Posts Tagged ‘wars’

Austin: VIDEO–Flash mob at Barton Creek Mall, innocent young woman brutalized and arrested

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Thanks, Jeff Zavala, for the video evidence.  More to come on how we can support the young woman who got 3 broken ribs by the police but was herself charged with assault!

http://blip.tv/zgraphix/freeze-flash-mob-police-brutality-don-t-buy-war-5793178

CodePink Austin, along with allies from Veteran’s for Peace and Women in Black staged a Don’t Buy War “freeze” at Barton Creek Mall on Saturday, December 3rd. The strategically chosen mall location was between the Santa photo station and the Gamestop store, which prominently advertises the ‘Modern Warfare 3′ video game. The goals were to raise awareness about the continuing wars on Iraq and Afghanistan, to educate shoppers about the costs (both human and economic) of the wars, and to dissuade parents from purchasing war toys. The creative action was well received by shoppers, and several veterans approached the group to thank us. All was peaceful until mall security and APD arrived, and an APD officer brutally attacked a young woman who had joined the group spontaneously. Produced for Austin Indymedia by Jeff Zavala. A ZGraphix Production. http://zgraphix.org http://twitter.com/zgraphix http://facebook.com/zgraphix.org http://austin.indymedia.org

 

Killeen: Under the Hood Update, November 2011

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

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 30th 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.

 

 

 

Austin: End the Wars! Fund the People!

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
April 9, 2011
12:00 pmto2:30 pm

Saturday, April 9

March and Rally:
END THE WARS ! FUND THE PEOPLE !

Gather for march at Noon at the Federal Building plaza (300 E. 8th St.)
Rally at the Capitol at 1:00 PM

While the US is engaging in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, and giving billions of dollars in aid to Israel, which continues to threaten the Palestinians, we are left with Governors like Wisconsin’s Scott Walker Texas’ Rick Perry, who want to strip us of our labor rights, lay off teachers, close our schools, and deny us health care.  Meanwhile, big corporations pollute our environment, make record profits, and pay low or no taxes.  These priorities are upside down!  Come to a rally to demand an end to the wars abroad and a re-direction of funding to basic services for the people: education, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs, clean air and water.

Sponsored by: Iraq Veterans Against the War-Austin, Veterans for Peace-Austin, Sustainable Options for Youth, Under the Hood Cafe, Palestine Solidarity Committee, CodePink-Austin, International Socialist Organization, Nuke Free Texas, and more.  For more information or to co-sponsor: [email protected]

see also United National Antiwar Committee, http://www.nationalpeaceconference.org/

Killeen: Under the Hood Update, December, 2010

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
 
December 2010
Hoodstock Flashback
 
 
Thanks to the generosity of those who attended Hoodstock and those that have donated throughout the year, Fort Hood Support Network has signed a lease for another year so that Under the Hood can continue to be a place for soldiers to meet and receive important support.  Jim Turpin is a volunteer on the fundraising committee for Under the Hood.  Jim had this to say about Under the Hood and what it means to him: 
 
“UTH is a place that makes a real difference in soldiers lives.  It’s important to be on the streets speaking out against war, but I feel that it is also important to do something that counterbalances the negative effects that the government and its wars have created for our youth.  The Department of Defense says they are helping active duty soldiers and vets, but in reality, we find that they aren’t helping at all.  That’s what makes Under the Hood so necessary.  We’re trying to undo some of the damage that’s been inflicted upon these young men and women.”
 
Jim feels that it’s vital to have a physical space to do this work at one of the largest military bases in the U.S.   That’s why he volunteers his time to fundraise for UTH.  But Jim isn’t only a volunteer.  He’s also a recurring donor for Under the Hood.  “I have actually been fortunate enough to see the result of the work Under the Hood has done.  I’ve seen young soldiers get out of the military through the support services that UTH has been able to provide and go on to lead productive lives.  It’s made a difference for them and for their family members.  It feels good to be a part of something that has such tangible results.”  Jim expresses what many of the volunteers with Under the Hood feel by saying:   “I am so grateful for the support of the community, volunteers, artists, and musicians who are helping to ensure Under the Hood’s continued success.”
Hoodstock Flashback was a success! 

A big thanks to all of the musicians who donated their time to this event, to all of the artists who donated their beautiful work for the silent auction, and to all of our supporters who came out to enjoy the music and help us in our fundraising efforts.  A special thanks to Rich Bowden who organized the music and for his vision to create a community through music and poetry. 

 
 
 
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.   
 
