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 

July 2021 Newsletter 

Troops Home Now! 

Editorials from MFSO members: 

Pat Alviso, Long Beach, CA 

“After 20 years… I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving  a different outcome.” .. “How many more- how many thousands more of American’s daughters and sons are you willing to risk? How  long would you have them stay?” Already we have members of our military whose parents fought in Afghanistan 20 years ago. Would  you send their children and their grandchildren as well? Would you send you own son or daughter?” “We did not go into Afghanistan  

to nation-build. And it’s the right and the responsibility of the Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run  their country”… “Just one more year of fighting in Afghanistan is not a solution’’…moving the withdrawal timeline “would be a  recipe for being there indefinitely.” – President Joe Biden 

Do these words sound familiar? They are almost the same words and persuasive arguments MFSO members  have been saying for years to voice our opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Time after time, place  after place, and year after year, military families across the country courageously spoke out and made these  same discerning and salient points. This time, however, the words are coming from the president of the United  States and that’s a stark change from statements made by earlier presidents. 

If only these words had come from any of the earlier presidents- Bush, Obama and Trump! Countless lives and  an incalculable amount of suffering could have been prevented. But as war-weary and devastated as we are by  these wars, we are glad to hear them- finally. We can now recognize that something different is happening and that this is a major turning point that deserves recognition. The price has been too great, but it seems that we are  getting close to ending this terrible chapter in US and Afghan history at last.  

Although President Biden was quick to point out that the 300,000 Afghan troops are capable of defeating the  75,000 Taliban, we are not naïve about the possibility of a Taliban takeover. Whether they do or not, we will always believe that we have nothing to gain by continuing to put our troops in harm’s way by keeping them there any longer. We have been saying for years, that every day we stay, we just make more enemies. Nothing  will bring any of our loved ones back that died, or ease the immeasurable amount of suffering our families have  have endured, and still do. Yes, anything can happen at this point, but we should not allow ourselves to get  stuck in the trap of thinking “nothing’s changed” and close our eyes to the reality of the large de-escalation and  the push back that is happening at this very moment. This “push back” is coming from those who don’t care  about us or our troops and want to keep them there forever and with no different mission.  

With 90% of troops withdrawals already complete, (including from the iconic Bagram Air Base hub), and a  publically announced exit date of Aug. 31st, we can easily track the large US exodus. Sadly, it’s apparently not a big headline to the general public who, in the past few years shrugged off that war entirely, or worse yet,  would tell us that they thought that war had already ended! We never “forgot” or stopped pushing to bring them  home, but we also know that even when all troops leave it will be far from over for military families. This will only be the beginning of the healing process. The war will not end for us at home, but it’s a milestone and we  need to be at the forefront of conversations about what’s next. 

Now is not the time to get caught up in unsupported claims that we are not really leaving Afghanistan and that  nothing’s changed really, or that there’s hidden troop numbers, troops left to protect the embassy is nothing  more than a cover for mercenaries to stay, that contractors or secret black ops will remain or that we’re  abandoning our allies. I understand and can relate to why even some of our members are responding to the news  of withdrawal with such skepticism. Clearly, we are used to being disappointed and find it hard to believe that  the US is really pulling out of Afghanistan albeit only ground troops at this point. Let’s just accept this major  step as an important milestone, take a moment to take credit, along with our allies, for helping change the  course of these disastrous wars and internalize the fact that our mantra- that we should bring them home now- is  the popular and right view and we can now visualize itWe’ve got to keep our eye on the ball while the situation on the ground changes quickly. We need to focus and put our energy into speaking out against the big push  back that is happening in full swing from many voices who are painting the withdrawals as the US “turning tail”  and that leaving means losing. We also need to speak out against the foreboding and continued US  airstrikes*and prepare for the huge humanitarian and refugee crisis that is sure to follow. We must also give our  full attention to getting our loved ones out of Iraq and Syria and to making sure wars of aggression that lead to  “forever wars” like Afghanistan never happens again. 

 WHAT CAN MFSO MEMBERS DO? 

MFSO members can play a critical role in counteracting this narrative by making sure our unique voice is heard  and amplified. The opportunity to mark the final withdrawal of US troops out of Afghanistan has been  announced for Aug. 31, and we will all have an opportunity to reach out to the media at a time when people will  want to hear what military families and veterans have to say about the true cost of war. We are the ones the  media will want to interview because we have been directly impacted by war, even if you don’t have a loved  one who served in Afghanistan. We are the voice of authority and people do listen to us. Please help by  planning your own event on this day to mark the occasion any way you deem appropriate. Once President Biden  makes his announcement (Aug. 31st?) we are asking you to join other military families and veterans and to spring into action by having an event in your neighborhood. So far we have five families that will be hosting a Welcome Back event, which can take place outdoors or indoors. Your board has prepared up-to-date talking  points, a flyer you can personalize, a press release, assistance getting the media to your event, and tech support  from our intern Sebastian. 

