http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/062506A.shtml

Resistance in the US Military to the War on Iraq
By Ann Wright
t r u t h o u t | Perspective

Sunday 25 June 2006

As a 29-year Army and Army Reserves veteran, I am horrified to see the politicization of the US military under the Bush administration. The "ethics and professionalism" of the US military has been targeted for destruction by the civilian appointees of this administration. They want "yes" men and women who do not question the legality of the policies of the administration. Tragically, from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on down, Rumsfeld and crew have been successful in stifling professional discussion within the military, with the exception of former Army Chief of Staff Shinseki and now six retired generals. Under the Bush administration, there is no accountability or responsibility for criminal actions; privates and sergeants are court-martialed, while senior civilian and military leaders responsible for the criminal policies are free.

Despite the "yes, sir" attitude of senior military officers toward the Bush administration's illegal policies, there is resistance within the US military to the war on Iraq. Military personnel know they have the right and duty to refuse illegal orders, including the order to deploy to an illegal war. They know the United States executed German and Japanese military officers and civilians for their participation in wars of aggression in World War II. They know that the Nuremberg principles adopted by the international community after World War II require civilians and military personnel to stop their government from committing illegal acts. Those in the military who dissent and resist what they know are illegal actions of the Bush administration are persons of the highest courage and conscience.

Resistance to the war on Iraq within the US military community is growing. Over eight thousand American soldiers are absent without leave (AWOL), most living underground in the United States. Many now refer to AWOL as "Against War of Lies" instead of Absent Without Leave. Individual non-public resistance in the military generally results in an administrative discharge without publicity. Thousands have turned themselves in to military authorities and have been administratively discharged from the military. US military bases discharge dozens of war resisters each week.

Public resistance by military personnel to the war on Iraq results in court-martial to make an example of the resister. Some military personnel have applied for conscience objector (CO) status. Most have been denied CO status and ten have been court-martialed and imprisoned for publicly refusing to obey orders to deploy to Iraq to commit criminal acts there, including murder by bombing innocent civilians, shooting innocent civilians, and torture. Those who refuse to deploy to Iraq and kill for the Bush administration generally receive more punishment than those who commit criminal acts of murder and torture.

Four women who had served in the military were honored last week at the annual War Resisters meeting in New York City. Three had applied for CO status and had been refused by the military. One is now imprisoned at Fort Lewis, Washington, for refusing weapons training and deployment. One completed her assignment in Iraq and returned to become a co-founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW).

Hundreds of US military have chosen to resist the war by living in Canada, most under the radar of the now-conservative Canadian government. Twenty-four US military have publicly moved to Canada and are seeking political refugee status. They are supported by an incredible network of Canadians citizens and American war resisters from the Vietnam era who are now Canadian citizens, who assist the next generation of US military who resist illegal wars of aggression.

This weekend Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace and Gold Star Families for Peace, including Cindy Sheehan and myself, participated in Buffalo, New York, fundraisers for US war resisters living in Canada. We met seven of the twenty-four brave men and their families who have said that the Bush administration's war on Iraq is a war crime and that their participation in the war would mean that they too are war criminals. While they are volunteers for the defense of our country, they are not "yes" men to the administration; they are "yes" men to the Constitution of the United States. They are persons of conscience who see the war for what it really is and are resisting the pressures to dutifully comply to military orders to conduct illegal actions.

Their decisions to live in Canada underscore the right of military personnel to challenge an illegal order and to live with the consequences of that challenge. They have chosen live in Canada with their families rather than being imprisoned for saying no to killing for the Bush administration's goals. Should the security of the United States truly be threatened, they would defend it.

They live free of guilt of killing innocent Iraqis. But the decision to live in Canada comes with its own penalties. These brave soldiers and marines leave the support network of friends and buddies in the military. These persons of courage endure family divisions when family members do not agree with their decision to leave the military and go to Canada. These honorable men undertake the daily struggles of suddenly caring for their families in a new country. These honorable soldiers are unable to return to the United States until an amnesty is offered by a future president. But the consequences of this act of conscience mean these soldiers and marines will not have the lifelong guilt of murdering innocent civilians, nor the nightmares of seeing their friends blown up in a war whose purpose they believe is illegal and a war crime.

This week Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada will become the first officer to refuse to deploy with his unit to Iraq. He will be the first officer of this war who refuses to participate in military actions guaranteed to destroy his future emotional, if not physical, life - and impact his family for decades to come. This week also marks the first time in this war that a church is offering sanctuary to war resisters. The membership of First United Methodist Church of Tacoma, Washington, just outside of Fort Lewis, where Lieutenant Watada is stationed, has said that they will resist the Bush administration's illegal war by sheltering any who refuse to participate in the war.

Another aspect of resistance within the military community comes from retired generals who are now publicly questioning the military operational plans that have put US troops in jeopardy in Iraq and the impact of the war on Iraq on the military and its ability to respond to genuine threats to US national security.

For the twenty-nine years I was in the military, either on active duty or in the Reserves, my worst nightmare was that an administration would get the United States into a military conflict that I knew was illegal. Today, if I were recalled from the US Army's Retired Ready Reserves, I would have to say, "I will not serve the Bush administration's war on Iraq. I will not agree to be recalled. You will have to court-martial me as I will not participate in this illegal war of aggression, this war crime."

Acts of resistance, big and small, recognized nationally or never heard of by most, by military and civilians are all important elements of ending the illegal war, the war crime, committed by the Bush administration. People of conscience all over the country are refusing to be silent and are taking courageous steps to end the illegal war on Iraq.

What will you do to stop this illegal war?

Ann Wright

Ann Wright is a retired Colonel with 29 years in the US Army and Army Reserves and as a US diplomat for 16 years, and resisted the war on Iraq by resigning in March 2003 from her position as Deputy Chief of Mission, or Deputy Ambassador from the US Embassy in Mongolia.

Ann served in the diplomatic corps in Nicaragua, Grenada, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Micronesia and Mongolia and helped reopen the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, in December, 2001. As a US military officer, she participated in post-conflict reconstruction in Grenada, Panama and Somalia. She received the State Department's Award for Heroism as the acting US Ambassador during the evacuation of the international community during the brutal rebel takeover of Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 1997.

With her service in both the US military and the US State Department in areas of conflict all over the world, she felt the US invasion and occupation of an oil-rich Moslem country that had done nothing to the United States and was no threat to US national security would make the world more dangerous and place the United States in greater jeopardy. She believed the act of invading Iraq would be an act of aggression, a war crime.

Two others from the US diplomat corps also believed the Bush administration's war on Iraq was illegal and resisted by resigning from the US government. As civilian US government employees, there was no penalty to their resistance to the war except giving up their careers.

Well, with about three quarters of a million folks in the active military I've heard about maybe 15 to 20 voicing dissent. Not a very good percentage?

And I'd guess this lady has been out of the Army for some time.

Nation Is Divided on Drawdown Of Troops

By Dan Balz and Richard Morin

With military commanders weighing possible troop reductions in Iraq, Americans are sharply divided along partisan lines over whether to set a deadline for withdrawing all U.S. forces there, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/...60626-voa04.htm

Bush Says Withdrawal From Iraq to Be Conditions Based
By Paula Wolfson
White House
26 June 2006


The White House says a plan for a major U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq has been drafted by top commanders, but emphasizes it is one of several options under consideration.

The withdrawal plan was presented to President Bush last Friday by the top U.S. commander in Iraq, General George Casey.

During a brief session with reporters, the president made clear the plan is one of several options under consideration, and a final decision will be based solely on the security situation in Iraq.

"In terms of our troop presence there, that decision will be made by General Casey, as well as the sovereign government of Iraq, based on conditions on the ground," the president said.

He said he trusts General Casey to fully assess the situation, and present a sound recommendation, one that will enable the United States to achieve victory in Iraq.

"And victory means a free government that is able to sustain itself, defend itself, it is a government that will be an ally in the war on terror," he said.

The New York Times reported Sunday that the Pentagon had drafted a plan to bring home two brigades of a few thousand soldiers from Iraq in coming months. It also said the number of combat brigades could drop from 14 to five or six next year.

General Casey hinted just prior to his meeting with the president that some sort of significant reduction in troop levels is possible in the coming months, under certain conditions.

"I am confident we will be able to continue to take reductions over the course of this year," General Casey said. "It is both the security situation and the progress of the Iraqi security forces. What we have always said was there would be gradual reduction, over time, as the Iraqi security forces assumed a larger and larger role."

White House spokesman Tony Snow says it is General Casey's job to figure out how to proceed if certain scenarios hold. But he warns, just because a withdrawal plan has been put forward does not mean it is etched in stone.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/20...iraq-poll_x.htm
Poll: Majority of Americans want withdrawal plan for Iraq
Updated 6/26/2006 8:34 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Reprints & Permissions |

By Susan Page, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — A majority of Americans say Congress should pass a resolution that outlines a plan for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, according to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken Friday through Sunday. Half of those surveyed would like all U.S. forces out within 12 months.
The poll finds support for the ideas behind Democratic proposals that were soundly defeated in the Senate last week. An uptick in optimism toward the war after the killing of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi earlier this month seems to have evaporated.

DETAILED POLL RESULTS: Iraq pullout, flag-burning amendment draw support

Richard Eichenberg, a political scientist at Tufts University who studies presidential polling, says views on Iraq are too set to be changed by momentary developments, even positive ones.

"The other piece of quote-unquote 'good news' is the unity government in Iraq, but it's not as if we're hearing that they have made great strides in eliminating the militia influence or violence anywhere in Iraq," he says. "There's still a steady drumbeat of bad news."

Bush's approval rating is at 37%. After hitting the low point of his presidency at 31% in May, it rose to 38% in mid-June. His standing, which slipped below 40% in February, hasn't rebounded above that level since then.

The percentage of Americans who say the president has "a clear plan for handling the situation in Iraq" has dropped to 31%, a new low. That's still higher than the 25% who say congressional Democrats have a clear plan for Iraq.

The telephone survey of 1,000 adults has an error margin of +/-3 percentage points.

In the poll, 57% say Congress should pass a resolution that outlines a plan for withdrawing U.S. troops; 39% say that decision should be left to the president and his advisers.

Precisely half support withdrawing all U.S. forces immediately or within 12 months, while 41% say the United States should keep troops there for as many years as needed. Eight percent call for sending more troops.

