her background in organizing and her experience as a chef
will be invaluable in our continued work to build Under the Hood’s programs and
community building efforts. If you haven’t met Lori yet, please join us at one
of our upcoming events, or just stop by and have a cup of coffee with her at
UTH.

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.

Oakland: Police critically injure Iraq war vet at Occupy Oakland | IVAW

Leslie — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:58:33 +0000

Police in Oakland critically injure Iraq war veteran during Occupy
Oakland crack-down

Iraq war vet Scott Olsen wounded by Oakland police (photo Hart Noecker)

Tell Oakland Mayor Jean Quan to investigate this incident and allow
peaceful protests to continue.

Click
here

Call the Mayor’s office: (510) 238-3141

Post a message on her Facebook
page

Scott Olsen, a Marine veteran who did two tours in Iraq, was hit by a police
projectile during last night’s brutal police crackdown of Occupy Oakland. He is
in serious but stable condition at an Oakland hospital.

It’s ironic that days after Obama’s announcement of the end of the Iraq War,
Scott faced a veritable war zone in the streets of Oakland last night. He and
other protesters were surrounded by explosions and smoke (tear gas) going off
around him as people nearby carried him injured while yelling for a medic.

A disturbing video can be seen at http://ivaw.org/

The Bay Area Indy Media center also
posted dramatic photos of Scott being cared for and escorted to saftey right
after he was hit.
WARNING: these images are graphic and disturbing: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/10/25/18695124.php

More and more veterans are joining the 99% Movement

Scott is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War who was discharged from
military service with the Marines in 2010 after two tours in Iraq. He is one of
many veterans who have returned home and gotten involved in the Occupy protests
taking place in hundreds of cities around the nation. Veterans like Scott
recognize that they are part of the 99% who face uncertain economic futures,
including few job prospects and rising tuition costs. Rates of homelessness and
unemployment are higher for veterans than for their civilian counterparts.

IVAW members around the country have been participating in their local Occupy
demonstrations, and are finding other veterans there as well. “Our members are
flocking to these occupations,” says Joyce Wagner, IVAW Board President who has
been participating in Occupy Pittsburgh. “The Occupy encampments are a great
place to meet other veterans, network, and get veterans services. We’re
actually bringing a VA social worker to our camp and have several older
homeless veterans in our camp.”

Supporting Scott’s recovery

Scott remains in stable but critical condition at an Oakland hospital
awaiting a decision about whether he will undergo surgery. We have set up a
medical fund to support any up-coming health needs he has.
To contribute to this fund, click here.
Thank you for your support. We will keep you posted on Scott’s condition.

In Solidarity,

Iraq Veterans Against the War

Killeen: Under the Hood Update, August 2011

Leslie — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:25:07 +0000

August 2011

Under the Hood and IVAW have joined forces with the Civilian Soldier Alliance to expand Operation Recovery efforts in Killeen!

Founded in 2007, the Civilian Soldier Alliance is an organization of civilians working with veterans and active-duty service-members to build a GI resistance movement towards a just foreign policy. They work with and support service-members and veterans to withdraw military support from the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting resistance within the military that empowers
service members to have a voice and develop as leaders organizing for change.

We are very excited about this new partnership. Read more about how Civilian Soldier Alliance is digging into the Operation Recovery Campaign in Killeen.

Check out Under the Hood’s new coffee bar!

Thanks to Malachi Muncy, UTH’s intern extraordinaire, Under the Hood now has a new coffee bar with UTH logo. Now when you visit Under the Hood, you’ll be greeted with a cup of organic fair trade coffee when you walk in the door. Please stop by and enjoy a cup with us.

Join us this Friday, August 19^th at 5604 Manor (Austin) for a screening of the documentary “ Grounds for Resistance.”

A $5 suggested donation at the door will benefit Under the Hood.

Location: 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, Texas 78723

Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

This documentary tells the story of the Coffee Strong coffee house located outside the
Fort Lewis, Washington army base. Aaron Hughes, an organizer with Iraq Veterans Against the War will be on hand to answer questions and speak about IVAW’s Operation Recovery program. Staff and
volunteers from Under the Hood will also be available to answer questions about their work.

Under the Hood Upcoming Events:

Ribs n’ Rights
Every Thursday 7-9pm
Eat some ribs and learn more about your rights as a service member.

Free with enlisted ID.

Killeen Poetry Slam
Friday August 26, 7-11pm
Under the Hood is proud to host the Killeen Poetry Slam every other Friday kicking off on Friday
August 26!
Refreshments and snacks available.
[Note: This is recurring. Every other Friday, 8/26, 9/9, 9/23]

Women’s Night at Under the Hood
Friday September 16, 7-10pm
A woman’s only space to relax, speak freely and have fun together. More details tba.

