US War Resister faces court-martial. Refused Orders 40 years ago!

[Tom Joad]

Current Resisters to the Iraq/Afghanistan occupations can be seen here:
http://tomjoad.org/WarHeroes.htm
It is important for us to remember those on the front-line in resistance against illegal, immoral wars. The war against Vietnam ended in large part due to disobedience within the ranks of the military. Here is a story of a man who presently sits incarcerated for his refusal to deploy to the killing fields of Vietnam over 40 years ago.

Remember also those who are currently incarcerated for their refusal to continue to carry out the unlawful orders of George W. Bush-- including Kevin Benderman, now serving a 15 month sentence.

December 24, 2005 Citizen Soldier

More info: Tod Ensign, Citizen Soldier [phone], [e-mail]

Jerry Texiero, 65, of Tarpon Springs, FL, refused orders to deploy to Vietnam in July 1965. His decision was based on his opposition to U.S. intervention in Vietnam.

For the next four decades, Jerry lived peacefully, spending the last twenty years in Tarpon Springs, FL. There, he ran a business that dealt in classic cars and more recently sold boats at a shipyard. Jerry had been placed on probation for a larceny conviction which, he claims, arose from the corrupt dealings of a partner in the classic car business. (Jerry later scrupulously repaid customers for their losses).

In August, 2005, a Marine AWOL apprehension unit working in the Pentagon discovered Jerry's current status when it used FBI files to match personal data from his Florida conviction with his military file. He was arrested as an AWOL by local police on August 14 and placed in solitary confinement in the Pinellas County (FL) jail.

On December 14, 2005 Jerry was sent to the Marine brig at Camp LeJeune, N.C. Marine officials have told Jerry's supporters that it is weighing a court martial for desertion, which could result in a five year prison sentence.

Citizen Soldier Legal Director, Tod Ensign has written Lejeune Commanding General Dickinson asking; "Why are scarce Marine resources being squandered on the prosecution of a senior citizen who's only 'crime' is refusing to fight a war that today is universally discredited? Or is the Corps warning Marines in Iraq that they will pursue deserters to the grave?".

Concerned citizens may want to support Jerry by letting Members of Congress know about this case and by directly protesting to either: Base Commander Major General Robert Dickinson, or Colonel Wunder, Staff Judge Advocate, at [phone] (base locater) or write to either at: PSC Box 2004, Camp LeJeune, N C 28542

Vietnam veterans and others plan to organize lawful protests in support of Jerry and all resisters on or near Camp LeJeune in the next few weeks.


For large version, go to http://tomjoad.org/sirmymen_large.htm

[roguevalley]

1. lord, we must be in worse shape than I thought.

[Longhorn]

2. Carter's amnesty apparently didn't cover those who didn't leave

the country.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/vietnam/vietnam_1-21-77.html

[FreedomAngel82]

4. It's ridiculous!

I could probably understand WWII or WWI or something like that but VIETNAM? I mean, did they not get the memo about the "war"? :mad:

[Tom Joad]

5. It should have covered everyone, except the planners of the war.

It sure seems ridiculous that it did not cover those who did not leave the country. I certainly hope that the next President completely exonerates every person who refused Bush's illegal orders.

[Selatius]

3. What if Bush's "NSSA" decides to follow these protesters?

These brave few men who fought in a war long ago, watched their friends die for a cause not worth one of those lives--are they willing to risk such a monstrous government following them to their graves as well for having the audacity to question their Fuehrer's government?

[Hardrada]

6. They never did forgive those of us who in various ways

opposed the Viet Nam War. I expect they'll be after the SDS and Yippie Party members next.

[Historic NY]

7. Part of his problem is using an assumed name...........

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/18/national/18brfs.html?ex=1135832400&en=ad0b2eef2b3ff9a3&ei=5070

That shows willful intent to deceive authorities.

SOUTH FLORIDA: MAN CHARGED WITH DESERTING MARINES IN 1965 A man has been charged in Tarpon Springs with deserting the Marine Corps 40 years ago to avoid being sent to Vietnam, the police said. The man, Jerry Texiero, left his unit in California in 1965, the police said. Mr. Texiero, now 64, had been living under an assumed name, Gerome Conti, since at least the mid-1980s, the police said. Under that name, Mr. Texiero had been serving 20 years' probation after pleading no contest to fraud charges in the mid-1990s, officials said. The Marine Corps contacted his probation officer on Tuesday and said his fingerprints matched those of a deserter. (AP)

[Tom Joad]

10. He had to do this to avoid being part of the crime taking place

in Vietnam.

He took the name so he could live peacefully for 40 years. Do keep in mind this all started with his intent to refuse to take part in the massive crime taking place in Southeast Asia.

[Historic NY]

11. I understand that Tom.......

there have been others who have come forward and got off relatively easily. The guy who disappeared on leave and ended up in Australia comes to mind. Perhaps he can get the media to take up his cause, feathers need to be ruffled.

[B Calm]

8. Does all this mean they'll be catching up with President Chuckle Nuts

[ComerPerro]

9. No kidding. I know of a guy who just left his unit to work on a campaign

For some reason, he skipped out before his drug test...

And this was from the ANG. Even though they weren't a combat unit (and probably never would have to see combat) he decided not to show up. During war, that can get you sent to active duty.

I don't think the guy was ever punished, but I know his name and where he lives.

Perhaps I should get in touch with this group, to let them know about this shameful coward...