Tomorrow, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans from around the country will converge on Capitol Hill to meet with their senators--face-to-face--and tell them not to undermine General Petraeus and the new strategy. The response from vets has been very strong and is gaining momentum every hour.
Already, at least 25 veterans from around the country--on very short notice and on their own dime--have committed to traveling to Washington, DC from as far as Texas, Missouri, Michigan, and Florida. Our vets have small group meetings scheduled with a number of prominent--yet wobbly--senators, and will also have a group meeting with Senate leaders to discuss Iraq war policy. In addition, be on the lookout for our afternoon press conference, which will take place just off the Senate floor.
It's not too late for you to join us! If you'd like to come, just go to www.vetsforfreedom.org/tenweeks and sign up. Or RSVP with Adriel Domenech, our Field Director, at 501-412-1224. I hope vets in local states--Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York--will consider taking the day-off and making the trip. It's not much to ask...and will be worth your time.
And again, if you're not sure if you should get involved, check out what radical anti-war groups are planning. They go so far as to "express solidarity with the resistance movements in [Iraq and Afghanistan]." People like this are on Capitol Hill every day and we can't let their loud voices be the only ones Congress hears. There is too much at stake.
Two Urgent Action Items:
1) Sunday's New York Times included an egregious front-page article about how, supposedly, military families are turning against the war in droves. The piece is full of anecdotes, and short on fact. Please write a brief letter to the editor today, taking issue with the story. Click here to read the article. Send your letters to: letters@nytimes.com. Keep them short (less than 150 words) and make clear which story you are responding to (also include your address and phone number). The most powerful story you can tell is your own, but also feel free to cite some of the facts below:
The story mentions a group called 'Iraq Veterans Against the War', which was started in 2004 and boasts 500 members. But it failed to mention Vets for Freedom, which was started in 2006 (two years later) and already has over 5,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans members who believe in the mission. (www.VetsforFreedom.org)Side note: Vets for Freedom is coordinating with both Families United and Appeal for Courage to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The story mentions a group called "Military Families Speak Out" which was started in 2002 and boasts 3,500 member families. But it failed to mention "Families United for our Troops and Their Mission" which was started in August, 2005 and already has 37,000 members who believe in the mission. (http://www.familiesunitedmission.com)
The story mentions a group called "Appeal for Redress" which was started in September 2006 and boasts 2,000 members. But it failed to mention the "Appeal for Courage," which was also started in 2006 and already has over 3,300 members who believe in the mission. (www.AppealforCourage.org)
2) Don't forget to call the 2 Senators from Virginia on Tuesday to reinforce the efforts of our "Vets on the Hill": John Warner (202) 224-202311), Jim Webb (202) 224-4024.
Together, our voices will be heard on Capitol Hill and throughout America--because the vast majority of troops and their families support the mission, and believe General Petraeus should be given the time and resources he needs to succeed.
Thank you for all your efforts and support. God bless,
Pete Hegseth
Iraq War Veteran 2005-2006
Executive Director, Vets for Freedom
Go to Vets for Freedom/10 weeks for the latest on the "10 Weeks to Testimony." Click here to Donate to Vets for Freedom.
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