Soldier and Veteran Art Showcase
Friday, September 30, 8pm-11pm
Under the Hood will be hosting a Soldier and Veteran’s Art Showcase, where soldiers can display artwork and see what other art is being done by soldiers and veterans in the community. Interested in
submitting artwork? More details to be announced soon.

Join us for Hoodstock III on Sunday, October 2nd at Jovita’s! (Austin)

Our annual Hoodstock show will feature local artists and musicians and all proceeds will benefit Under the Hood Cafe & Outreach Center. We are still recruiting local artists to perform at this year’s event. If you would like to donate your time and talent to this important annual event, please contact Jim Turpin at jamesmturpin@yahoo.com.

Your continued support of Under the Hood allows 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.

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!

Check out the ResiStore! Now you can purchase great items and support Under the Hood at the same time. Check it out here.

Under the Hood Update is 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.

Past issues of Under the Hood Update are now on the Under the Hood website! If you’ve missed any of our past issues, or if you just want to re-read past articles, please click here.

“Escalate the Peace” at Texas State (from the University Star)

Leslie — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:33:36 +0000

San Marcos, 02/10/10

http://star.txstate.edu/content/rally-promotes-antiwar-movement

Rally promotes antiwar movement

Feb 11 2010 – 1:22 am | Allen Reed

Activists and onlookers at an antiwar demonstration braved harsh weather Wednesday at the LBJ Amphitheatre — two weeks after the event rescheduled because of rain.

The rally, Escalate the Peace, included students, teachers, activists, veterans, reverends and poets. Speeches ranged from anti-capitalist sentiments to the conflict in Palestine. Two newly-formed organizations, the Campus Antiwar Movement to End Occupations and the Progressive Bobcats Union co-sponsored the event.

“In the Bible it says they asked Jesus what the most important commandment was,” said John Marion, anti-war activist. “You know how you hear about the Ten Commandments — thou shall not kill, honor thy father and thy mother? But he said the most important commandment is love — love your neighbors as thyself. Love your enemies and forgive those who persecute you.”

Marion said the message comes from stories of his brother and friends who have been affected by war.

“One of my friends from New Mexico was in the infantry in Iraq,” Marion said. “He said the biggest problem he had when he came back was how quiet it was. He got used to the sounds of bombs, mortars and guns, and when there were no explosions, he was scared the most.”
Marion said his friend came back changed.

“Now he comes home, and he’s screwed up,” Marion said. “He doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. He doesn’t know what his life means anymore.”

Bobby Whittenberg, veteran and former Texas State student, shared similar stories of the return to civilian life.

“There’s a lot of issues you have after coming back like dealing with the death of friends and feeling betrayed by the military,” said Whittenberg, who was awarded a Purple Heart. “After I got injured, they started saying I was a coward because I couldn’t keep up with the physical training.”

Whittenberg said the cost of war is more than money.

“The cost of war so far is over a million people who we have attacked who are dead,” Whittenberg said. “There are over 5,000 American troops who are dead and those who come back wounded have to fight to receive the healthcare we deserve — the mental healthcare we deserve…Eighteen veterans kill themselves every day. That’s not a result of a healthy society. That’s not a result of integrating people back — that’s absolute neglect.”

Leslie Moya, education senior, stood in the pouring sleet to listen to the talk about middle-eastern conflicts.

“I understand where the whole Palestine issue is coming from — I’m Jewish,” Moya said. “I think (the speaker) was a little one sided. I don’t know if he’s Palestinian or what the deal is but I think there is a lot more that goes into it. Not everything is black and white. He tried to make Israel the bad people, but Palestine hasn’t done everything right.”

Luke Stewart, electronic engineering sophomore, watched from a distance out of the downfall. He is worried about his cousin in the Navy who is about to deploy to Afghanistan.

“I think what they are saying is true, but I think that we’re kind of running in circles right now,” Stewart said. “It seems like it’s getting worse. A lot of these kids join the military so they can get the financial benefit so they can maybe go to college after they’re done but how much is your life worth? It’s crazy.”

Elizabeth Welch, literature graduate student and CAMEO president, said the recent escalation of troops in Afghanistan helped inspire the timing of the event.

“The Democrats have majorities in both houses and we have a president that is a Democrat but where are we at?” Welch asked. “We have a spending freeze not on war, but programs that help people.”

Welch said the event went well despite the weather.

“It’s always really encouraging to see a crowd, no matter how small, come out in these conditions,” Welch said. “It starts small, everything does. The bad weather is kind of inspiring — you see people with rain pellets hitting their heads and it shows how much they care.”

“I tried hard to be proud of my service, but all I could feel was shame.”

Leslie — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:13:14 +0000

Iraq war veteran Mike Prysner speaks out against war and racism. (With Spanish subtitles.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kWU-JHetMM&feature=related

Added to
Quicklist4:40

AMAZING SPEECH BY WAR VETERAN Asombroso discurs…