Views on what to do divide sharply along partisan lines. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans support maintaining forces there as long as needed, compared with one-third of Democrats and independents.

"The president is not going to conduct the war based on polls," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said when asked about the survey. "His leadership is based on his strategy for victory. A democratic Iraq in the heart of the Middle East will strike a blow to the terrorists and ensure a more peaceful world. As the president has said, we are in it to win."

Last week, the Republican-controlled Senate defeated two Democratic proposals to begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq. A plan by Democrats John Kerry of Massachusetts and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin to pull out all U.S. combat troops over the next 13 months was rejected 86-13.

http://www.counterpunch.org/

Cut and Run vs. Cut and Parade
Playing Politics with Timetables
By MARJORIE COHN

In another Woody Allen moment reminiscent of George W. Bush pinning the Medal of Freedom on disgraced ex-CIA Director George Tenet, a third George - General Casey - has taken a page from the Democrats' troop withdrawal playbook.

After being prepped with the Pentagon's 74-page cheat sheet about "staying the course" rather than "cutting-and-running" from Iraq, the Republicans walked in lockstep for the past two weeks, shooting down the Democrats' calls for bringing our soldiers home.

Late last week, Casey, the US commander in Iraq, condemned the concept of a withdrawal timetable. "I don't like it," he declared. "I feel it would limit my flexibility. I think it would give the enemy a fixed timetable, and I think it would send a terrible signal to a new government of national unity in Iraq that's trying to stand up and get its legs underneath it."

At the same time, speaking out of both sides of his medals, Casey was secretly recommending that Bush drastically reduce our troop commitment, coincidentally, just before the November elections. How bizarre.

Maybe it wasn't Woody Allen who said, "When you're being run out of town, get in front of the crowd and make it look like a parade." But that's just what the un-indicted Karl Rove is best at.

Karl Rove knows that the mess his boss created in Iraq will be on voters' minds come November. By pulling the rug out from under the (semi-unified) Democrats' strongest issue, he maximizes the chances of GOP retention of Congress.

Senator John Kerry, who finally admitted a couple of weeks ago he was wrong to vote for the war, said Casey's plan "looks an awful lot like what the Republicans spent the last week attacking. Will the partisan attack dogs now turn their venom and disinformation campaign on General Casey?" Unlikely, given the GOP's proclivity to goosestep to its commander in chief.

Keeping his options open, Bush conditions the pullback on the Iraqis' ability to do the job. He can always send the troops back in after the election.

Things are not going swimmingly in Iraq right now. Twelve US troops died or were found dead this week. On Friday, a car bomb killed at least 5 people and wounded 18 in Basra. A bomb hit the Sunni mosque in Hibhib northeast of Baghdad where Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed earlier this month; Friday's bomb killed 10 worshippers and wounded 15. Also on Friday, the Iraqi government declared a state of emergency in Baghdad as US and Iraqi forces battled resistance fighters armed with rocket-propelled grenades, hand grenades and rifles near the Green Zone.

On Monday, bombs at markets in two Iraqi cities killed at least 40 people and at least 22 others died throughout Iraq.

The same day, Zalmay Khalizad, US ambassador to Iraq, verified claims in a paper he signed documenting retaliation against Iraqis working with the US in the Green Zone. He touted the 8 hours of electricity per day that people in Baghdad now enjoy, up from 4 just a month ago.

Ultimately, the Bush administration plans to retain a small contingent of about 50,000 troops and the large "super" military bases it is building in Iraq, the raison d'etre for Operation "Iraqi Freedom." Bush has no intention of ever leaving Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki presented a 24-point national reconciliation plan on Sunday.

It calls for the recognition of the legitimacy of the national resistance, differentiating it from the terrorists. The plan also calls for a timetable for withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq but specifies no actual date.

According to recent surveys, 87 percent of Iraqis favor a withdrawal timetable for US forces. On Monday, one Sunni leader in Iraq said the insurgency would persist until Washington sets such a timetable, but 7 Sunni groups offered the government a conditional truce.

The prime minister's plan aims to offer amnesty to insurgents "not proved to be involved in crimes, terrorist activities and war crimes against humanity." That would seem to exclude Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rice.

Oddly, it was the Democrats who screamed the loudest about the amnesty plan. Senator Carl Levin called it "unconscionable," exclaiming, "For heaven's sake, we liberated that country."

Tell that to the Iraqi people.

Marjorie Cohn is a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and president-elect of the National Lawyers Guild.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/st...9b5c699&k=93821

U.S. commander in Ramadi region sees no handover to Iraqis into next year Antonio Castaneda, Canadian Press
Published: Monday, June 26, 2006

RAMADI, Iraq (AP) - An American commander has said U.S. forces likely would remain in the heart of rebellious Anbar province - the most dangerous region of Iraq - until sometime next year, even as the Bush administration Monday was considering a plan that could cut the American military presence by about half within 18 months.

The central section of Anbar province, which contains the troubled provincial capital of Ramadi, is a haven for the Sunni-led insurgency. Much of Ramadi, Iraq's largest Sunni Arab city with a population of 400,000, has gone unpatrolled by U.S. forces in recent months.

While two brigades of Iraqi army soldiers have recently been introduced to central Anbar province, the U.S. commander of the area said last week that Americans would remain in charge for the foreseeable future. More than 5,000 U.S. forces are based in the area.

"I don't think by this winter we'll be quite ready to turn over completely" to Iraqi forces, said Col. Sean MacFarland, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armoured Division that oversees Ramadi and a stretch of farmland leading eastward for about 48 kilometres.

Meanwhile, Moscow confirmed Monday the deaths of Russian hostages who worked at its embassy in Iraq, a day after an al-Qaida-linked group said it had killed the four captives.

The group, the Mujahedeen Shura Council, had posted a video on a website that showed the killing of three of four Russian workers who were kidnapped June 3. A statement from the group said the fourth was also slain.

"It is with deep pain that we report that the seizure of the workers of the Russian Embassy in Iraq has, judging by everything, ended in an irremediable way despite all efforts taken for the freeing of our people," the statement from the Foreign Ministry said.

The kidnappers had demanded that the Kremlin pull its troops out of Chechnya, a predominantly Muslim region in southern Russia where separatists have been fighting for independence.

MacFarland's comments on U.S. troops remaining in Anbar were echoed in an interview published Monday in The New York Times with Lt.-Gen. John Sattler, who oversees marines in the Middle East and Central Asia.

"I see no reductions in American forces in Anbar into next year, at least through next summer, because of the restiveness there," Sattler was quoted as saying.

In a glimmer of hope for the region, a key Shiite legislator on Monday said seven Sunni Arab insurgent groups had contacted the government to declare their readiness to join efforts at national reconciliation.

The seven lesser groups, most of them believed populated by former members or backers of Saddam Hussein's government, military or security agencies, have said they want a truce, Hassan al-Suneid, a legislator and member of the political bureau of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Dawa party, told The Associated Press.

The contact by the insurgent organizations, which could not be independently verified, would mark an important potential shift and could stand as evidence of a growing divide between Iraqi insurgents and the more brutal and ideological fighters of "al-Qaida in Iraq," who are believed to mainly be non-Iraqi Islamic militants.

Al-Maliki was considering a possible meeting with leaders of the groups or contacts through intermediaries, al-Suneid said.

He identified only six of the seven organizations by name, listing them as: the 1920 Revolution Brigades, the Mohammed Army, Abtal al-Iraq (Heroes of Iraq), the 9th of April Group, al-Fatah Brigades and the Brigades of the General Command of the Armed Forces.

The 1920 Revolution Brigades operates primarily in Anbar province. The organization claims its operations have only been conducted against U.S. forces. They and other insurgents were said to have protected polling places against attacks by other insurgent groups in Anbar province during December parliamentary voting.

The Mohammed Army is made up of former members of Saddam's Baath party, members of his elite Republican Guards and former military commanders. It, too, has focused attacks on the U.S. military and played a role in the November 2004 battle for Fallujah.

Al-Maliki unveiled his 24-point national reconciliation initiative on Sunday, offering amnesty to insurgents who renounce violence and have not committed terror attacks.

"To those who want to rebuild our country, we present an olive branch," al-Maliki told applauding legislators. "And to those who insist on killing and terrorism, we present a fist with the power of law to protect our country and people."

Hours later, the terrorist umbrella organization that includes "al-Qaida in Iraq" posted the Internet video showing killing of the Russians.

Moscow vehemently opposed the U.S.-led military campaign and has continued to keep its distance from Washington on the issue of Iraq. Four Russian workers were killed in ambushes in Iraq in 2004.

© The Canadian Press 2006

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060627/ap_on_...WtkBHNlYwM3MTg-

AP: Media had wide access in Vietnam War By DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press Writer

The news media's ability to cover the Vietnam War without censorship was unlike anything that has been seen since, correspondents who covered that conflict for The Associated Press said during a reunion.

"We had relationships with officers and generals that are totally foreign to reporters trying to cover Iraq today, absolutely in a fantasy world," said Peter Arnett, who spent 13 years in Vietnam for the news cooperative from 1962 to 1975.

"The military was remarkable in Vietnam — they not only didn't try to censor us, they made every accommodation to us," said Richard Pyle, who was AP's bureau chief in Saigon from 1970-1973. "There's never been a situation quite like that anywhere."

Arnett and Pyle were joined on the panel by correspondents Seymour Topping, George Esper, Hugh Mulligan, Edith Lederer and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Horst Faas, who took part from Germany.

The discussion was part of a lecture series on the AP's history, and was timed to coincide with an exhibit of the archives from the Saigon bureau on display at the company's headquarters. The archive chronicles the AP's coverage of the war, including thousands of stories and battlefield dispatches that were marked up by editors.

The journalists recalled that soldiers in the field welcomed reporters, would transport them around the country and respected them for facing the hardships and dangers in battle zones.

"In Vietnam, if you had the courage and the stamina, you could go anywhere," said Esper, who spent 10 years in Southeast Asia and wrote more words on the war than any other reporter. He retired from the AP in 2000.

But the media's freedom to cover the war had some lasting harm, including journalists killed on the battlefield. There also was resentment from the military establishment, which didn't always appreciate what was written, the journalists said.

"This built a sense of annoyance with the press that has persisted through all the wars since then," said Pyle, now a writer in the AP's New York City bureau.