We can’t afford to let this moment pass us by. While many cast doubts about the reality of us actually leaving  Afghanistan, we can show that we are not going to be caught unawares, that our stories are relevant and that we  are moving forward to ensure this exit is completed and especially that wars like these never happen again. Yes,  the wars aren’t over yet, but we are compelled to plan now because we know we are the best ones to tell the  whole story in a way no one else can. Please, MFSO members- let’s own this moment and step up- this golden opportunity is right before us.  

To hold an event in your area please contact Pat Alviso, Rossana Cambron (562-833-8035 or email at  mfsooc@earthlink.net)-West Coast, Diane Picotte- -Haberdank (mstwobyfour@yahoo.com)– Midwest, Don  Kimball (don.kimball@yahoo.com-East Coast. Our intern, Sebastian will also help with any technology  requests 

*The President has been using the phrase “over-the-horizon capacity that we can be value added.” He is referring to a plan, that appears might cost $10 billion, to fly  drones and manned attack aircraft from bases as far away as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to “assist the current Afghan central government in defending  itself against the Taliban”. 

In the News:  

Biden administration formally launches effort to return deported veterans to U.S. Homeland Security  Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. “We are committed to bringing back military service  members, veterans, and their immediate family members who were unjustly removed and ensuring they receive  the benefits to which they may be entitled.” Good news but we still need to keep the pressure on to return all  deported veterans and family members. Link 

Most European troops exit Afghanistan quietly after 20 years The majority of European troops have now  left with little ceremony — a stark contrast to the dramatic and public show of force and unity when NATO  allies lined up to back the U.S. invasion to rid the country of al-Qaida after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Link 

U.S. military vacates main air base in Afghanistan but slows withdrawal plan U.S. officials discussed  keeping Bagram open longer, as the Taliban continues an offensive, but the Biden administration decided to go  ahead with its withdrawal plan. Nightmares of ramp ceremonies and torture remain at the base. Link 

Pentagon chiefs insist flat defense budget is enough Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the House Armed  Services Committee the requested 2022 Military budget of 1.6% increase and 16% non-defense budget is “ just  right”. Unfunded requirements, trade-offs for which weapon system to buy and considering the “threat” of  China as the reason we need to increase the military budget are debated on Capitol Hill- details here Link

Cotton, Pentagon chief tangle over diversity training in military Austin has made tackling extremism a  priority after a number of individuals arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack were found to have  military backgrounds. Link 

Turkey is in discussions to operate and secure Afghanistan’s International Airport– Kabul airport is  Afghanistan’s only gateway to the world and vital for diplomatic missions in the country to continue. Taliban  spokesperson says Turkey’s presence as NATO member would be perceived the same as the US remaining  there. Link 

The cost of the Afghanistan war, in lives and dollars A good article with great data and talking points from  Linda Bilmes of Harvard University’s Kennedy School and from the Brown University’s Costs of War Project on Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Link 

News from the MFSO Board: 

∙ One piece of our campaign to keep the pressure on so that we can ensure that all of our troops leave  Afghanistan, MFSO approved writing a letter to President Biden thanking him for making the call to  withdraw troops from Afghanistan by Aug. 31 and also pressing him stop to airstrikes and protect our  allies that helped our troops.  

∙ Welcome Back from Afghanistan Campaign– The MFSO board asks you to be part of the plan to  make sure our troops are recognized as they withdraw from Afghanistan. Please host an event to mark  this important milestone that recognizes the end of our presence so you can share your our own stories  about the true cost of war. We will help you get the media there. MFSO has organized many support  materials and campaign coordinators to make your event easy. mfsooc@earthlink.net 

∙ VFP Convention– Please join us for this year’s Veterans for Peace online convention with this year’s  theme “Rising to the Moment”. Look for our ad in this year’s convention booklet. Spread the word link 

∙ Please welcome our new part-time intern, Sebastian Munoz-McDonald from Dartmouth College. In  addition to having many skills in the area of organizing, Sebastian interested in counter recruitment and  gender equity. He is also an intern for On Earth Peace(link). On Earth Peace, under the leadership of MFSO board member Bill Scherer, has been a great ally and fiscal manager for our interns and we are  grateful for their steadfast support over the years. 

From Jeff’s desk 

Leaving Afghanistan is great news which I have looked forward to for a long time. I’m sad about the current  state of the country, but as my stepdad was known for saying, we need to move forward and not look back sometimes. Sadly, I think that Afghanistan with its corrupt government will probably fail and the Taliban will  re-impose Islamic fundamentalist rule, including its oppressive treatment of women. The last 20 years have  been painful for military families, Afghan civilians and American foreign policy, but at least we been shown some useful lessons about nation building. I just hope we can learn from them. Now that we are a more  experienced nation, I hope we will STOP saying we are the best and stop believing we need to make all nations  like ourselves. I don’t believe that we can or should fix the world. Welcome Back, US Troops- Let’s get all the  rest of your brothers and sisters home from Iraq and Syria next.  

