Links

As a bit of support to the argument that this group of veterans (vfp156) is not alone in attempting to bring out the truths about enlistment, here is a fairly comprehensive list of organizations that say pretty much the same thing, in addition to those links cited in other sections on this website. We start with a section of links/information about those organizations and programs in and around the Rogue Valley that address veterans issues, including PTSD counseling, etc.

Local (Rogue Valley, OR) Links

The Ashland Peace House serves the local and regional community as a resource center for non-violence that encourages individual and group participation to further peace and social justice issues.

The mission of the Welcome Home Project is to bridge the historic gap between civilian and military worlds through the production and distribution of the documentary film, Voices of Vets.

Although the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF - United States Section) is an international organization, we have a local Branch in Ashland. WILPF works to create an environment of political, economic, social and psychological freedom for all members of the human community, so that true peace can be enjoyed by all. Oregon and local contacts can be found here.

Medford's Citizens for Peace and Justice (CPJ), who's primary Mission Statement is "Embracing peace within ourselves."

Rogue Valley Veterans Administration - VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics at 8495 Crater Lake Hwy., White City, OR 97503. Phone: 541-826-2111/Fax: 541-830-3500. According to this article and it's sidebar, while rated very highly right now, the 755 bed facility may be dramatically growing in the future.

AFFILIATIONS * Oregon Health Sciences University * Oregon Institute of Technology * University of Portland * Portland State University * Northern Illinois University * Southern Oregon University

SPECIAL PROGRAMS * Intensive Case Management * Day Treatment Program * Experiential Learning Program * Primary Care * Substance Abuse Program * Vocational Rehabilitation

Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) 2819 Dahlia Street Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Phone: 541 273-6206 Fax: 541 273-6207

Plus, there is the Grants Pass Veteran's Center, 211 S.E. 10th St., Grants Pass, OR 97526, and the

Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Rd., Eagle Point, OR 97524

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National Links

The American Friends Service Committee's Youth & Militarism site offers resources for young people concerned about making their way in the world. Here they can find help with understanding the reality behind military recruitment pitches, conscientious objection, and non-military career alternatives. [The information provided here is generally accurate but, to me, seems to be against the military as much as war. We see some benefits for some people to serve in the military, and can accept the military being a part of international diplomacy, but we are strongly against war as a "first option." - Don Chapin, webmaster, VFP156]

Here is a nonprofit featured on the CNN's AC 360 show of Oct 23, 2008 and included in their special "Back From the Battle." The website of Homes for Our Troops states: "Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004. This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries. We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility."
Although they have no current applications in the State of Oregon, they are to be strongly commended for what they do.

Bring Them Home Now consists of military families, veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and others opposed to the ongoing war in Iraq. "Without just cause for war, we say bring the troops home now!"

Soldier Say No and Peacehost.org are two websites by Gerry Condon dedicated to war resisters.

Courage to Resist is another website dedicated to war resisters, with profiles of those it is supporting to one extent or another. "Although the efforts of Courage to Resist are primarily focused on supporting public GI resisters, the organization also strives to provide political, emotional, and material support to all military objectors critical of our government's current policies of empire. As a grassroots project with limited resources, Courage to Resist nevertheless has a record of successfully working with many resisters and their families in raising the needed funds for civilian legal representation as well as public education campaigns."

"... a place here for political commentary and information regarding struggles for justice."

Call to Conscience is a group of veterans representing a variety of different political perspectives and experiences. "We feel that, as veterans of the U.S. military, we need to speak directly to the troops who are being deployed to Iraq for Bush War II."

The Center on Conscience & War (CCW) works to defend and extend the rights of conscientious objectors. The Center is committed to supporting all those who question participation in war, whether they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, documented or undocumented immigrants, or citizens in other countries.

Citizen Soldier is a GI rights organization offering a wide variety of resources on current and historical topics.

Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft (COMD) challenges the military, its effect on society, its budget, its role abroad and at home, and the racism, sexism, and homophobia that are inherent in the armed forces.

Gold Star Families for Peace is affiliated with Military Families Speak Out. "We-as families of soldiers who have died as a result of war (primarily but not limited to the invasion/occupation of Iraq)-are organizing to be a positive force in our world, to bring our country's sons and daughters home from Iraq, to minimize the 'human cost' of this war, and to prevent other families from (experiencing) the pain we are feeling as the result of our losses. We are also hoping to be lifetime support for each other through our losses."