The panel discussion, moderated by AP President and CEO Tom Curley, included journalists who were in Saigon from 1950 through after the fall of the South Vietnamese government in 1975.

Topping, who arrived in Saigon for the AP in 1950 and went on to become managing editor of The New York Times, plans to teach at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University this fall. Arnett won a Pulitzer in 1966 in international reporting and later became a reporter for CNN. Mulligan and Faas are retired.

Several other Vietnam reporters and photographers attended Monday's event, including former AP Saigon bureau chief Malcolm Browne, who won a Pulitzer in 1964.

Lederer, now the AP's correspondent at the United Nations and one of the few women to cover Vietnam, said every U.S. military engagement since Vietnam has featured attempts to control the media. In the 1991 Gulf War, she recalled, stories had to go through U.S. military censors, and she remembered clearly the time she interviewed a general and had his media handler sitting behind her the entire time.

"In Vietnam, anybody that you could get hold of would generally talk to you," she said after the panel discussion. "I don't think that in our lifetimes we will ever see that kind of freedom again."

___

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June 26, 2006
Troop Withdrawal: Strategy or Propaganda?
Readers respond to Bob Herbert's June 25 column, "Playing Politics With Iraq"

Mark Huberman, Los Angeles: Instead of flags, they ought to drape soldiers' coffins with Mission Accomplished banners. If they find the remains of those tortured men they can drape the coffins with the administration's disowning of the Geneva Conventions.

Just an idea. You are one of our real heroes.

Maryann Pelletier, New City, N.Y.: When I read about Gen. Casey's plan to draw down troops beginning in September I thought, "How convenient — right before the mid-term elections!"

Thank you, Bob Herbert, for shedding a light on this and exposing it for the shameful strategy that it is. Let's hope that the American voters see this for what it is and express their outrage in November.

Rebekah Jensen, Bel Air, Calif.: I often agree with your opinions, but not this time. Any general who would use the lives of his or her soldiers as pawns in some kind of political power play should be tried for treason.

I believe that General Casey, like John Kerry, is only interested in getting his men home as safely and expeditiously as possible. The only difference is the path each man thinks we should take in order to reach that goal, while at the same time successfully completing the mission.

Karl Rove is a different story altogether. Anyone who actually read either one of the Democratic plans would realize that neither plan advocated a cut-and-run policy. Neither plan shut the door on the possibility that we might have to send troops back in if the situation called for it. As a matter of fact, Senator Kerry's plan, while calling for a date certain for troop withdrawal, also included a provision allowing for an "over the horizon" force.

As far as I can tell, every single plan so far advocates cutting back the number of troops in Iraq, but none of the plans so far advocate a run policy.

Karl Rove is the one who should be attacked and put in jail for treason in his attempt to use the war as a political playing card.

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BY Emma Perez-Treviño, Chris Mahon
and Kevin Sieff
The Brownsville Herald





June 27, 2006 — The body of Army Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, arrived at the Brownsville airport Monday in a solemn ceremony broken only by the sobs of his young widow.

Eighteen-year-old Christina Menchaca of Big Spring, Texas received her husband’s body shortly after noon, surrounded by family, her little boy, and Rev. Carlos Villarreal.

They watched as 11 members of the 101st Screaming Eagles Military Funeral Detachment team provided full honors as they carried the varnished brown coffin from a chartered Falcon jet to a waiting hearse.

The coffin was draped with an American flag.

“He was a young man who had dreams and hopes and they just vanished,” U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz said after watching the arrival of Menchaca’s body with local officials who showed their respect at the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.

“He deserves a hero’s burial,” Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, said.

Menchaca, a native of Brownsville and Houston, Army Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25 of Madras, Ore., and Army Spc. David J. Babineau, 25 of Springfield, Mass. came under fire June 16 at a traffic control point south of Yusufiyah, Iraq.

Babineau’s body was recovered at the ambush site, but Menchaca and Tucker were kidnapped. Their bodies were found June 19 next to a road near the village of Mufaraji, northwest of Yusufiyah. Several explosive devices were encountered, delaying the recovery of the bodies until the following day. The three soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

While in Brownsville in the mid to late 1990s, Menchaca attended Porter High School and Vela Middle School, which is no more than a mile north of the Brownsville Event Center – where his visitation will be held today.

For the last week, the flags — of the United States, Texas, and Mexico — that line Ruben M. Torres Boulevard have all flown at half-mast. They’ve been accompanied by banners and tickers reading “in honor of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca.”

On Tuesday, when Menchaca’s body was returned to Brownsville, hundreds more flags appeared on the boulevard.

In addition to the police procession that accompanied Menchaca’s hearse, hundreds of Brownsville residents, some noticeably weeping, drove slowly to the city’s events center. From city officials to “Los Escondidos,” a biker group, every member of the procession carried his own American flag.

“By coming here I am showing my respect,” said Frank Garza, a former soldier. Even though he doesn’t know Menchaca’s family, Garza’s nephew, who is currently assigned to Border Patrol duty, will be driving in from Arizona for the funeral.

Like Garza, Adelaida Rey showed her support by waving a small flag from the side of the road. She brought her grandchildren along to share the experience.

“El estaba peleando por nuestro freedom, y por eso estamos aqui,” she said. “He was fighting for our freedom and because of that we are here.”

Although Rey speaks only Spanish, she carefully pronounces the word “freedom” in English. For the woman waving both Texas and American flags, it’s a word too important to be translated.

While the procession drove by, Rey’s grandchildren were as solemn as she was. “Es importante que lo vean,” she said. “It’s important that they see this.”

Under a blue sky with foreboding rain clouds on the horizon, stood Henry Valdez, sweating from the 90-plus degree humidity.

He stood far from the small crowds of people that dotted Paredes Line Road up to the event center, the motorcade’s final destination.

“I came to pay my respects,” the former U.S. Marine said.

“So young, man. So young,” he said with a sigh.

“So young.”

Soon afterwards, the convoy of about 100 turned right onto Paredes Line Road from Ruben Torres Boulevard. Its final destination, less than a mile away, was now visible.

Catching sight of the convoy, which wound like a snake around the corner, Irahi Masso whispered to her young son, “Here he comes Brandon, raise the flag.”

He dutifully obeyed, raising a small American flag. It was a mirror image of the dozens of public safety officers parked across the street, holding full-size flags of their own.

In the middle of the motorcade of cars, trucks and motorcycles, was Menchaca’s body in a polished, black hearse, making its way past the Massos and Valdez. Other than the rumble of vehicles, it was quiet.

As the procession entered the center’s parking lot, it passed members of Brownsville American Legion Post 43 and other veterans.

Finally, with the emergency response vehicles that escorted the body finally dispersed, all that was left was the black hearse. It parked beneath the overhang at the center’s entrance.

The only sound as his flag-draped coffin was unloaded was water gurgling in a fountain between two palm trees. The ends of the yellow ribbons attached to the trees fluttered gently in the breeze.

Menchaca’s mother and other immediate family members waited at the Brownsville Event Center for his arrival, instead.

Menchaca will be buried in uniform and with several medals: America’s Meritorious Service Medal, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Prisoner of War medal.

“He earned them, he goes down with them,” Ortiz said.

eperez-trevino@brownsvilleherald.com
cmahon@brownsvilleherald.com

Thank you for posting this Red Bird. It hurts like heck, but is so very important to honor.

BROWNSVILLE
Hundreds Attend Rosary for Kristian Menchaca

June 27, 2006 08:21 PM

Reported by Ryan Wolf

Through a sea of flags, mourners fill parking lots, wear buttons and grip loved ones tight in hand as all walks of life come together for a soul purpose.

"Hail Mary Full of Grace the Lord is with Me..."

It's the public's chance to honor the life and legacy of Private First Class Kristian Menchaca.

His flag draped casket sits front and center in a makeshift church at the Brownsville Events Center.

The Holy Rosary is open to everyone, and judging by the seats full in the room Mayor Eddie Trevino says it's evident how Private Menchaca's ultimate sacrifice speaks volumes.

"While many of us here may not have had the privilege to know PFS Menchaca his life and his lose has impacted every one of us."

From Valley veterans to active duty, all branches of the military come out to say goodbye. Victor Zamora is with the Los Escondidos Motorcycle Club.

"Most of us have family members that have served and even if they didn't they supported us when we served."

A tight network bringing Army Reservist Gino Orlandi here in his scrubs. The dentist works through his shift, missing lunch he says, to be here with Menchaca's family.

"Any time a soldier dies I feel he or she is part of a big family."

An insurgent attack on PFC Menchaca's convoy in Iraq more than a week and a half ago - the turning point for so many people's lives.

But not just for those who knew the 23 year old soldier, but for those who say they feel spiritually connected to him as well.

And while prayers bring the family strength to cope, true comfort comes in knowing Private Menchaca's sacrifice is not in vain ... his death many say serves a bigger purpose.

"To remember him as a hero."

The Holy Rosary concluded with a special presentation by the Corpus Christi Veteran's Band.

In addition to a performance, members also held a flag ceremony and explained how each fold represented life, family and the military.

http://www.team4news.com/Global/story.asp?S=5088010&nav=0w0v

America's Last Patrol honors PFC Kristian Menchaca
Saturday, June 24, 2006 Updated: 05:30 PM

America's Last Patrol raises a flag in honor of PFC Kristian Menchaca.

BROWNSVILLE-- Kristian Menchaca's family and friends and dozens of members of the community came out to mourn and remember him. The last patrol has held a ceremony like this for each of the Valley's servicemen who've died in either Iraq or Afghanistan. The Menchaca family has had an emotionally trying week. Last Friday, Menchaca's mother learned her son had gone missing while working at a security checkpoint outside of Baghdad. The family held out hope all week that he was still alive, but the devastating news of his death finally came on Thursday. All week, the community has been very active in showing support for the Menchaca family. They've brought flowers and gifts and simply come by to offer their condolences.

Link for Video of ceremony at PFC Kristian Menchaca's Home at this page...

http://www.newschannel5.tv/2006/6/24/8226/...istian-Menchaca

Expressions of Sympathy to the Menchaca Family -

You express your sympathy and thoughts with the family of slain Army soldier PFC Kristian Menchaca.

