MFSO position statement on Ukraine

MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT POSITION STATEMENT ON UKRAINE 

Tensions are running high among military families over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The  US responded by sending 7,000 additional US troops to Europe. Many of our MFSO members  are re-living the painful moments that led us into the endless wars in the Middle East. Although  President Biden has promised to not send US troops to Ukraine, and has made some diplomatic  efforts to diffuse tensions, we military families can see the writing on the wall.  

The situation in Ukraine is dire, and we are already witnessing a tragic humanitarian crisis of  hundreds of innocent civilians fleeing Ukraine to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Once again,  the possibility that our loved ones will be dragged into combat looms large. This time, however,  we are witnessing two nuclear armed nations who are taking us to the brink of an international catastrophe, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sadly, while civilians will suffer as a result of the  draconian sanctions that have been imposed on Russia, we are painfully aware that the military  industrial complex will profit from weapon sales.  

MFSO condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the US reaction of sending additional US  troops to Europe. We believe there is no military solution to this crisis. We appeal to Russia to  withdraw its troops from Ukraine and demand that the US withdraw the additional troops it sent to NATO nations with the intent of intimidating Russia. We demand that the US not take any  further military action and not send any more military aid/weapons. Any further US military  intervention could only result in another endless war. 

Now is not the time to recall or cancel any meetings with Russian diplomats. We must learn from our disastrous interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq the importance of using diplomacy instead  of meaningless posturing. We call on President Biden to accept President Putin’s offer to meet in  Minsk, Belarus and resume diplomatic negotiations now. Both Russia and the US need to stand  down and step back.  

Pat Alviso 

Military Families Speak Out  

National Coordinator 

562-833-8035 

mfsooc@earthlink.net

MFSO NewsLetter for February 2022

It’s the time of year that we make our annual appeal for funds.  Every dollar is thoughtfully managed and put to good use. Your generous support has made our vital work possible.

2021 has been a challenging year. With the support of our families, our steadfast allies and you, we are motivated to work harder in 2022 to bring all remaining US troops out of the Syria and Iraq.  After 20 years of the ‘forever war” in Afghanistan, we military families were beyond relieved that our troops finally began withdrawing last August 31^st. MFSO’s Welcome Home Campaign was not only yellow ribbons and banners, but rather a challenge to bring all of our troops home, and a stern reminder for the public that for many military families, the war is not over. (View video here) Our loved ones will continue to struggle with suicide and PTS; injuries that are physical, psychological, and moral, and we understand full well that military families are on the front lines for taking care of our troops when they return.

Within the MFSO organization strong bonds exist that hold us together because of our shared experience. Although our hearts ache every day our troops remain in harm’s way, MFSO provides us with a safe place to express our hurts with others who understand.  Over the years the support we have received from our friends has empowered us to stay in the struggle and do all we can to reduce the shameful daily average of 17 veteran suicides and advocate for improved services for veterans and military families. We recognize that to really stop endless wars we need to get to the root of the problem and work hard to repeal both AUMFs- that is the Authorization for the Use of Military Force.

You can help us continue to have our voices heard. MFSO partners with many other organizations such as Veterans for Peace, The Poor People’s Campaign, About Face, United US Deported Veterans, United for Peace and Justice and Win Without War to bring the voices of our loved ones to light.  But it’s not enough. Going forward takes commitment and money. We have no membership dues, only each other and you.

For over 19 years MFSO has provided a unique voice and steadfast presence, amplifying the voices of military families who choose to speak out against the endless wars – sometimes even risking their relationships with family.

Won’t you please consider making a one-time tax-deductible donation this year or support the work military families do every day by becoming a monthly sustaining contributor?  Your donations will help MFSO grow stronger and ensure our plans for next year will become a reality.  Donation

Also, please consider offering the gift of your time.  If you can assist with our social media, a monthly newsletter, or other small task, please contact us at mfsooc@earthlink.net /562-833-8035

Let’s work together to make 2022 the year that we repeal the AUMFs, so we bring all our troops come home and that the people in our country and the Middle East can begin the task of healing.

Military Families Speak Out
The MFSO Board
Arturo Cambron, Diane Picotte-Haberdank, Melissa Castaneda, Robert Vivar, Ellen Barfield, Don Kimball, Bill Schuerer, Pat Alviso, Jeff Merrick, Kharis Murphy

 

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Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) is compelled to take a stand against the indiscriminate use of combat drones by our military in situations where the threat to the lives of civilians often results in PTS and moral injury to our military service members.

Although MFSO recognizes the need for advanced military technology and the use of combat drones to directly support troops on the ground, we strongly oppose the use of drone airstrikes when there is a likelihood of civilian casualties.

Military families welcome end of U.S. war in Afghanistan

ABC News: Outreach Program with Veterans, Military Families Welcome Service Members Home from Afghanistan