Serving Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and surrounding communities
We know that thousands of American soldiers (not to mention the countless Iraqi civilians, estimated at 655,000 recently, that are not considered worth counting by the Pentagon) have died in the name of this garbled military action in the Middle East.
Pat Alviso of Military Families Speak Out (MFSO), OC , said that “'Support the troops' can truly mean 'Bring them home.'”
MFSO has pressed concerns that troops lack adequate equipment in the field. “We need to push our government to make sure they have proper protection,” Alviso said. The MFSO has participated in Operation Helmet, which sends proper helmets to troops in Iraq. Also, troops lack sufficient body armor to protect them from the explosive devices they encounter.
Dennis Berman, also of MFSO, is actively involved in Arlington West, a memorial set up on 6th street by the Huntington Beach Pier. This memorial for the troops who have died in the war is set up from 8 a.m. until sunset on the first Sunday of every month. “What does support for the troops really mean? Who pays the price for this conflict,” he asks.
Berman explains how that “in order to prepare young kids for war, they [the military and politicians] need to dehumanize the enemy.” In a combat situation, due to this training, troops trust no one and “can easily kill innocent people” whom they may perceive as “the” enemy.
Berman explains how that “in order to prepare young kids for war, they [the military and politicians] need to dehumanize the enemy.” In a combat situation, due to this training, troops trust no one and “can easily kill innocent people” whom they may perceive as “the” enemy.
Other criticisms of MFSO include how Veteran's Administration hospitals are “not adequately funded, nor is the staff adequately schooled in how to treat” post-traumatic stress disorder, Berman said.
“These troops are being manipulated, brainwashed and made to be heroes, and made to deal with these demons inside of them,” he continued. Returning vets-often unable to re-adapt-have a high percentage of alcoholism, divorce, and an inability to hold a job. These issues, and their repercussions on individuals and society, “total price of the conflict,” are often ignored. Berman urges conscientious Americans not to “put their heads in the sand” when it comes to considering these issues. He recommended the recent documentary, “The Ground Truth,” which elucidates the details of these issues.
“These troops are being manipulated, brainwashed and made to be heroes, and made to deal with these demons inside of them,” he continued. Returning vets-often unable to re-adapt-have a high percentage of alcoholism, divorce, and an inability to hold a job. These issues, and their repercussions on individuals and society, “total price of the conflict,” are often ignored. Berman urges conscientious Americans not to “put their heads in the sand” when it comes to considering these issues. He recommended the recent documentary, “The Ground Truth,” which elucidates the details of these issues.
Berman explains that “[MFSO] promote peace as a better alternative to war.” And that our society and our economy are presently “…addicted to war. We act in a very belligerent way with the rest of the world, and war necessarily becomes a first option.”
Unfortunately, “the military and political machinery is set up,” Berman continues, so that supporting the troops by promoting peace “is deemed to be counter-supportive,” while accepting “the status quo is deemed to be supportive.”
This, for citizens that truly support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, is exactly backward.
This, for citizens that truly support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, is exactly backward.
The MFSO also works on the Soldiers' Project, which provides free therapy for returning vets. They can be reached at mfsooc.org, (562) 833-8035 or Military Families Speak Out, OC 1827 Ximeno Ave., PMB 122, Long Beach, CA 90815.
Huntington Beach council efforts
Huntington Beach council efforts
So, with hundreds of thousands possibly dead, even more injured: And within this context the city councils of Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa have facilitated efforts to “support the troops,” an unfortunately, but characteristically, vague proposition. “Support” troops as defined by executive branch rhetoric, or supporting the troops as MFSO does?
The Huntington Beach City Council formed a committee in April 2005 which has adopted the 3-1 Battalion of Marines. This committee plans to establish a 501-c-3 non-profit status. Mayor Sullivan invited Cindy Cross to come on board because of her organizing experience.
The Huntington Beach City Council formed a committee in April 2005 which has adopted the 3-1 Battalion of Marines. This committee plans to establish a 501-c-3 non-profit status. Mayor Sullivan invited Cindy Cross to come on board because of her organizing experience.
In terms of lacking equipment, Cross mentioned that the Marines, briefly, needed a specific type of sock, which was later provided to them. However, the 3-1 Committee is collecting turkeys, grocery gift certificates, formal gowns for an upcoming ball, and Christmas stockings, among other gifts. Local residents are encouraged to show their gratitude for the young men and women “willing to fight so [we] don't have to,” even if they object to Bush's war policy.