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My wife and I send our condolences for you loss. We know the pain you are going through as we lost our son in Iraq in December 2005. Know he is in heaven with God watching out for all of us. We both have lost son's but we all recieve an Angel and a Hero. I know your son will be like mine OUR HERO. God Bless. - Cliff & De Kesinger, Orange Grove, Texas
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Hello my name is Natalie Rhea and I'm 15. I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. I didn't not know your son. But I know he died for doing what was right. That makes him a true Hero. I lost my cousin who was basically my older brother last May in Iraq. I wanted to say my prayers are with your family at your time of need. I have read all these things that has been said about Pfc. Kristian Menchaca and he sounds like a truly amazing person. My deepest sympathy and may God Bless you at your time of need - Nat
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To the wife, mother, family and friends of Pvt. Kristian Menchaca - please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. Many, many people like myself have been saddened by this tragedy; and, although we cannot take away your pain, please know that we share your grief and will keep you in our prayers. I know it's hard to do right now, but think of the good times you had together. I did not know Kristian personally, but he touched my heart. Que Dios los bendiga.
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of PFC Kristian Menchaca. I can't even imagine what his family is going through right now but it breaks my heart that this war is on going. May God Bless his family. - Jessica Vargas, Staff Sergeant (United States Army)
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Our condolences to you on the loss of your son, a true American hero. Our prayers will be with your family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. - The Hinojosa Family, Brownsville, Tx
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Dear Menchaca family, When I found out that Kristian was missing i prayed that he would be found alive. I then found out that he was found dead and I cried. I would like to say that he was a brave soldier and that he will always be remembered. I would also like to point out that he paid the ultimate price for our freedom and for our country the United States of America. May god bless you all and give you all strength in this time of sorrow. - Sincerely, Isabel Alamillo and family, Raymondville, Texas
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To the Menchaca Family: May God be with you during this difficult time and may you find comfort in knowing that Kristian will be remembered by our country as a dedicated and courageous soldier. He can never be forgotten. Believe that he is now, and will always be, your Guardian Angel. Kristian: Thank you; I am forever grateful. May you Rest In Peace. - G. Rocha, Brownsville
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To the Menchaca Family, I am sorry for your loss. Kristian is a hero and he fought for our freedom. Me and my family will keep him and your family in our prayers May god bless you always. - Ray Shears III ( 7 yrs old), Brownsville
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We cannot even begin to understand your loss for this brave young man. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for raising such a fine young man. - Phil & Vickie Wortman, Prineville, OR
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I can not imagine the grief that you and your family is going throughw. I want to thank you for raising such a fine young man that he was willing to serve our country and pay the ultimate price for our flag of freedom. May God bless you during this moment and give you the strength you need. Your son is a hero. - Trevino, Los Fresnos
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To Mrs. Maria Vasquez and Family of Kristian Menchaca; even though we did not know him personally we would like to say thank you for his service to the military and for protecting our lives. All our men and women that are in the Military are heroes and especially the ones that gave their lives for us as Kristian did. We will continue to pray for you and your family, May God Always Be with You and Bless You. - Salazar Family of Corpus Christi, TX
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My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Soldier Menchaca. May God give you the strength. God bless you. - Frances Garcia
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To the family of Private First Class Kristian Menchaca, I cannot begin to imagine the pain in your heart that you are feeling right now. I am so very sorry for your loss. Kristian paid the ultimate price. He is in God's arms right now. I know that you would want him to be in your arms instead right now. I have served twice in Iraq so far, but I pray that this war ends soon and that no more lives are lost. I pray for Kristian , Thomas L. Tucker, David J. Babineau and their families. - Frank Gagliardo, Master Sgt. NYANG. (USAF)
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I would like to express my deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of Pfc Menchaca. He may not be physically with us any longer, but his spirit will always be with us, in our hearts remembering what he has given for the freedom of his fellow countrymen. May God give his mother and family teh strength necessary to go on. Rest in peace Pfc Menchaca and you will never be forgotten. God bless you all! - JEDIAZ, Brownsville
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We don't know the Mechaca family, but we feel for them. Everytime we see his face on tv...it brings trees to our eyes. It's so sad to loose someone so young. Our prayer are with the Menchaca Family. God Bless!!!
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I'd like to send our most deepest sympathy to the family of Kristian. He is a HERO to all who live in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. - N. Martinez Family, Port Isabel, TX
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I would like to wish you my deepest sympathy on the passing of your son. He will always be our hero for keeping our country free. Thank you and may God bless you and your family our prayers are with you. - Noelia
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My condolences with love and respect. PFC Menchaca is a HERO and we will never forget how he sacrifice his life for our counrty so we can enjoy our freedom. I have a son who is in Iraq. We are so blessed to have brave young men and women defending our country. I will continue to pray for you and your family. God will give you the strength to carry on with your day one day at a time."Un dia a la vez" - Frances Mendoza, San Benito, TX
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Dear Menchaca and Vasquez families, May God give you the strength during these difficult moments. Your son is a hero, we are eternally grateful to you for your sacrifice. You are in our hearts and in our prayers. - The Meckel Family, McAllen
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My heart aches for this family and I just want to let his mother know I am praying for her. It's hard to loose a child of any age but I also wanted to say thank you to Pfc Kristian for my freedom and safety. Thank you with all the love and prayers from my family to yours!
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Another son of liberty has come to his final resting place. To his family his memory will live forever, to his friends he will be greatly missed and to his nation his sacrifice will be grateful. As a nation who's roots are embedded in the belief in a loving God and a man's enailable rights, it is therefore fitting and proper that this son of liberty be buried on hallowed ground. And to all the sons of liberty living or dead, you shall always be remembered. And to those who must still face the struggle and finish the unfinished work a last full measure of devotion goes out to you. This nation under God shall never perish nor shall we ever turn our backs on those who cry out for freedom from obsessions. This government of the people by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth no matter the sacrifies. - The Jose J. Ponce Family, Edinburg
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Mrs. Vasquez, I am so very sorry for your loss as a mother and having had a son serve in Iraq for 18 months I know the worry you have gone thru every day for your son. My son and all my family pray that God gives you the strength to endure all the pain coming this week. To Pfc Menchaca Thank you - you will never be forgotten. God bless all of you - Lopez family, San Benito
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My deepest sympathies on the loss of your son Kristian. I am thankful to him and all who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. They are all AMERICAN HEROES. May God Bless you and give you strength in your time of sorrow. - Olivia, Arlington, TX
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To the Family and Friends of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, our sincere and deep condolences. He will not be forgotten. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share your sorrow. Hopefully our words can bring you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall memories of Kristian, who continues to live on in your heart. May God Bless All Of You. - The Barron Family, Brownsville, Family of Pfc. Jason Barron currently serving in Iraq
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I offer my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your son. I can't even imagine the pain you are going through. I appreciate his service and ultimate sacrifice for our country. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have a grandson in Iraq now. I will have another grandson in Afghanistan in October. All we can do is pray for our soldiers. I do every night, and for those that have passed on, I wish that they rest in peace with God almighty. - Rene Pearson
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Please add my sympathy, gratitude and prayers to the family of Kristian. Carol McCrea, New Jersey
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Words fail me other than to say that I am both grateful and humbled by PFC Menchaca's incredible sacrifice. Mrs Vasquez, I hope that someday we will be able to repay you and your family for this ultimate kindness. Your young son managed to do in his short lifetime what many of us will never do - live and serve with purpose. Thank you. - A fellow Texan
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Dear fellow Texans, Our family would like to express our condolences at this time of loss for you. As a military family ourselves (USN, ret.) we are proud of your son and his service. Know that he did not die in vain. I remember the "wait" our family had to endure after a terrorist bombing in Barcelona, Spain. We waited and waited to know who was killed, injured or safe. One man was killed; 19 injured. It was the longest three days of our lives. Sometimes the knowing isn't a blessing. Sometimes it is. Our family will keep you in our prayers. - Sincerely, The Walkers
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My family and I wish to say how very sorry we are at the death of PFC. Kristian Mechaca.
When I heard that the two missing soldiers had been found dead, I wept and grieved for them. I believe our Blessed Mother was with them at the time of their deaths to lead them to her Son...Jesus Christ. We are blessed to have brave young soldiers defending our country. My prayers are with you Ms. Vasquez and family. GOD BLESS YOU. - Mary Garcia
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There are never any words that one can say to a mother and the entire family that can take away the pain on the loss of a loved one. Know that our prayers are with you and we hope you can find peace in knowing that Kristian is now and forever will be your guardian angel. Kristian, rest in peace.
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Please accept my condolences with love and respect for someone who sacrificed himself for the safety of his fellow countrymen, and for the family that lost him. May the Lord protect and comfort you all in this time of your loss. - A Former Screaming Eagle
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Our deepest sympathies are with your family at your time of loss. We will keep you in our prayers family are also in our prayers, PFC Menchaca will always be remembered. - The Watts Family- Pharr, Texas
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It saddens me that this very tragic and senseless war has brought so much misery to most families and great sadness to the mother of Kristian Menchaca at such an early age of his life. I myself cannot imagine the pain his mother is going through right now but it saddens me very much to think what kind of pain her heart is feeling right now. I will keep Kristian and his family in my prayers and I hope she is able to cope and go on living without her son. Losing a son must make oneself want to die rather than go on living, but with the many prayers and help from the community, I think we can help her move forward with time and be there for her as needed. - Once a resident of San Benito
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Everyone we know was praying and hoping to have your son returned safely and at the report of his death an ineffable sadness seemed to fall over the entire city. That he was an American hero is surely no consolation to you. And as much as we all yearn to offer come comfort and to take away some of the intolerable pain you are feeling we know that we cannot do this.
We can only stand about in humility and awe and sadness and hope that you all at least become aware of this. We are here.
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Dear Family, As a Viet Nam veteran I express my condolences to you. I personally felt the loss of my Great American History teacher that lost her son in Nam. http://http://www.virtualwall.org/de/EdrisRJ01a.htm I saw the reaction of Mrs. Clair Ritchey as a car hop at their root beer stand when one of us car hops hit upon something that reminded her of her lost son Gary Ritchey. http://http://www.virtualwall.org/dr/RitcheyGW01a.htm . I hope that you might understand that Gone but not forgotten is a true statement, God be with you and others like you and those in the future. - Billy P. Whyde
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I know that there is nothing in this world that will ever bring your son back but know in your heart that he is in a place now that god reserved especially for him. He is truly an American hero and will definitely not be forgotten. God bless. Robert Van Cise
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My family's condolences to all the family of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca (R.I.P.) We honor his service, courage and sacrifice. He was so Young, yet so Brave. We must not forget the ultimate sacrifice that Our Fallen Heroes have given to Our Nation. - Arturo Treto Garza, Harlingen, TX
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In behalf of the Navarro family, we send the deepest sympathies and prayers to the Menchaca family especially the mom. I have 2 step-brothers that came back from Iraq. - Navarro Family, Brownsville, Texas
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My condolences on the loss of an American Hero. Rest easy, soldier. You will not be forgotten. - Kenny
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I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your sons service to this great country of ours is appreciated. - Chuck T.
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I'm a Mexican-American with a brother who is presently in the United States Air Force and therefore know how it feels to have a serviceman in the family. My heart goes out to the families of Kristian Menchaca and Thomas L.Tucker. I cannot even imagine your pain and anger. My prayers on your loss, especially to his grieving mother and widow. The good will inherit the earth, this we must believe. Paz y amor siempre! God bless you. - From Alicia Carrillo and Family, San Diego, California.
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From a former military man (U.S. Coast Guard) u and ur family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I believe ur son is now in a different war in the heavens fighting to keep u all safe. watching over ur shoulders acting as ur guardian angel. so his job as GODS soldier has only just begun. So my love goes out to u and urs from Houston and my family in La Feria. - John Hernandez Jr.
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My heartfelt sympathy to Kris's family. He was very brave and I am grateful for his service to protect our freedom. I am so sorry for this terrible loss and he and his family are in my prayers. - Sue Eleftherakis
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Menchaca family, I can't imagine the pain you are going through. He was not only a hero but, everyone's son. As for, all the brave men and women fighting in this never ending war. PFC Menchaca, is now in a place of love and peace. Where all our love one's are with god and him. He will never have to see hate and anger. God called his angel back home. May God bless the Menchaca Family. my sincere sympathy to you and everyone that has lost a love one to this war.
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For the Menchaca family, You have my deepest condolences and prayers. PFC Menchaca is an American hero and a true Patriot in every sense possible. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. I thank your family and PFC Menchaca for the freedom my family and I can have because of him. God bless your son, your family, PFC Tucker and his family, and the other service members fighting for our great nation. Please know that you have my eternal respect. - Sincerely, Rick P Jacquier, Houston, TX - R.I.P. PFC Menchaca and PFC Tucker "Gone, but NEVER forgotten"
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I lost someone very special during the Viet Nam war.....he NEVER was returned home...he was listed as KIA...I definitely can sympathize with your loss...your sorrow...my love and prayers go out to you...your family...your community and the entire nation. - Pam, formerly of Canyon Lake, TX
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Mrs. Vasquez, you along with many other grieving military mothers will soon find comfort knowing what a remarkable and honorable job your son and countless others have meant to all Americans. The Rio Grande Valley has and continues to be bravely represented by courageous young men and women just like your son Kristian. May God cradle you and your family during these most trying times. - Miss L. Davila (Brownsville)
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To the Menchaca family. My deepest condolences. - TA, Miami FL
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My thoughts and prayers are with your family. - Rich
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There is nothing so hard as the death of a loved one. There are no words to express how sorry you must be nor are there any emotions that I can send that will comfort. Just know that your son will not be lost in vain. He is a true hero, while I do not believe in the present war, I believe in the hearts of our boys and girls fighting out there and giving their all and if we can recall Private Menchaca as a rationale for bringing the rest of them back this will be a great legacy that he can carry with honor forever. I extend my family's heartfelt love and support to all in your family and community. - Mary Ann Escamilla
