Hundreds of Veterans to Deploy for Standing Rock to Join Pipeline Protest Dec 4
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On Dec. 4, hundreds of veterans plan to “deploy” to Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota to join in protest against the planned Dakota Access Pipeline.
The event, Veterans Stand for Standing Rock, is a call for veterans to “assemble as a peaceful, unarmed militia” to “defend the water protectors from assault and intimidation at the hands of the militarized police force and DAPL security.” The organizers hope to prevent progress on the construction of the pipeline as well as draw national attention to the cause.
Protection for all Americans
Veterans will be making the trek from all over the country to attend. Jade Emilio Snell, a veteran of the Marine Corps, will be attending on behalf of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leadership Council, which is dedicated to improving health, economic development, and education for tribes in the Rocky Mountains.
“I’ve been watching the news, how they’re spraying everybody and using rubber bullets, and these guys are fighting for what they believe in and as a veteran we took an oath,” he said. “We’re not just there to protect Americans in foreign countries. We’re here to protect this country inside of it, too.”
Remaining peaceful
On the event’s Facebook page, organizers told attendees: “Bring Body armor, gas masks, earplugs AND shooting mufflers (we may be facing a sound cannon) but no drugs, alcohol or weapons.” The page also emphasizes the importance of working together, and says the event will not tolerate hate, violence or divisive behavior.
“In the ultimate expression of alliance, we are there to put our bodies on the line, no matter the physical cost, in complete nonviolence to provide a clear representation to all Americans of where evil resides,” reads the Operation Order for the event. “The water protectors are leading the way against this same evil which we must all face globally, saving ourselves and our children from the apocalyptic outcome of climate change.”
“No group in the country has served a greater percentage in U.S. military than Native Americans,” said Wood. “We need to support them."
http://ktla.com/2016/11/22/hundreds-of-veterans-to-deploy-for-standing-rock-to-join-pipline-protest/
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According to organizers, more than 2,100 veterans are on the roster, which has now been closed (though names will be collected on a new roster for future missions).
https://www.gofundme.com/veterans-for-standing-rock-nodapl
