From the Appleton Post-Cresent:
A Green Bay soldier told the Army on Friday that he won't go back to Iraq because he believes the war is immoral.
Spc. Kristoffer Walker, 28, was scheduled to board a flight Friday morning at Austin Straubel International Airport in Ashwaubenon to return to Atlanta, where he was scheduled to rejoin the 353rd Transportation Unit deployed to Iraq in October. Walker has been home on leave the past two weeks.
Lt. Col. Nathan Banks, an Army spokesman at the Pentagon, said Walker did not follow military procedure by filling out paperwork to list himself as a conscientious objector.
"His unit is counting on him," Banks said. "He's actually turning his back on his battle buddies. By just not reporting, you're letting down your teammates. When you raise your right hand to defend the country, you knew there was a time you could possibly be deployed."
Walker said he hasn't pursued conscientious objector status because it would be futile.
Walker said he has been seeking a transfer for several months, contacting elected officials and military personnel.
"Everyone drags their feet," Walker said. "The Army's definition is a little different than mine," Walker said. "The Army's definition is that you have to be opposed to war and all its forms. That's not me. I absolutely support using military force to respond or retaliate to attack. By their standards, you're not allowed to object to one conflict over another."
That's correct. If you sign up, "you're not allowed to object to one conflict over another."
No kidding.
Walker knew what the expectations were. He knew the Army's "definitions" when he VOLUNTEERED to serve. Now he's just decided to not show up.
If Walker doesn't want to fight in Iraq, he could be sent to fight Obama's war in Afghanistan; but he has to go through the proper channels. Being a no-show isn't an option.
Walker freely agreed to make a commitment to the Army. Apparently, he's not a man of his word.
What does Walker really want out of this stunt? A book deal? Does he want to sell the movie rights to his story? Does he want Bill Ayers to consider him a hero?
...Banks said the matter still is in the early stages, but Walker's fate is in the hands of his active duty unit.
"He's put himself in serious danger of being a deserter," Banks said. "He's taking the wrong way to handle it and will probably face judicial punishment. But it takes 30 days for him to be declared AWOL. The Army says he's not violating any rules yet."
Banks is being very reasonable.
Walker is not handling this the right way. Maybe he thinks media attention will help speed a transfer. He may be right, but at what price? What is one's honor worth?
At the moment, Walker is not serving the country honorably.
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Video.
1 comment:
You are absolutely right! I am an Army wife, my husband has been in the military for 12 years, 5 of them have been in the Army. In the past five years, we have moved 15 times, went through two deployments and countless training and duty calls.
This guy has been in the service for SEVEN years! When his reenlistment date showed up, he should have just opted out then, but he didnt. The fact of the matter is that he wants to spend time with his dogs and wife.
This guy has no clue what he is doing and how he is effecting other people in the service! He is ambiguous and needs to look around and be reminded of the oath HE DECDIDED to take, not just once, but atleast TWICE!!! (obviously he reenlisted!) Just because he is in the reserves doesn't mean that he isn't going to be called to duty!
I am so happy that he is not a part of my husband's unit!
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