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Our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Menchaca family for their tremendous loss of their son, PFC Kristian Menchaca. PFC Menchaca died a patriot, liberator and hero and fought hard for his country and believed for what was right...the freedom of the Iraqi people. Our deepest sympathy also goes out to his extended family and friends and all who knew him. Our prayers are with you and God bless. - Encarnacion Campos Jr & Family
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I would like to offer my condolences over the loss of your son. His sacrifice will not be forgotten or lost in the minds of those who he served to protect. - Eugene Lou
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Our families prayers are with your family. I am also a mother of a soldier. I am sooooooooo indebted to all the soldiers over there. No words will ever be able to say how sorry we are and thankful for the soldiers. Please know that you are not alone. - Linda Thompson
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Our deepest condolences for you....May God's love help soothe your pain in this terrible time. - Claudio Pinto
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I'm deeply sorry for your loss, and while no words will make this difficult time easier to bear, we all honor your son and thank you for your sacrifice. May God protect our nation's servicemen and servicewomen. - Adam W. Johnson, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Chicago
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Courage is not confined to the field of battle...it has been abundant in every home that has sent a son or daughter off to war. Behind each name etched in the granite of a memorial wall are moms and dads, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, wives, who have paid a tremendous price...they gave the flesh of their flesh, the blood of their blood. To the Menchaca family, prayers are sent from my family to yours. You haven given this nation the gift of a loved one. You have endured unthinkable grief...may God grant you His lasting peace. Freedom is a precious gift, given to the rest of us at a great cost. May those who gave their lives for our country rest in eternal peace. Rest in Peace Private First Class Kristian Menchaca. Thank you from a grateful nation - may we never forget you or your sacrifice.
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A good man is gone, but certainly not forgotten. There will always be more good souls lost like PFC Menchaca to keep the rest of the world free. It doesn't help those who his memory is beloved, but for the rest of us, we stand humbled. - T. Michael Brown, Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh), PA
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My heart aches for the family of this brave soldier -- God Bless You All. - Ana Gutierrez
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May God give you strength and bless you. All of America is grieving with you. - Richard Shandross, Taunton, MA.
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To The Menchaca Family. Our Prayers are with you and with the memory of your loved one! God has called another one of His Angels! He will live in your hearts forever! He is not suffering but rejoicing with our Maker. May God Bless you all! - RR, Harlingen, TX
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To the family of PFC Menchaca: The horrible news has rocked our community. We all mourn the loss of your son. We mourn the loss of a community member and Fort Campbell soldier. There are no words to describe how sorry I am for your suffering. May GOD bless your family and give you peace. Trust in the Lord always, although we don't understand it, he knows what he is doing. Lean on our community, there are so many of us that have lost loved ones in Iraq. We know what you are going through. Fort Campbell will never forget. - Lindsey Cude, Fort Campbell, KY
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Dear Ms. Menchaca and the Vasquez Family , My deepest condolences go out to everyone in the Menchaca and Vasquez Families for this tragedy of a fallen brother. My prayers go out to you all and never forget what great thoughts PFC Menchaca brought to you. - Cpl Johnny L. Trotter, USMC
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I would like to send my respect to the family and friends of Private First Class Kristian Menchaca. A Valley hero who will never be forgotten. I to lost my best friend Samuel Tapia in combat on Dec 18, 2005 and came all the way from Germany to visit his family. I am going to be in the Valley in July and really wish I could attend this funeral and be there with the family to show my support. So can you send this message out to the family of Menchaca and let them know that his loss was felt worldwide. It hurts to see another RGV Military lose his life. But I am proud to say that when this happens in the Valley, we all come together and support one another. This support is the best any soldier, marine, sailor, and airmen can have. Thank You RGV. I am proud to say where I come from. Once again I really wish I could attend the funeral. And to the family of Menchaca. We will get the ones responsible. Show us support and we show you results. - PFC Villanueva, 2d MI BN, 66th MI Group, US Army
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I thank the lord he has two more angels ahead of us. It is a sad moment that these two young soldiers, fathers, son, brothers had to go like this. They serve a country that they are proud of. We are so proud of all those men that give their lives for us to have ours. May God bless their families and friends that are going to rough time. God will give them serenity when they most need it. My condolences for the Menchaca Family. - Rodriguez Family
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Because of these brave men, we are able to live the life we do and enjoy the freedom we have. May God bless these families and thank you from America. - Judith Walker
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My family extends its deepest sympathy for the friends and family of this brave soldier. Thank you to Pvt. Menchaca for your service and your great sacrifice for our nation. - Teresa W.
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Por este medio quiero expresar me mas sentido pesame a los familiares del soldado Menchaca. No hay nada en este mundo que no valga la pena, por lo que estoy bien seguro que su fallecimineto por ningun motivo fue en vano. Con el tiempo vamos a darnos cuenta. Por lo tanto deseo sinceramente el pronto y profundo alivio al dolor de los familiares de Menchaca. Diosito los bendiga hoy y siempre.
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Our deepest condolences to the Menchaca family on the loss of their son, Pfc Menchaca. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you. Alonzo, Norma & Celia Anzaldua.
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Our prayers and deepest condolences for the mother and each family member of PFC Kristian Menchaca. May the Lord give you strength each and every day. Your son is in heaven and at peace for serving his country. - On behalf of the Romula (Nena) Vasquez Zamora families of Port Isabel
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I would like to say to say to his family I'm deeply sorry for your loss may GOD bless your souls and your home. I pray to God to protect our hero's at all time. Be strong, remember him on all the good times you had together. Thanks to all our servicemen and women for protecting
our freedom here at home and overseas. I know the people of Iraq thanks us for our brave soldiers too. - Luis Tortola
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I am so sorry to the family and friends that knew this hero, during this diffucult time please remember the memories and know he will always be in your hearts. He died an American Hero and will always be remembered as one. My family and I send our prayers to you and yours, I will keep a special place in my heart for this 101st soldier. I am ex 101st myself and he was a brother and always will be. - Bob Mills, Melbourne, Florida
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Que Dios los Bendiga y les de Consuelo en sus corazones. Es una lastima que siendo tan joven tenga que perder su vida. Pero gracias a el tenemos libertad en nuestro pais. - Rebecca Fonseca, Dallas
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I am so sorry about your loss and may god bless you and your family. Thank you Kristian for being the man that you were and stepping up to the plate when America needed you. God Bless. - Roli Flores and Family, Edinburg Texas
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May you be comforted knowing many are the hearts that are praying for you & your family.
Remember 2000 years ago? Another mother lost her son in the "hands of unjust men of the world". He, Christ Jesus, did not die in vain......He died for our freedom of sin. Kristian, also, lost his life in the "hands of unjust men of the world", and his death is not in vain either. He gave his life, as he believed, for his fellowmen's freedom and safety. Knowing your son is in our Lord's kingdom, also know you and yours are in Mary's, our Blessed Mother, arms being comforted. Find rest close to her bosom, near her heart, as a child does when held by her/his mother. She understands your pain. Our continuous prayers are with all of you. -
Arnoldo & Graciela Garza
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My family and I are deeply saddened and would like to express our condolences to Ms. Vasquez and PFC Menchaca's entire family and friends. Our soldiers who put themselves in harm's way in the service to our country are indeed our greatest heroes. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, the whole community shares the grief with your entire family at this sad time, but please know that we are very proud of him for the character and bravery that he has shown in his short, but precious lifetime. My husband and I are both Army Veterans and as comrades in arms we, grief his death. - Carmen Elva Castaneda-Ortiz, Huntsville, Alabama
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I would like to express my deepest sympathy the family of PFC Kristian Menchaca, may the Lord give you guidance and strength in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Carol M. Flores
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Me and my family unite ourselves on the mourning of Pfc Menchaca. Our prayers for his mother and every family member is that the Lord will give them strength in this very sad days of their lives. I understand that he fought for our country and are very proud of him. Don't worry Ms.Vasquez that one day we will be with him in heaven, with no suffering at all. May God bless you all and America too. - Carlos
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I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine, "He said for you to lvoe the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead, but will you till I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief, you'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief. God bless this family. - Rudy Uresti
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Mrs. Menchaca please accept my deepest condolences for you have lost the greatest gift the lord could bless us with, our children but you must know that your son is our Hero as so many of those that have lost their lives to protect ours. Although i do not know your family or your beautiful son my tears have not stop falling. I don't know but i feel your pain and also your love for your son. i have 3 grown-up sons and i cannot imagine my life without them. My prayers will be with you and your family. GOD BLESS YOU P.S. MRS. MENCHACA YOUR SON IS OUR HERO - Sincerely, Joe and Isabel Castillo, of San Benito, Texas
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To the Menchaca family, on behalf of my family we send your family our deepest sympathies. Your son is an American Hero. He died honorably serving his beloved country. It is because of people like your son that we have the liberties we have today. It is because of your son that the Iraqi people are able to enjoy some of the very same freedoms you and us experience today. Your son will never be forgotten. May God bless you and strengthen you through this difficult time. You and your family will always be in our prayers in these hard times. We have a nephew in the Marines and he has been to Iraq twice. With our prayers and faith he has returned home safely. - Leo Garcia
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My deepest sympathy goes out to Kristian's mom and family and I pray to our loving Father Almighty God, Jehovah to give you the strength at this hard time in life. I feel your pain because I (Nora Ramirez) lost my nephew Lance Corporal Christopher McCrackin at the age of 20 while conducting combat operations against enemy forced during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi, Iraq supporting operation Iraqi Freedom in November 14th of 2005. It is extremely hard to deal with the loss of a loved one. There are no words to explain the pain that we go through. Specially when our heroes die when they are so young and barely starting their lives. Private Kristian Menchaca along with all our heroes that have lost their lives will remain in our hearts with wonderful memories for ever. May God hear our prayers and that all our troops come home safe. It is time to bring our troops back home. Enough is enough! May God Bless you - The Ramirez and McCrackin family of Brownsville Texas And Liverpool Texas in Houston.
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My deepest condolences for the loss of your son Kristian Menchaca. I am deeply touched by his loss because he was so young. As I was following the news about how you waited on word about Kristian each day, I prayed that it would not be him who was missing. As a mother, I can relate to your pain and suffering. It is never easy to hear this kind of news about a child of God. My family and I have kept your family in our prayers and will continue to do so. - Melissa Alaniz
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Dear Menchaca and Vasquez families, I pray to GOD he gives you strength and peace in your lives now more than ever and be with you in the hardest of times of your lost loved one until that day we meet with Kristian in Heaven. We have you in our hearts and prayers every day. May GOD bless you, always and GOD be with all our heroes who are still fighting in Iraq! - CCaballero, Brownsville, TX
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Most of all, our prayers are with your son. He is at peace now and resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord. He will never be forgotten by his family, the Valley, America, or the World. You are hurting so much, but remember the pride in which he served his country. We will never forget Kristian. He is etched in our hearts forever. - Wayne, Kathy, and Kim Adams, Edinburg
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The family of this brave young man has my deepest and sincere sympathy. He is a hero that stood up to defend his country. He should not have had this horrible thing happen to him. I can imagine the pain and the grief of the family. God bless each of you and help you with your loss and grief. Mere words are never adequate at times like this. - Respectfully, John R. Harris II, LTC (Ret) Army, Vietnam 1969-1970
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I am the mother of two sons, both of which are career military. I live with fear in the back of my mind all the time. I am so sorry this has happened to your loved one....your grief is a pain in my heart. Please know that in a way I am united with you, and that you are in my prayers. This is a terrible time for you, and nobody can really find the right words to comfort you...except "I do understand". - Leda Shetler
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Your son is a hero...to his family, his friends, the military, his country, and to God. I can not imagine the anguish this is causing you, but please find some comfort in knowing the country is saddened along with you and is here for you. Godspeed, Ben Graves (US Citizen) Manila, Philippines
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Me and my family unite ourselves on the mourning of Pfc Menchaca. Our prayers for his mother and every family member is that the Lord will give them strength in this very sad days of their lives. I understand that he fought for our country and are very proud of him. Don't worry Ms. Vasquez that one day we will be with him in heaven, with no suffering at all. May God bless you all and America too.
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I am so sadden to hear about Kristian's death and my sympathy and prayers go his family and friends. Now Kristin is with the Lord and resting in peace in Heaven. He died doing what he liked doing he gave his life for us just like all those soldiers that are fighting in Iraq. I hope that some day the President realizes that going to war was not the right thing to do with the excuse he gave. All we have to do now is keep on praying that our troops come back soon. May God bless Kristian's family and give them strength to continue in life, as they say "Life goes on"and our prayers should continue for those soldiers still fighting in Iraq.
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To all of Kristian's family & friends, I have thought of Kristian and Thomas since I heard that two soldiers were missing. I prayed for them every night. Now I pray for all who knew and loved Kristian. Thank you for raising such a wonderful son that he wanted to defend my freedom. Kristian must have been one special man for God to have taken him so young. My prayers will continue to ask God to give you comfort in such a sad time. - Rohnda, Twain Harte, California
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Con Dios, Mi Amigos, Mi Paisanos. - Howard Ralph, U.S. Army (Retired)
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History is replete with those cases where those most precious to us are taken away before their time in there service to their country. History has also shown that such sacrifice is for the most noble cause and that those who were sacrificed will not be forgotten. When I face the evening breeze and look across our valley I give thanks for those patriots and ask blessing and understanding for the families which suffered those losses. God be with you. ( A Korean "police action" vet.)
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My family and I are deeply saddened and would like to express our condolences to
Ms. Vasquez and PFC Menchaca's entire family and friends. Our soldiers who put themselves in harm's way in the service to our country are indeed our greatest heroes. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, the whole community shares the grief with your entire family at this sad time, but please know that we are very proud of him for the character and bravery that he has shown in his short, but precious lifetime. My husband and I are both Army Veterans and as comrades in arms we, grief his death. - Carmen Elva Castaneda-Ortiz, Huntsville, Alabama

