Please join us at Under the Hood café in Killeen at 11am on May 25th for a peaceful noon march to the gates of Ft. Hood. Bring water, signs, and tolerance (this ain’t Austin, folks!), plan to stay afterwards to eat and visit. See the UTH website for directions www.underthehoodcafe.org

Many of you have asked me, “how can I support you?” Well, this is how. Not only will you support me, you will show your solidarity with soldiers who are considering resistance. I guarantee that your participation in this event will have a stronger impact than participation at any anti-war rally in Austin. You will certainly not be “preaching to the choir” here in Killeen.

I think it is safe to say that most soldiers have never even seen a protest in their entire lives. Many soldiers think anti-war protesters are people who hate the troops and call them “baby killers.” Let’s show the troops our concern for their voices and their rights and let us come together to demonstrate peace and compassion.

These wars will continue until soldiers refuse to fight them. Almost every soldier I know is disillusioned with these wars. Most of them are opposed to the war in Iraq, and many are opposed to the war in Afghanistan. Some consider resisting but do not because they are not aware of a large community ready to support them. It will only take a few bold actions to spur the GI anti-war movement. Fort Hood is the largest American military installation in the world. If the GI resistance movement takes off here, it is just a matter of time before other military communities follow.

I have learned from personal experience, nothing is as powerful or inspirational as hearing the cries of “They’re our brothers, they’re our sisters, WE SUPPORT WAR RESISTERS!” These chants are heard in the progressive communities of Austin and even in Fort Worth, though not a single soldier stationed at Fort Hood has heard it in Killeen.

Veterans, your participation is vital to the success of this event. You know better than anyone that Killeen needs to see a big anti-war demonstration. I hope to see you and the entire peace community there.

Power to the People,
Victor Agosto