Afghanistan Veterans Speaking Tour

What:
Join SF Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace Chapter 69, and the Civilian/Soldier Alliance as we kick off this speaking tour of two Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. Jacob George & Brock McIntosh will speak about their experience returning to Afghanistan not as soldiers, but as civilians engaged in opening dialogue with local Afghans surrounding the non-violence movement and possible reparations.

The two joined a 'Voices for Creative Non-Violence' (http://vcnv.org/) delegation whose goals for their time in Afghanistan were:

-Build on contacts from previous delegations to learn more about perspectives of the Afghan people regarding the question: What do Afghan people want for Afghanistan?
-Provide on the ground reporting from a grassroots perspective intended to catalyze opposition to U.S. military intervention in the region and bring about an end to the conflicts.
-Build solidarity with indigenous movements working for peace, human rights and a just end to the conflicts.

Who:
-Jacob George is a 3-tour OEF paratrooper turned peace activist engaged with Bikes Not Bombs and the founder of 'A Ride Till The End (ARTTE)' (http://www.operationawareness.org), a perpetual bike protest that has covered 6,000 miles of the American south since May 1, 2010.

-Brock McIntosh is an Army National Guard veteran also deployed to Afghanistan and is applicant for Conscientious Objector (CO) status. He has worked as a spokesperson with 'Veterans for Rethinking Afghanistan' as well as being active with IVAW and Operation: Recovery. Brock has focused on the non-violence movement including training at the 'Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies' and an internship at 'Win Without War'.

Why:
As of October 7th, Afghanistan will have been occupied for 10 years. With no discernible end in sight and the first 6 months of 2011 being the deadliest for Afghan civilians (1,462), a discussion on alternatives to the war is imperative.

Cost:
A suggested donation of $5-7 will go toward Jacob & Brock's airfare & other expenses as they continue to share their experiences on this tour.