On Sunday, Jan. 28th, 2024 three US Soldiers were killed by a terrorist drone attack on a base (Tower 22) in Jordan near the Syrian border.  The soldiers have been identified as:

1.  Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Carrollton, GA  Age 46

2.  SPC. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, Waycross, GA  Age 24

3.  SPC.  Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, Savannah, GA  Age 23

More than 30 additional troops were injured and 8 of these service members were evacuated for medical care due to serious injuries.

President Biden is vowing retaliation for the attack on our troops and the loss of our service members.  President Biden added in a statement on January 28, 2024 “These service members embodied the very best of our nation: Unwavering in their bravery, unflinching in their in their duty. Unbending in their commitment to our country – risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism. Have no doubt- we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing”.

The troops attacked in Jordan on Sunday were from the 718 Engineer Company, an Army Reserve Unit out of Fort Moore, GA.  The troops stationed at the Tower 22 Base were part of “Operation Inherent Resolve”, a US and Coalition mission to ensure the defeat of ISIS.

While the drone attack on our troops in Jordan is not directly linked to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, it is widely known that attacks on US troops have increased substantially since the start of the war on October 7.  To date, there have been more than 160 attacks on US troops reported in the Middle Eastern region since the conflict started.  The US has approximately 300,000 troops scattered across the Middle East and has deployed thousands of additional troops to the region including on warships, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

On Jan 11,2024 two Navy Seals also died during a mission off the Somali Coast, as they were tasked with interdicting weapons headed to Houthis.  These soldiers were 1.  Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher Chambers, age 37 and 2.  Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Gage Ingram, age 27.

MFSO also offers condolences to the families and loved ones of these soldiers and we mourn their loss as well.

Our Statement:

Military Families Speak Out Organization offers sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased soldiers and are overwhelmed with sadness. As family members of active military and veterans each of our members cares deeply for all of our troops and knows that this is the ultimate sacrifice our soldiers and military families make for our county. MFSO also wishes a speedy and full recovery for all of the injured in this and other attacks on our ships and bases.

On February 2, 2024 President Biden released this statement in response to the deaths of three American soldiers killed in Jordan by a drone launched by militant groups backed by Iran. “This afternoon, at my direction, US military forces struck targets at facilities in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC and affiliated militia use to attack US forces.”

Military Families Speak Out strongly oppose actions that will further jeopardize our soldiers at home and abroad.  We are opposed to engaging in another conflict in the Middle East and urge our leaders to take all precautions necessary to prevent escalation. 

Don Kimball, USAF Veteran, MFSO and Veterans for Peace member summed it up with the following:

“While we grieve with the families of those killed and wounded and will support them in any way we can, we fear more U.S. troop deaths as this country marches towards war with Iran. We call for diplomacy, not bombs to settle our differences.” 

MFSO believes we should honor our fallen troops by doing everything that we can to stop these conflicts and prevent another war.    

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In 2001 and 2002, the U.S. Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).  For over two decades, the AUMFs have affectively become a blank check for any president to put our military in harm’s way without oversight or meaningful national public debate.  U.S. counterterrorism operations from post 9/11 wars have expanded to at least 80 countries around the world, costing an estimated 5.9 trillion.  Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, injured, and displaced.

We must push Congress to repeal the both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs.  We echo Win Without War, “Repealing the 2002 AUMF would be a critical start to war powers reform”, but we must not stop there.  We must urge Congress to also repeal the 2001 AUMF.

MFSO updated AUMF campaign has several actions you can do:

1. call your representatives in Congress, let’s call each Monday for 6 weeks starting on July 11, 2022 Lets everyone call every Monday.
2. send postcards to both Foreign Relations Committees
3. visit your representative’s office
4. We are planning to add additional actions in the following weeks

Calling Congress Is Easier Than You Think — Here’s How to Do It!

One thing that you probably keep hearing is that you should call your elected officials. And yes, we understand that sounds a little bit scary. But honestly, it’s easier than you think. Calling is the most powerful way to put pressure on your representatives.

Why? It shows commitment to a cause. And representatives know that if they don’t hear the concerns of their constituents, it could impact their ability to get reelected.

The easiest thing is to call your senators and representative offices directly.

But if for some reason you are unable to do that, you also have the option of dialing 202-224-3121. This number will direct you to the Capitol switchboard. When you call, ask to be connected to your senator or representative. The operator will direct your call to their office.

What happens when you call?
A legislative assistant will answer the phone. They’ll ask if you need a response, and it’s better if you say you don’t. That way they can tally you down without having to go through the extra step of adding you to a response database. The most important part is to be clear that you are calling because you want your representative to work to “Repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF’s)” and that you are a member of Military Families Speak Out.

Sample script “I am calling as a Member of MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT.  I strongly urge that both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs be repealed”

Why you support or oppose certain legislation is irrelevant to them. The more people that call the representative’s office, the less detail the assistants will write down. Getting straight to the point makes things easier for everyone — including those who are waiting for their phone calls to be picked up.

Also, please call the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at: 202-224-4651

Sample script “I am calling as a member of Military Families Speak Out.  I strongly urge that S.J.Res.10* be passed and that the members work to repeal the 2001 AUMF.”

Send postcards
We have developed postcards you can print out on your home printer! You will need to use 60 LB or heavier paper and print on both sides which will give you 4 postcards.
If you don’t have a printer call/text 562-833-8035 or email MFSOOC@earthlink.net and we will send you 10-20 postcards. Link to postcard

Visit your Representatives in your home state when they are there. Call your local office to obtain a schedule of when they will be “home”.  Make an appointment!

Talking Points on the AUMF
Link to AUMF talking points

*S.J.Res.10 is a joint resolution to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq, and for other purposes.

PLEASE JOIN US IN THIS EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THESE AUMF’S BEFORE THEY CAN BE USED AGAIN TO SEND OUR LOVED ONES TO WAR.

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Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, the MFSO Board was asked to write a position statement. Since then, thousands of Ukrainian citizens have died and  six million civilians have been forced to flee their homes. Thoughtful input from our members, a review of our mission statement along with recent developments have moved us to update our previous position statement. Please keep in mind that MFSO is not a pacifist organization and understand that the issue of self-defense can be complicated, but MFSO will continue to speak out against unjust wars where the US military is involved. Our opinions on the war in Ukraine should only reflect the possibility of the involvement of US troops. Therefore, we believe:

•           There is no military solution to the war in Ukraine.

•           We support any and all efforts to end the war in Ukraine through diplomatic means

•           The US/NATO should not declare a “No Fly Zone”

•           The US should continue to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine and support the current medical, nutritional, shelter and other needs of the Ukrainian people now.