Iraq Veterans Against the War welcomes anybody who has served in the military (active duty, national guard, and reservists) since September 11, 2001. (Military members who are currently serving can be guaranteed confidentiality.) The main objectives of IVAW are: 1. Bring the troops home now; 2. Support Iraqi reconstruction in whatever way possible; 3. Support our veterans and our troops now and upon their return home.(215) 241-7123

Military Families Speak Out is an organization of people who are opposed to the war in Iraq and who have relatives or loved ones in the military. Membership currently includes over 2,000 military families. (617) 983-0710

National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth(NNOMY) brings together national, regional, and local organizations to oppose the growing intrusion of the military in young people's lives. NNOMY can help the nation understand that providing youth with peaceful and viable alternatives for achieving success in life is an important sign of a civilized society. (215) 241-7176

PeaceAware promotes peaceful alternatives to local, national, and global conflicts. Secondary school students or their parents can download a Section 9528 Request (Opt-Out Form for Secondary Students). The submission of this form to school officials requires them to refrain from sharing a student's personal information with military recruiters, in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Veterans Against the Iraq War is a coalition of U.S. veterans who support our troops but oppose war with Iraq or any other nation that does not pose a clear and present danger to our people and nation. They say: "Support the troops; oppose the policy." (201) 876-0430

Our organization Veterans for Peace (VFP) includes veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, other conflicts, and peacetime veterans. Members believe that U.S. citizens will be secure at home only when there is peace and justice abroad. VFP seeks to abolish war as an instrument of international policy. Contact headquarters at (314) 725-6005 or locally at About Us.

The War Resisters League affirms that all war is a crime against humanity. See their Youth and Counter-Militarism Program and Revolution Out of Truth and Struggle (ROOTS). Both campaigns promote nonviolence, justice, and an end to the militarization of youth.

Voices in the Wilderness (VITW) was formed in 1996 to nonviolently challenge the economic warfare being waged by the United States against the people of Iraq, and to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Testimonies of VITW members staying in Iraq, and extensive information on U.S. policy there, are available at their website. Also see Voices for Creative Nonviolence

Join the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) in calling on Congress to introduce and pass the Sensible Transition to Enduring Peace (STEP) Resolution, which states that the United States will withdraw all U.S. troops and bases from Iraq. This simple resolution will build unity on a policy of peace for Iraq. (800) 630-1330, (202) 547-6000

Photojournalist Linda Panetta focuses on cultural, environmental, and human rights, with particular emphasis on conflict zones (some past, some current), including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Colombia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Haiti. She also has chronicled SOA Watch's annual November vigil and civil disobedience at Ft. Benning, GA. (215) 473-2162

SOA Watch (SOAW) works to stand in solidarity with the people of Latin America, to close the SOA/WHINSEC, and to change the oppressive U.S. foreign policy that the SOA represents. Numerous videos, books, a newsletter, and other activist tools are available at their website. Follow this link. National SOA Watch office:(202) 234-3440

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and pressing 1, you will be connected with round-the-clock access to mental health professionals who focus solely on helping veterans.

SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) - This nonprofit's mission is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma, and serve as a resource for those touched by suicide. According to the Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW), "Suicide is a very real threat for veterans. A recent CBS news investigation found that, in 2005, veterans were twice as likely to commit suicide as non-vets, with 120 veteran suicides each week. Those of us who are between the ages of 20-24 have the highest rate of suicides, between 2 - 4 times higher than our civilian peers."

Veterans and Mesothelioma (this is a repeat from the "Before You Enlist" page): Currently, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected medical condition.
Due to common military practices (... and how many veterans medical problems is this an excuse for??), veterans who served between 1940 and 1970 have a great risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. Additionally, Navy personnel and workers employed in shipyards from the 1930s through the 1970s hold a greater risk of developing a disease caused by asbestos exposure.
However, even if a veteran has been diagnosed with mesothelioma (of which nearly 100 percent of all cases are caused by asbestos exposure), the VA may not approve their claim for disability compensation - unless the veteran can provide evidence that their mesothelioma is as likely as not to have been caused by exposure to asbestos while in service.

Vets 4 Vets is a peer support group for recent veterans. In weekend workshops and local groups, veterans talk and listen to each other to help heal from negative wartime and military experiences. Contact them to find out about upcoming workshops. 520-319-5500

For spiritual approaches to the peace process, there's The World Peace Exercise and Light Path Resources.

National Veterans Foundation is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that gives assistance, information, and resources to veterans from all military branches. 1-888-777-4443