Military Families Speak Out applauds President Joe Biden’s and Secretary of Defense General Lloyd Austin’s decision to drain the fuel tanks at the United States Navy’s Red Hill storage facility on the Hawaiian island of Oahu of 125 million gallons of fuel that were contaminating the base’s water supply.  The recent emergency relocation of 4,000 military families on the Hawaiian island of Oahu due to the leaking fuel tanks called for quick action to protect those who serve from the contaminated drinking water. MFSO is greatly relieved to hear of this important step that has been taken to protect the health and safety of our troops and their families.  

Military members and their families face many hardships in the service of their country, but being exposed to hazardous chemicals such as petroleum products and PFOC’s, the “forever chemicals, shouldn’t be one of them. Subjecting our service members and their families to hazardous conditions is not only extremely unsettling for military personnel, but could also contribute to a national security crisis. MFSO member US Army Colonel (Ret.) Ann Wright, speaking of the situation regarding military families in Oahu said, “National security involves the health and welfare of our people.”

MFSO urges the President to drain the fuel tanks in Oahu without any further delay and to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to set Minimum Safe Levels for PFOC exposure to protect our military families and the surrounding communities at this base and the other 400 bases that are being evaluated for contamination. In addition, free testing kits for measuring PFOC exposure should be made available to all concerned, as well as increased medical monitoring of those affected by the contamination.

(MFSO) extends our deepest condolences and unwavering support to the communities of New Orleans and Las Vegas in the wake of these heartbreaking tragedies. The pain and trauma experienced by survivors, families, and first responders echo the profound struggles that military families and veterans know all too well.

As families of service members, we recognize the long-lasting impact of violence and disaster. Survivors of mass violence and natural disasters often face emotional scars that are invisible yet deeply damaging. The fear, helplessness, and grief that arise from such events can trigger or intensify post-traumatic stress (PTS), a condition that many of our veterans and military families confront daily.

Post-traumatic stress is not limited to the battlefield; it is a reality for anyone who has endured life-threatening experiences. In the aftermath of these tragedies, many survivors may experience flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and isolation—symptoms similar to those faced by veterans returning from war. These shared struggles highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and compassionate care for all affected individuals.

MFSO calls on policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to prioritize trauma-informed care and expand mental health resources for survivors of violence and disaster. Just as our veterans require ongoing support for invisible wounds, so too do the countless civilians now burdened by trauma.

Let us unite to support healing and recovery, recognizing that the path forward requires empathy, understanding, and action. No one should have to navigate the lasting effects of trauma alone.

In solidarity,
Military Families Speak Out

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Veterans marching for stopping deportation of veterans during the NY #VeteransDay Parade. #militaryfamiliesspeakout

MFSO and Unified U.S. Deported Veterans have developed a joint petition to President Biden to support deported veterans this Veterans Day

What can you do to support veterans today?

Many people don’t even know that US veterans are being deported! They deserve to come home to their loved ones and to the country for which they were willing to lay down their lives. As president Biden prepares to leave office, the lives of our recently returned veterans are at stake. Now is the time for us to stand up for them before they are forgotten. Sign the petition below to make sure that veterans who have returned are not deported again and that those veterans who are desperately waiting for approval from Homeland Security can finally come home. Let’s stand up for our veterans, this Veterans Day.

Dear President Biden:

We, the undersigned, urge you to sign the 25 pending requests for presidential pardons for those veterans who have returned so that they may remain in the US. We also request that you reach out to Homeland Security to expedite the process for granting humanitarian paroles for those deported US veterans waiting for approval to come home. Please honor the commitments you have made to support all US veterans and ensure that they will all be able to access all of their rightfully earned VA benefits.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

NEXT CALL THE NUMBER BELOW and leave a message for President Biden. Ask him to sign the 25 pending requests for presidential pardons for those veterans who have returned so that they may remain in the US and ask Homeland Security to grant humanitarian paroles for the deported veterans waiting to come home. 202-456-1111

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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