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Growing up in the Valley and now living in another state, this really hits home. Not to mention my brother who is currently in Iraq (SPC. Jaime Perez, 978 MP Comp.) We are deeply sorry and sadden for your lose. It's been a very sad day for us learning that you have lost your son. We hope the best for your family. God bless us all! We will never forget the lives that we have lost. Not a day goes by that we don't pray for those troops who risk everything for our freedom. - Victor & Christina Perez, Tucson, AZ
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Thank you & your son for the sacrifice for our country. There are no words to ease your pain just know you're in my family's prayers tonight. - Thanks, T. Lynn Brown, RN
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My sympathy to you on the loss of your brave son. - Mari, Kansas

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Kristian and Mr.Tucker and their other comrade were warriors until the end, I am sure they fought until the end. Kristian is now in a better place with Jesus Christ in Heaven, and you can be assured he will always be alive in your Hearts. Even though there are millions of Americans like us, that believe we should no longer have our Men and Women in Iraq, we still support them over there, because we are all they have over here back home, and all they have over there is each other. I am a Navy Veteran from the first Gulf War and I am truly saddened every time another one of ours dies over there. We can only pray to the Almighty God to end this war. My condolences to Mrs. Menchaca and the Tucker and Babineau Families and all the other military families who have lost a loved one.
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We well never forget. God bless you and your son who paid for our freedom and you for sharing him for this. I owe the honor of saluting the mother of a hero. God bless you. We are with you in this time of sadness. - Roger Rodriguez
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As a mother, I know there probably is no pain more intense than that of the loss of a child, and I grieve with the families of these two young men as well as with the families of ALL American soldiers lost in this terrible struggle against barbarians. It is the very manner of their deaths, the agony which they suffered over and above the hardships of this particular military engagement, that strikes so deeply into our hearts. Their sufferings are over and they are with God now, and I hope this is some comfort to their families. Despite the horror of their death, it is possible to celebrate their lives and to know that at the end, they gave all they had for their country and their countrymen. May God's grace be with their families and with all our military members. - Mary Verrot, Ville Platte, LA
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May God give the Menchaca family the strength to withstand this terrible loss, all our love and sympathy go out to you all, especially to Private Kristian Menchaca's mother and wife. Always remember him alive and happy, keep in your hearts all the nice moments you had with him, and don't forget he is a man of honor that was out there fighting for our freedom, and he passed doing what he thought was the right thing to do which is fight for his and our country.
May God Bless you all always. - With Love, Manuel and Gladys Anaya
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To the Menchaca family, It is very sad that another one of our solders and Valley native has died. On behalf of the Castillo family we send our deepest sympathies, and our prayers are with you all. My little brother is currently in Iraq and I am proud to say that he was one of the thousands that was out there looking for Kristian. They are all heroes. - M. Castillo Edcouch/Weslaco TX
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this painful time. Know that we are so thankful to all the men and women defending our country, but more importantly, those who have given their life for freedom, like Kristian did. His death is felt by the entire nation and though we did not know him personally, we are saddened just as much. We do not agree with our presence in Iraq or the war itself, but we stand behind our soldiers, pray for them and wait for them until they come home. - Norma Martinez Sebastian
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Our deepest sympathies are with your family at your time of loss. Your family are also in our prayers, PFC Menchaca will always be remembered. - Cynthia Garcia
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From one mother to another, words cannot describe the pain your heart must be feeling during this difficult times. I see a soldier & remember that they too were once little boys full of laughter who grew up to be strong, courageous men. Never forget that you are not alone: The arms that welcomed your son in Heaven are those that will also hold you & comfort you now. Always remember that he was a soldier went on not by the hate he saw before him but rather the love he felt behind him. My prayers & thoughts are with you & the rest of the family. Sincerely, Felicia J. Cepeda
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Our prayers are with the Menchaca family. May God give them strength and faith to cope with this horrific tragedy. God bless you Maria Vasquez and all your family and friends. - Love Rosie Rodriguez & family
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Ms. Menchaca, For your son to have joined the military at a time like the present only confirms his heroic status. Our founding fathers did similar when they put their lives on the line so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have available to us today. I hope you find the strength to endure. Your son would have wanted nothing less I'm certain. Its hero's like your son whom will make this world an even safer place for our children and grandchildren to live in. I take my hat off to you for raising such a heroic young man. While it pains me to hear of yet another loss I find comfort in knowing we are doing for others what we did for ourselves in years past. It is truly a worthy cause. I also find it comforting knowing that very soon millions more children will be living their lives in a manner much improved from their past thus ensuring a progression towards world peace. May the lord look over you and your heroic Son for eternity. Sincerely, Timothy L Holmes
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Many thoughts pass our hearts. Please know that this saddens everyone's heart. The first ones who died at Desert Storm was Aaron Pack. He was a very close friend. Also, from Camp Pendleton. Boys are strong when they are strong, and I hope you remember he was a strong boy who loved you and he loved you. I am so sorry; may you pray and have peace, clarity.
God Bless you and your family today and for always. - Rebecca Occhiline, Pasadena, CA
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Dear Folks, I don't know how to measure the loss of your son. I have prayed to God and asked others to do the same to try and help you with your pain. Being a soldier has never been easy and our young men and women do a superb job. I know many of the feelings your undergoing when someone you know and love loses their life in a war. You have a league people that stand ready to strengthen you in the days to come. Your son was indeed one our comrades in arms. - Robert A. Spencer, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Retired) AUSA
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I did not lose my son because of war overseas, but he was murdered 10 years ago. You all have been in my prayers and heart since I heard about the young men. I can tell you that GOD will get you thru and he is in charge and knows what is best. You will never fully get over it but it you will turn it over to him he can use it to his glory. I do know that I look forward to the day when I see my son again. God bless you and give you rest. - Jenifer Pace
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My sympathy and Prayers goes out to all the family members of the Menchaca family especially his mom. It's a great tragedy and there is nothing anyone can say that will comfort her at this time. But just knowing that we are behind her may help a little. Corpus Christi family
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My deepest condolences to PFC Menchaca's wife, mother and family. He is a hero to the Rio Grande Valley, Texas and the USA. We pray for peace and strength for his entire family during this difficult time. He paid with the ultimate price, his life. Let us continue to pray for our soldiers and hope this war ends soon. - Romeo Gonzalez
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My son is with the 101st 502nd Airborne and is stationed exactly where your son was killed.. my son is the same age as your son .. I held my breath all weekend and prayed it was not him...all weekend my mind went over and over what I would feel, or say , or do if it were him. When the names were released on Sunday I prayed for you, your son, your family. I just wanted you to know that someone cares, cares very deeply about the loss of your son. - Mark DeConcini
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To the family of Pfc Kristian Menchaca: My family and I wish to offer sympathy to the family of an American hero. We pray for comfort in your sorrow and pain with the knowledge that your soldier will not be forgotten and that the great majority of Americans appreciate his and your sacrifice. God bless you. - M. Milroy
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My deepest sympathy to him mother, wife, and other family members. He is in a better place with GOD in heaven then having us to wait not finding him and now knowing what they might have been doing to him and him having to go through what he was going through during those missing hours. May GOD bless his whole family. May Kristian - Rest In Peace - Olivia Ortiz
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My heart is with you and your family. I respect your boy's loyalty and I hope this war ends soon. - Jheanelle McMaster
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To the Menchaca family, On behalf of my family I send my most deepest sympathies. Your son is an American Hero. He died honorably serving his beloved country. Although you may not support the war, I am sure your son witnessed firsthand the fruits of his labor. The media is only presenting one side of the situation in Iraq. They are not showing the Americans the positive side. Not all the Iraqi people feel the same about the US. As in Somalia, there are people who are grateful they were liberated from Saddam Hussein. It is because of people like your son that we have the liberties we have today. It is because of your son that the Iraqi people are able to enjoy some of the very same freedoms you and I experience today. Your son and your family name will not be forgotten. May God bless you and strengthen you through this difficult time. - Salvador Capuchino Jr, Harlingen
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It hurts my heart so much, it feels almost like a bruise on the heart...if there could be such a thing........to know that he wanted to make a difference, to sacrifice your time and effort for what you believe is a good cause and for things to end up the way they did....but let us not remember the evilness in the situation...don't let the seed of hate grow. Just remember the need he had....to do something positive and productive and follow his example, and in doing so his spirit and legacy live on. - Rosa Guzman
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I cannot begin to understand your pain but want to let you know that I am so sorry for your loss. - Carol Cilona
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My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family upon hearing such devastating news.
Sincerely, M. Fernandez
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I can't even begin to imagine the torment that family and friends of Kristian Menchaca are going through right now. My deepest sympathy goes to them and I will certainly continue to pray for them so that God can give them the strength, peace and the faith to continue. May they never forget that there is a God and He is a truly wonderful God. Only He can help them through this horrible ordeal. Once again, may God bless them and our prayers continue with them. - Myrna Balderas
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It is sorry to hear that the body that they found was Kristian Menchaca. I was praying and hoping that it wasn't him. My sympathy goes to the entire family and friends. Our prayers go to his family. It's hard to lose somebody that you love so much. I pray that God will give them the strength not to forget but to try to move on. - Unknown
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I am very sorry to learned about the tragedy of Private Kristian Menchaca. My sympathy goes to his mother, his wife, and his entire family. I can't begin to comprehend the emotions the family is coping with. I have a nephew who is in the U.S. Navy and I am always afraid that one day he will let us know that he is being sent to Iraq. I pray that our troops will come home soon. At first I understood why our troops were sent to Iraq. But now I don't. I will keep the Menchaca family in my prayers. God Bless You. - Angel
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Please let PFC Menchaca's mother know that she is in our prayers. God give her strength in this hard time. God Bless. - Maria Garcia
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It is sadden to hear that our two soldiers missing were found dead. Their uneventful death was met in the most deplorable barbaric circumstances. Our native son (Kris Menchaca) has paid a high price for the sound of Freedom in a hostile part of the world. It is deeply regrettable the loss of such a young soldier. We can only share the grief and anguish that MS. Maria Vasquez is going through. - Graciano Espinoza, Jr.
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I would like to tell you how my heart aches for the loss of Kristian. I prayed and prayed for those brave young men, from the moment I heard. I am the mother of a soldier stationed in Baghdad, and I know how hard it is to cope with them being there, and thinking about all that can happen, and worrying constantly like we do. I am so sorry that our worst nightmares happened to your child. Kristian is indeed an American hero. No matter how awful it is to think about what happened, his memory must be honored and remain sacred to all of us forever. He was a brave warrior, and we must never forget him. God Bless You All. God has taken him safely home, although the emptiness in your heart is a terrible thing, indeed. My deepest sympathy. Bernadette Manley