  
 
Artwork by Susan Van Haitsma
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
 
 
 
P.O. Box 16174 | Austin, TX 78761-6174 US
 

Austin: Hoodstock Flashback–fundraiser for Under the Hood Cafe

Friday, November 5th, 2010
November 14, 2010
6:00 pmto11:00 pm

 

Hoodstock Flashback to benefit Under the Hood
6-11 p.m., Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Jovita’s, 1617 South 1st St., Austin, Texas. $10 requested.

Featuring Barbara K., Karen Abrahams, Sugar Bayou, Thom Moon 10, Andrew Crosby, Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus, Sally Allen, Chris Van Loan, Daniel Cioper, Will T. Massey, Beth Galiger, and Richard Bowden!

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.

In Killeen, near Fort Hood, Under The Hood needs your donations and support!

http://www.underthehoodcafe.org/

“Support the Troops, Bring Them Home” | Communications Workers of America

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Once again the Communications Workers of America, the international union of which Texas State Employees Union is a local, reaffirms its opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  CWA passed this resolution at its recent convention in Washington, D.C.  In 2008 its anti-war resolution stressed the war in Iraq; this one gives more attention to the war in Afghanistan.

SUPPORT THE TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME

Resolution: 72A-10-9, July 28, 2010

Our country is now engaged in a great national debate about the war in Afghanistan, whether we should be there at all, and, if so, what our mission is and what resources are needed to carry out that mission.

The fateful decision President Obama made to add 30,000 troops in Afghanistan will affect our own country in profound ways for years to come, including whether President Obama will be able to carry out his commitment to rebuild our own country.

The earlier decision by President Bush to go to war in Iraq was based on false information and has already cost our country more than 4,400 soldiers’ lives, over 30,000 wounded, and more than $733 billion.

The labor movement, having worked so hard to elect our president, has a direct stake in President Obama’s capacity to direct the necessary resources to create jobs and rebuild America.

Some 35,000 CWA members, including public sector workers and telecommunications workers and many others have been surplused during this economic downturn and need to be able to get back to work immediately at good union wages, providing needed healthcare and public services and building affordable broadband access for all of America.

The United States has spent over $283 billion in Afghanistan already. The decision to send 30,000 more troops will cost at least $33 billion more this year, and could cost at least $100 billion a year for years to come. These funds are urgently needed to create and keep jobs here at home, and for other pressing needs, including rebuilding the nation’s physical and telecommunications infrastructure; aid to city and state governments to maintain public services; full veterans’ benefits; health care and quality education for all; housing relief in the foreclosure crisis; and the creation of millions of good jobs at fair wages in manufacturing, services, and green jobs.

Hundreds of thousands of brave and patriotic Americans, including CWA members, have enlisted in these wars and too many have made the ultimate sacrifice; yet those who return home too often find that the government help they need to regain their health and rebuild their lives is sorely lacking.

Resolved: CWA calls for an end to the wars and occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Resolved: CWA calls for withdrawal of all U.S. military forces and contractors from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Resolved: CWA calls for the use of diplomatic and multilateral measures to resolve these and the many other pressing conflicts around the globe.

Resolved: CWA calls for rebuilding America and redirecting funds used for these wars to urgently needed public and private sector job creation in this country, and to aid for state and local governments.

Resolved: CWA continues to support our troops and believes that the best support is to bring them home and give them the benefits they deserve, including but not limited to adequate medical and mental health care, employment training, and placement in jobs paying a living wage.

Killeen: War veterans/military family members blockade Fort Hood Iraq deployment

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: War Veterans/Military Family Members Successfully Blockade Fort Hood Deployment to Iraq.

by Matthis Chiroux on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 8:54am

Aug. 23, 2010 (KILLEEN, TX) – Five peace activists successfully blockaded six buses carrying Fort Hood Soldiers deploying to Iraq outside Fort Hood’s Clarke gate this morning at around 4 a.m. While the activists took the width of Clarke Rd. and slowed the buses to a halt, police made no arrests, but instead beat the activists out of the streets using automatic weapons and police dogs so the deploying Soldiers could proceed.

All five participants in the Fort Hood Disobeys blockade action. From left to right are Iraq Veterans Bobby Whittenberg-James and Crystal Colon, Jeff Grant, Military Spouse Cynthia Thomas and Afghanistan Veteran Matthis Chiroux. 

Among those blockading were three veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and one military spouse. (See attached bios) The action, organized by a group calling themselves “Fort Hood Disobeys,” was aimed at preventing the deployment of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Soldiers to what the veterans termed an illegal and immoral occupation.