“Our committee has nothing to do with this war or any war that happens… We don't talk about policy or politics,” Cross explained.
The 3-1 Battalion fought in the Battle of Fallujah and secured the Disa Dam, where a Huntington Beach flag was victoriously raised. Other work has included opening schools and destroying road-side bombs. “They are very proud of what they're doing.” The Battalion is presently stationed at Camp Pendleton and looking forward to leave time this December.
The 3-1 Committee is busy organizing donation drives, a golf tournament, car washes and other events.
Although Cross says that debate about the war is not present in the committee's activities, a recent car wash set the stage for the specter of the war's legitimacy to rear its ugly head. An anti-war motorist apparently spit on a Marine attempting to wash his car and then quickly sped off.
“I guess that's what you do if you're against the war,” said Cross. “If you're going to spit on a Marine, get out of your car and face him. Don't just spit on him and drive away like a girly man.”
Cross said that community support for the 3-1 Committee soared after this mishap. “He actually helped us with his act of cowardice.”
You can contact the 3-1 Committee at hb4marines@aol.com, (714)375-3131, or 3-1 Committee 19744 Beach Blvd. #528 Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Costa Mesa council efforts
“Our committee has nothing to do with this war or any war that happens… We don't talk about policy or politics,” Cross explained.
The 3-1 Battalion fought in the Battle of Fallujah and secured the Disa Dam, where a Huntington Beach flag was victoriously raised. Other work has included opening schools and destroying road-side bombs. “They are very proud of what they're doing.” The Battalion is presently stationed at Camp Pendleton and looking forward to leave time this December.
The 3-1 Committee is busy organizing donation drives, a golf tournament, car washes and other events.
Although Cross says that debate about the war is not present in the committee's activities, a recent car wash set the stage for the specter of the war's legitimacy to rear its ugly head. An anti-war motorist apparently spit on a Marine attempting to wash his car and then quickly sped off.
“I guess that's what you do if you're against the war,” said Cross. “If you're going to spit on a Marine, get out of your car and face him. Don't just spit on him and drive away like a girly man.”
Cross said that community support for the 3-1 Committee soared after this mishap. “He actually helped us with his act of cowardice.”
You can contact the 3-1 Committee at hb4marines@aol.com, (714)375-3131, or 3-1 Committee 19744 Beach Blvd. #528 Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Costa Mesa council efforts
In Costa Mesa, Councilwoman Katrina Foley introduced a resolution to facilitate sending donations to Task Force Diamondhead, the unit Foley's brother is serving on, recently deployed to Iraq. The resolution was approved on Oct. 3, 2006.
After an acrimonious debate along party lines between Foley and Councilmembers Eric Bever and Mayor Allan Mansoor, Councilmember Monahan wholeheartedly supported Foley's motion , which then passed unanimously with the added proviso that the city will support all volunteer efforts by its employees to help relatives stationed in Iraq
After an acrimonious debate along party lines between Foley and Councilmembers Eric Bever and Mayor Allan Mansoor, Councilmember Monahan wholeheartedly supported Foley's motion , which then passed unanimously with the added proviso that the city will support all volunteer efforts by its employees to help relatives stationed in Iraq
Foley echoed some of Alviso's concern for lack of equipment. She indicated that troops were in need of adequate eye protection, boots, and even toothpaste. Foley said she was very concerned about her brother and his unit and wanted to help them out through this resolution.
Local residents are encouraged to support the troops, whether they support Bush's war policy or not. “I believe most people want the troops to come home and want an exit plan,” Foley said.
“It's a difficult position. Many of our troops are young men and women age 18 to 25 who joined the military in hopes of a better life, to pay for tuition, for more opportunities. We shouldn't leave them in the dust.”
You can check ci.costa-mesa.ca.us for updates on sending donations.
Local residents are encouraged to support the troops, whether they support Bush's war policy or not. “I believe most people want the troops to come home and want an exit plan,” Foley said.
“It's a difficult position. Many of our troops are young men and women age 18 to 25 who joined the military in hopes of a better life, to pay for tuition, for more opportunities. We shouldn't leave them in the dust.”
You can check ci.costa-mesa.ca.us for updates on sending donations.
By Scott Sink
Left & Right
Supporting our troops
