WINTER SOLDIER benefit for Iraq Veterans Against the War

WINTER SOLDIER
Wednesday August 20, 2008
7pm-10pm
Station 40 - 3030B 16th Street @ Mission St
$5 - $10 suggested donation (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Benefit for IVAW travel costs to protest 2008 DNC, RNC, and to attend the IVAW National Conference.


Join the newly formed San Francisco chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) as they gather to hold a Winter Soldier for the public. This event will feature testimony from local Iraq and Afghan vets as well as screenings of testimonies from the Winter Soldier in DC.

Winter Soldier took place on March 15th, 2008 in Washington, DC where Iraq and Afghan vets testified to members of Congress about the cold TRUTH as told by boots on the ground. In addition, panels of scholars, veterans, journalists, and other specialists gave context to the testimony. These panels covered everything from the history of the GI resistance movement to the fight for veterans' health benefits and support.

Iraq Veterans Against the War was founded by Iraq war veterans in July 2004 at the annual convention of Veterans for Peace in Boston to give a voice to the large number of active duty service people and veterans who are against this war, but are under various pressures to remain silent.
From its inception, IVAW has called for:

* Immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces in Iraq;
* Reparations for the human and structural damages Iraq has suffered, and stopping the corporate pillaging of Iraq so that their people can control their own lives and future; and
* Full benefits, adequate healthcare (including mental health), and other supports for returning servicemen and women.

IVAW's strategy is to mobilize the military community to withdraw its support for the war and occupation in Iraq. Therefore, IVAW is leading the movement of veterans and GIs who are working to bring the troops home now.