While standing in the street, the activists held banners reading “Occupation is a Crime” and “Please Don’t Make the Same Mistake We Did. RESIST NOW.” From the TX HW-190 overpass, additional supporters attempted to hang larger banners that read, “Tell the Brass: ‘KISS MY ASS’ Your family needs you more” “Sick of Fighting Your Wars” and “Col. Allen [3 ACR Commander]: Do not deploy wounded Soldiers.”

This latest deployment comes less than two weeks after President Obama announced the second end to combat operations in Iraq. FHD organizers denounced this as a lie, and pointed to the deployment of the 3rd ACR, a combat regiment, to Iraq as clear proof. They have stated they will continue to organize direct action in the Fort Hood community to oppose the wars as long as troops continue to deploy.

The action organizers have established a website at forthooddisobeys.blogspot.com where they will be posting statements, photographs and video from the actions as they become available during the next 48 hours. As well, for the length of the day, FHD ran live webcasts updating their supporters and depicting portions of the direct action. All live broadcasts from the day are archived at http://bit.ly/b1WEyv.

 For more information or to arrange coverage of today’s events, call 347-613-8964 or write to [email protected] See attached bios for more information on those who participated in today’s action. . . .

for more, go to http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=419661411852&id=1289128291

See also Alice Embree:  Protesters Block Fort Hood Troop Deployment | The Rag Blog, http://theragblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/alice-embree-protesters-block-fort-hood.html

Austin: Under the Hood Cafe–House Party and Fundraiser

Thursday, May 6th, 2010
May 15, 2010
6:00 pmto9:00 pm

Under the Hood Cafe - House Party and Fundraiser, Saturday, 5/15


Hear the stories of active duty soldiers and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and learn about the work being done to support them at Under the Hood Cafe near Fort Hood. In the spirit of the “Oleo Strut”, Under the Hood is a pro-soldier, anti-war gathering place for soldiers to 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 Under the Hood have supported a number of soldiers and veterans dealing with the devastating after effects of war.
Live music, food and drinks. Suggested donation $10.
Location: 211 W. Live Oak, Austin

On Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=105710566138521&index=1

On the Web:  http://www.underthehoodcafe.org/

Houston: Rally Against Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

Friday, March 12th, 2010
March 20, 2010
2:00 pmto4:00 pm
On Saturday, March 20, a rally against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be held in Houston. The protest will begin at 2 pm in Mason Park, 75th Street and Tipps Street. We will demand that all the troops be brought home from Iraq and Afghanistan now, and that money be spent on jobs, housing, and health care instead of war. The rally will include speakers and entertainers.

The protest is being organized by the Progressive Workers Organizing Committee, Harris County Green Party, Proyecto Latinoamericana, International Socialist Organization, Latin American Organization for Immigrant Rights, International Action Center, and CPUSA Houston (list in formation). We urge the broadest possible participation in the March 20 protest, and we invite additional endorsements and assistance in mobilizing for this event. If you would like more information or if your organization would like to help, please call us at (832) 692-2306 or (281) 935-9248.
Contact info:  (832) 692-2306 or (281) 935-9248; [email protected]
http://www.hpjc.org/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&view=calendar&Itemid=18
(from the Houston Peace and Justice Center website)

Killeen: SICK OF FIGHTING THE WARS!

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
January 15, 2010
8:30 amto6:00 pm

Friday, January 15, 2010, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm

East Gate of Fort Hood, corner of fort hood st and veterans ave

We, the Soldiers and dependents of the military community are literally sick of fighting the wars of the past decade. Soldiers enter the Army ready and willing to fight for this country and come back plagued with nightmares, physical symptoms, PTSD, and TBI among other injuries. Instead of receiving adequate care from counselors and physicians, often Soldiers are over prescribed medications that conflict with each other and further debilitate rather than heal. Army counselors are over worked and not able to give the necessary treatment and the progressive treatment of the soldier reset clinic has yet to be branched out base wide despite the popularity and proven efficacy. Families of Soldiers are left emotionally separated by this maltreatment where oceans previously separated. Our Soldiers and families deserve better mental health and physical treatment beyond palliative care, but rather care that is progressive so that the we indeed can become “all that we can be” rather than the broken community that we currently are; plagued by suicides, alcoholism, domestic and child abuse, and joblessness following leaving the Army. COME STAND AT THE EAST GATE , CORNER OF RANCIER & FORT HOOD STREET, TO LET THE REST OF AMERICA KNOW THAT OUR SOLDIERS DESERVE BETTER TREATMENT!
0830-1800 COME AS YOU CAN
HOSTED BY UNDER THE HOOD CAFE

http://www.underthehoodcafe.org/

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=237445406725