Speaker: MARINE VET TO REFUSE REACTIVATION - Friday, May 1, at 1 pm (see other dates/locations as well) - Ashland Public Library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland (Posted 04/21/09)
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Citizens for Peace & Justice
News Release
April 21,2009
MARINE VET TO REFUSE REACTIVATION
Will Speak in Ashland, Medford & Grants Pass Next Week
Benjamin (Benji) Lewis was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in spring 2007 after serving two tours of combat duty in Iraq during his four years on active duty. After he was discharged he moved to Corvallis, enrolled at Linn-Benton Community College and got a part-time job at a local restaurant.
In October 2008, Benji received notification that he was being involuntarily recalled to active duty. On May 18, 2009, Benji is supposed to report to Camp Pendletoninstead, he will be holding a press conference in Corvallis to publicly resist reactivation.
Leading up to the press conference Lewis is touring the state of Oregon, making public appearances to explain why he is refusing involuntary recall. As part of the tour he'll be making the following appearances in the Rogue Valley:
Friday, May 1, at 1 pm at the monthly meeting of Women's International League for Peace & Freedom, Ashland Public Library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland.
Saturday, May 2, at 3 pm, Medford Central Library, 205 South Central Av, Medford.
Sunday, May 3, at 2 pm, 747 NW Kinney St, Grants Pass, 97526 (a private residence but the public is welcome).
Lewis's Rogue Valley appeareances are jointly sponsored by: Peace House, Citizens for Peace & Justice of Medford and Veterans for Peace - Rogue Valley Chapter 156. For More Information, contact Peace House, (541) 482-9625
In a Veterans Day 2008 article published on the Alternet and Courage to Resist websites, Lewis wrote: I am a direct witness to the horrors of this war, having experienced its atrocities at their source, and I have decided that I can no longer carry out these illegal and immoral policies, said Lewis
Lewis will be telling about his experiences as a Marine in Iraq at all three appearances in the Rogue Valley.
This press release is sent to you by
Allen Hallmark
13365 Duggan Rd
Central Point, OR 97502
855-2312