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight - nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety - is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." -John Stuart Mills
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Murio un Valiente! Con mucho pesar hemos recibido la noticia que su hijo ha fallecido. Joven que ha sacrificado lo maximo-su propia vida-para que nosotros podamos gozar de Libertad aqui en los E.E.U.U. Por jovenes valientes como su hijo y gracias a Dios, nuestros hijos pueden jugar, estudiar, y dormir en paz sabiendo que hasta hoy no hay temores de guerra que
temer en nuestro suelo Americano. Reciban nuestro mas sentido pesame! Que Dios les bendiga y les llene de fuerza emocional y espiritual hoy y siempre. - Sinceramente, Familia Arroliga (Edinburg, TX)

http://www.team4news.com/Global/story.asp?...87&nav=0w0vL9oa

Texas Community Mourns Death of Soldier

By LYNN BREZOSKY Tuesday, June 27, 2006

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The mother of a soldier whose body was found mutilated in Iraq sobbed with her cheek against his sealed, flag-shrouded coffin Tuesday, looking at the crucifix above it and asking repeatedly in Spanish, "Why? ... Why my son?"

Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, was one of two 101st Airborne Division soldiers whose booby-trapped remains were found June 19, three days after they disappeared following an insurgent attack. He was to be buried Wednesday.

"You were so young," said Maria Vasquez, a 50-year-old Mexican immigrant. "My little boy."

The public was allowed to pay respects Tuesday. Uniformed veterans, public officials and others streamed into the convention center where the coffin was displayed.


David Brown, a 48-year-old Army veteran, gave Vasquez an American flag and a card saying: "For evil to prevail, all that is necessary is for good men to do nothing."

The military said explosive experts had to dismantle three roadside bombs before reaching the bodies of Menchaca and Pfc. Thomas Tucker of Madras, Ore. A U.S. military officer said last week that one and possibly both soldiers had been tortured and beheaded.

Menchaca's mother has declined to hear the Army's updates on exactly how her son died, said Rachel Ayala, a family spokeswoman.

"She doesn't want to know," Ayala said.

http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/...s/d8igpco00.txt

Thanks Maus, I didn't have time to locate any of the other articles or the one on Pvt. Tucker and the other solder. Would you see if you can locate those?

Would be honored...

Army Spc. David J. Babineau

25, of Springfield, Mass.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; killed June 16 while manning a checkpoint when he came under enemy small arms fire in Baghdad. Two soldiers in the unit were listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN): Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston, and Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore.

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1880663.html

June 20, 2006

Madras mourns the death of Private Tucker

By BRAD CAIN
Associated Press Writer

MADRAS, Ore. - Relatives of a Madras soldier said Tuesday they were devastated by the possibility that Army Pfc. Thomas Lowell Tucker may have been killed after he was kidnapped in Iraq, and they were awaiting final word on his fate.

The Army told the family of Tucker, 25, on Tuesday there was a high probability that his was one of the bodies found in Iraq near a checkpoint south of Baghdad.