Note: The opinions above and in future editorials do not reflect any official stance approved by the MFSO board, which meets  monthly and posts official positions decided by the board on our website. Your responses and opinions are welcome. If you would like  to send your own editorial on any MFSO related issue, please send to mfsooc@earthlink.net 

Contributions & editing by: Jeff Merrick & Pat Alviso 

4,586 American Troops killed in Iraq; 2,452 American Troops killed in Afghanistan

Like many other non-profits, our ability to raise operating funds has been impacted by COVID-19.  We had planned on participating in many events this year and have a surplus of t-shirts that we have not been able to sell at our usual tabling events.  Please consider helping us spead the word about MFSO and our mission by purchasing and wearing your MFSO T-Shirt!

Available in all adult sizes in either white or black.

To donate by check, please make your check out to MFSO and send to:

Join Veterans For Peace and Military Families Speak Out for Armistice Day on The Mall in Washington DC on 11/11/2018. 

Visit www.NoTrumpMilitaryParade.us for a full list of the weekend events.

This includes a concert on McPherson Square Saturday night, an interfaith service Sunday morning, a solemn veteran and military family-led march on Sunday at 9:00 am and more events at McPherson Square Sunday afternoon, including a BBQ for homeless vets.

As we approach the end of the Obama administration and prepare for the many inevitable challenges we will face under the new president’s administration, we wish to remind you that Military Families Speak Out is focused and prepared to do everything we can to stop the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen and call for the immediately withdrawal of our troops. We are studying and preparing our position statements on potential cabinet appointments because we understand how these choices can deeply affect what happens to our troops and their families.

After 15 years of military intervention, which has resulted in the needless loss of lives and trillions spent on endless wars, we find ourselves no closer to peace and so during this season of giving and hope, we are asking you, our friend and ally, to help us continue the important work of Military Families Speak Out.

Military Families Speak Out is in a unique position to demonstrate the futility of continuing our military presence in the Middle East. We must end our military presence in these countries and stop the bombing and destruction. We must demand our leaders use diplomacy and address the root causes of these wars.  There is no military solution to our problems in the Middle East and surrounding areas.  We need to stop sending our troops to wars that are unending and unwinnable.  We need to stop multiple deployments which hurt our troops and their families.  We need to focus on caring for our troops, our military families and all the civilians who have suffered from these many wars.

We invite you to help us by making a donation to MFSO this year. Since 2002, Military Families Speak Out has been on the front lines organizing and publicly speaking out.  Our commitment to be heard is unstoppable, but we need your help.

Over the years your generosity has helped us become strong and we are listened to by many in our neighborhoods and around the globe. Your support, especially this year, will help us broaden our membership to younger military families who are affected by recent deployments. It will help us keep watch over the new administration’s appointments and policies.  MFSO members work around the clock preparing members to speak to the media, and are there to help them and be by their side when they find the courage to speak out and share their stories of separation and loss. Our leadership is there to make sure their stories are spread on social and printed media.

This past year, your donations helped us to send members such as Tim Kahlor, ever-vigilant Army dad, and Marcia Westbrook, Gold Star mom, to national events so they could tell their compelling stories in New York   and Washington DC. This year we will be present at the Women’s March on Washington and any other events where we are needed. Our current campaign for letters of condolences to families, who have had a military member die by suicide stateside, will need a new push under the new administration.

A donation of any amount will help us continue the work we already do and also help us continue our coordinated actions and monthly strategy meetings with executive directors from Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. Support is greatly needed to keep up with the regular demands we receive at our donated office in California, that come from military families around the country who ask and receive emotional support, referrals for care when their loved ones return from deployments and guidance on how to stay in touch with their loved ones while deployed.

Please consider a donation to Military Families Speak Out at this time. After 15 years of war, we stand ready to meet the challenges ahead with renewed vigor and hope that you will know that any donation is an investment in finally ending these wars. Every day these unjust wars continue is another day our loved ones and many innocent civilians will suffer. This is why your donation and participation is vital to us.

Please consider becoming a sustaining member, receive monthly newsletters and a gift of thanks from our governing board.

MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION HERE TODAY ormail your donation to MFSO, 1716 Clark Ave PMB 122, Long Beach, CA. 90815.

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR GRATITUDE IN ADVANCE FOR JOINING US IN OUR STRUGGLE TO END THESE UNJUST WARS AND BRING OUR LOVED ONES HOME TO REUNITE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND BEGIN THE HEALING PROCESS. 

Thank you and please let us hear from you throughout the year.  Please keep in touch with us via our websitewww.mfso.org  and Facebook page.

National Coordinator Pat Alviso and Steering Committee Members; Marlene Alvarado, Tina Lopez, Macgregor Eddy, Lorna Farnum, Barry Saks, Bill Scheurer, Mary Hladky, Paula Rogovin, Jeff Merrick, Marcia Westbrook, Rosssana Cambron, Casey Stinemetz and Corla Coles