Army officers said the cause of death was "undeterminable at this point," and it is doing DNA tests to confirm their identities, which may take two or three days.

Kay Fristad, an Oregon National Guard spokeswoman, said the Tucker family was crushed by the news and had decided to avoid media reports until there is confirmation of his death.

Tucker and Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston, disappeared Friday after an attack on a military checkpoint in an area south of Baghdad known as the "Triangle of Death."

A third soldier, Spc. David J. Babineau, 25, of Springfield, Mass., was killed in the attack on a military checkpoint.

All three were assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky.

An Iraqi defense ministry official said the men were tortured and "killed in a barbaric way." Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility for killing the soldiers, and said the successor to terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had "slaughtered" them, according to a Web statement that could not be authenticated.

The language in the statement suggested the men were beheaded.

The Tucker family was avoiding reports on the death to prevent further distress, Fristad said in a press release. Fristad said the family was upset by a report on NBC's "Today" show in which an uncle of Menchaca said a lack of planning cost his nephew's life.

The Tucker family asked for continued respect of their privacy while they coped with their grief.

Through Fristad, the family released a statement Tuesday that said while they were devastated by the news about Tucker, they were heartened by the community support.

"Tom has gained a much larger family through this ordeal than he had when he left home to go help to free the Iraqi people and protect his country from the threat of terrorism," the family said.

In Madras, residents of the tight-knit town flew yellow flags, raised money and expressed sympathy for the family.

At a Tiger Mart, a combination gas station-convenience store where Tucker pumped gas as a teenager, car wash manager Ed Bockoven affixed red-white-and-blue balloons to the store's sign.

"When something like this happens to someone from a small town like Madras, it really hits home," Bockoven said. "I know the whole community is supporting Tom Tucker. He has a lot of friends in town."

Coalition forces spotted the American soldiers' bodies late Monday, three days after the men disappeared following an attack on their checkpoint south of the capital, the military said.

But troops delayed retrieving the remains until an explosives team cleared the area after an Iraqi civilian warned them to be alert for explosive devices.

"Coalition forces had to carefully maneuver their way through numerous improvised explosive devices leading up to and around the site," the military said in a statement. "Insurgents attempting to inflict additional casualties had placed IEDs around the bodies."

http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=86984

http://www.counterpunch.org/

A Brief History
Military Resistance
By ZOLTAN GROSSMAN

The public refusals here at Fort Lewis (Washington) of Army 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, Sgt. Kevin Benderman and Spc. Suzanne Swift to deploy to Iraq are the most recent chapter of a long and noble history of resistance within the U.S. armed forces. To understand this history, and where it might lead, it helps to see how resistance varies strongly according to rank, class and race, and how difficult it is for resisters to express their patriotic viewpoints alone, without support from the larger peace movement.

Dissent from soldiers during foreign interventions has been reported throughout U.S. history, such as in Mexico in the 1840s and the Philippines in the 1900s. Even during World War II, African American rebellions against internal racism shook the military, and eventually forced unit desegregation. After the war ended in 1945, soldiers and sailors demanded a postwar demobilization and tickets home. Starting in Manila, they formed a huge and successful movement that may have prevented a U.S. intervention against the Chinese Revolution later in the decade, though did not prevent the Korean War of the 1950s.

During the Vietnam War, the military ranks carried out mass resistance on bases and ships in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, U.S. and Europe. Military resistance was instrumental in ending the war by making the ranks politically unreliable. This history is well documented in Soldiers in Revolt by David Cortright and teh recent film "Sir! No Sir!." Servicemen and women were heavily influenced by the antiwar and African American liberation movements back home, as well as by personal contact with Vietnamese civilians. But this resistance took years to develop after the initial deployments in 1960, not catching fire until after the 1968 Tet Offensive showed that the war was unwinnable.

Personnel in all service branches carried out explicitly political actions-signing antiwar petitions, wearing buttons and patches, disobeying illegal orders, avoiding battles, passing information to the peace movement, and carrying out strikes, sit-ins, and rebellions, and well as sabotage of equipment. The breakdown in discipline was evidenced by high levels of internal organizing, racial conflict, drug use, desertion, and being absent without leave (AWOL). The sources of the rebellions were as much tied to domestic racism as to overseas militarism.

At one time in 1972, three aircraft carriers on duty in the Western Pacific (off Vietnam) were simultaneously put out of commission-one by an African American uprising on board, and two by internal sabotage. The U.S. mining of North Vietnamese harbors later that year was frustrated by the defusing of many ship mines by Naval Magazine personnel at Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines. Some GIs refused to be deployed to Vietnam, including six at Fort Lewis in 1970. The "Fort Lewis Six" were beaten in the stockade, and sentenced to 1-2 years, creating a wave of local support for GI dissenters. (The support went both ways, when Native American soldiers organized to support and protect treaty rights activists on rivers next to the base.)

While some GIs publicly resisted as individuals, or applied for Conscientious Objector (CO) status, most carried out their resistance in a more collective or quiet manner, slowing down the war machine by delaying and undermining their own mission (as anyone who has worked at a crappy job knows how to do). Some GIs sent out on patrol in Vietnam, for example, would simply have a little party, and later return to base with lurid accounts of encounters with the rebels.

U.S. military resistance was not simply sparked by the period of the Vietnam War and the military draft. Cortright provides evidence that disobediance was in fact greatest not among draftees, but among enlistees, who had more of a working-class background, or enlisted out of patriotism and expected more out of the service. Selective Service was not an equal opportunity institution, since white and middle-class youth had social advantages to avoid the draft, just as they have had in the recruitment-based "poverty draft" since Vietnam.

Radicalism within the ranks led the Reagan-Bush Administration in the 1980s to turn increasingly toward air war strategies, proxy armies, and more capital-intensive, high-tech weapons systems which only smaller skilled units could operate. The Navy restricted sailors' access to parts of the ship where it might be "threatened from withinespecially during times of great international tension." Nevertheless, the unwillingness of the ranks to fight in another Vietnam contributed to the success of the antiwar movement in preventing a full-scale U.S. invasion of Nicaragua or El Salvador.

During the 1980s, anti-intervention and anti-nuclear activists who distributed peace literature to military personnel noticed widespread sympathy in the lower ranks. I helped produce the About Face newspaper for GIs, and worked with veterans to educate activists in Europe and the Philippines on reaching GIs. This was possible because the military allows personnel one copy of literature. Department of Defense Directive 1325.6 Sec 3.5 still today states that "the mere possession of unauthorized printed material may not be prohibited.The fact that a publication is critical of government policies or officials is not, in itself, a ground on which distribution may be prohibited."

During 1983 women's peace actions against the deployment of nuclear missiles from a New York army depot, women who dialogued with Military Police were told by an MP officer: "My men are scared and confused. They want to come down and kill all of you. But they also want to come down and join all of you." His statement summed up the contradictory 'dual consciousness' within many soldiers, who may be open to dialogue with activists respectfully encouraging the positive part of their hearts and minds.

The 1991 Gulf War helped the Pentagon to overcome the 'Vietnam Syndrome,' by presenting a sanitized video-game image of war, focused on a dehumanized Arab enemy. Military dissent became very difficult to express under these circumstances (with the exception of brave individual refusers such as Jeff Paterson, and many others who were jailed after the military stopped approving CO discharges). As national associate director of the Committee Against Registration and the Draft, I was involved in a project to produce a cassette for GIs of veterans' interviews, music and radio theater. The war too ended quickly for dissent to come out into the open, but the peace movement's campaign for "sanctuary" for military resisters briefly made some headway. After the Gulf War, the Clinton Administration's repeated bombings of Iraq, Serbia, and other countries created a public impression that warfare bore little if any cost for U.S. military forces.

This historic complacency ended with 9/11, the invasion of Afghanistan, and occupation of Iraq. Military enlistees began to realize again that signing up and re-upping had real-life consequences, and recruitment became more difficult. The Pentagon's stop-loss policy forced Iraq War veterans and reservists back to the frontlines, angering even the most pro-war personnel and families. A major change since the Vietnam and Gulf wars is that personnel now have access through the Internet to alternative sources of information and resources. The Internet was an important factor in Lt. Watada's self-education, and it can be used by the military community to dialogue about the war and conditions outside official channels (since military culture intimidates most internal critics into silence).

Opposition within the military is far higher after three years of the Iraq War than it was three years into the Vietnam War. More than 8,000 personnel have deserted since the war began (according to USA Today), about 400 of whom have gone to Canada. The military has been reluctant to punish refusers from the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) beyond discharging them. The capture of Saddam and death of Zarqawi have ironically weakened Bush's case that our troops need to stay to "protect" Iraqis against their will. With about a dozen refusals to deploy, and a recent Zogby poll that shows 72 percent of troops stationed in Iraq support a withdrawal within a year, the military resistance will only grow. But resisters need public support, particularly from their local communities. On June 16, days after Lt. Watada's refusal, Tacoma's United Methodist Church near Fort Lewis opened its doors as a "sanctuary" for military personnel.

Some media expressed surprise that Lt. Watada refused deployment so soon after the Port of Olympia protests against armored vehicle shipments from his 3rd Stryker Brigade. Yet soldiers and antiwar protesters have something very crucial in common: they both take the war seriously, and take risks because of it. At a June 2 ceremony marking the Stryker deployment, Fort Lewis Commander Lt. Gen. James Dubik observed that "Less than 1 percent of the nation is carrying 100 percent of the burden of this war." As Lt. Watada agreed five days later, "Soldiers who come back from Iraq say they get the impression many people don't know a war is going on; they say even friends and family seem more involved in popular culture and American Idol. People are not interested in the hundreds of Iraqis and the dozens of Americans dying each week."

When soldiers see hundreds of people in the street protesting the war, they can realize (whether they agree with the message or not) that at least the protesters are interested and care that there's a war on, and are sacrificing some comfort and daily routine because of the war. In this way, visible antiwar actions can spread the "burden" to a wider circle, and help build a bridge to military personnel and their families, but only if the protesters also open a respectful dialogue with them.

Zoltan Grossman is a member of the faculty in Geography and Native Studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and a longtime justice and peace activist. A version of this article originally appeared in the London journal Race Today. Other writings are on his website at http://academic.evergreen.edu/g/grossmaz and e-mail is grossmaz@evergreen.edu