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View photos of MFSO members speaking out against the war, including photos of MFSO members at the recent Silence of the Dead, Voices of the Living exhibit in Washington, DC.


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Chapter Actions
MFSO Orange County Demands an Apology from Rep. Rohrabacher
Actions
For Love of a Soldier -- A Powerful New Book By MFSO Member Jane Collins
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FILIBUSTERING WAR FUNDING
SENATOR CLINTON AND SENATOR OBAMA: USE YOUR LEADERSHIP NOW TO END THE WAR IN IRAQ!
Commemorating the 4th Anniversary of the War
Support Our Troops: De-Fund the War
Attend a rally to Honor the Warrior, End the War
Sunday, December 10 in Santa Barbara
Military Families Speak Out - Central Coast Chapter San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties
House Parties and Screenings of The Ground Truth
MFSO MN Goes to the Street to Protest the War in Iraq
OBSERVATIONS FROM A STREET CORNER
Events Surrounding the 3rd Anniversary of the War in Iraq
City Council Resolutions
Corvallis adopts Iraq resolution
Bring troops home, Davis council says
A RESOLUTION CALLING ON PRESIDENT BUSH TO BEGIN THE WITHDRAWAL OF AMERICAN TROOPS
Philadelphia City Council Votes Resolution Against The War
De-Fund the War
Doonesbury on Supporting the Troops and De-funding the War
Talking Points
Take Action to De-Fund the War
Certificate of Ownership for the War in Iraq
Download the MFSO Talking Points on De-Funding the War
Order Postcards
Print out our "Fund Our Troops, De-fund the War" Postcard and Send a Message to Congress
Call Your Congressional Representative and Senators
Send a Letter to Congress
Voices and Actions of Military Families
Phoenix couple belong to the nationwide organization Military Families Speak Out
Military Families' Report on Iraq
MFSO Bergen County member Paula Rogovin speaks at August 25th March in Newark, NJ
MOTHER WHO LOST SON IN IRAQ TAKES ON FORMER BUSH AIDE
Rejection of bill a telling defeat
Father of injured Combat Vet Summer long protest "Fund The Vet Not The War"
Stop paying for war
Dexter J. Kamilewicz: The many costs of a destructive war
Protestors voice their view of president
Some families back troops yet oppose the war
Letters to Nancy Pelosi
From the mother of a recently extended solider in Iraq: Stand strong when you explain that de-funding the war is not de-funding or abandoning our troops. Let the American people know what we as military families know – that de-funding the war will not leave our troops without equipment or supplies.
Letter from PROUD Navy Mom: As a mother I am sure I do not need to explain the intense worry and sleepless nights I have endured. My son has returned with anger issues and post traumatic stress disorder from being in constant danger on a daily basis. His battalion lost 23 fine Marines and a Sailor, several were his friends.
From the mother of a soldier in Iraq: On April 1, Four US Soldiers in my sons unit which included my sons team leader were killed in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.
From the parents of a veteran: [Our son] is a member of the Army Reserves and faces the prospect of further deployment to a war which neither he nor we believe should have ever begun. How does the human soul and psyche deal with a request for 'service' in an unjust cause?
From the co-founders of MFSO: We are breaking the code of silence that has historically kept our voices from the public. We are speaking out in support of our loved ones and the loved ones of others by calling for an end to the war in Iraq.
My name is Bonnie McCoy Ernst and i am an army wife. My husband, David Ernst, is currently serving his first tour in Iraq. This recent exetension, as you could imagine, has hit too close to home. David will not be coming home as planned. As I write, I feel the emotion beginning to hit me.
From an Army wife: I sit here tonight watching my husband pack his things. He’s getting ready to fly back to Iraq in the morning.
I am the mother of a Soldier who is now fighting in a war that I and the majority of voters disapprove of. As long as the President has one dime of taxpayer money, he will keep US troops in harms way in Iraq.
From a gold star mother: My son showed leadership, courage, and a sense of duty no matter the cost by the many letters from his fellow soldiers. These character traits seem to be in short supply on Capital Hill.
From the sister of an Army Medic: I and my family face the daunting task of dealing, on a daily basis, with the worry and fear that we feel as my brother serves in Iraq. He is John Evans, an excellent flight medic with the National Guard, flying in Blackhawk helicopters.
Press
ONCE AGAIN, MILITARY FAMILIES URGE CONGRESS TO STOP FUNDING MILITARY OCCUPATION OF IRAQ
As Budget Deal Approaches, Families of Servicemen and Women Voice Disapproval of “Spineless” Congress
Military families dispute claims of ‘progress’ in Iraq
We Want Them to Come Home
Anti-war vets slam parade ban-- Veterans Day Parade organizers say they want Long Beach, CA event to be free from politics.
War IS a Women's Issue, Senator Clinton
ANTI-WAR SURGE REPORTED AMONG MILITARY FAMILIES
MFSO Reports 20 New Families Joining Each Day as Anti-Iraq War Sentiment Grows on Military Bases
Army Wife and Mother in Oregon Battles War
When the reality of Iraq hits home
Even as Loved Ones Fight On, War Doubts Arise
 Click here to see New York Times video.
MILITARY FAMILIES SAY HOUSE VOTE ON IRAQ NOT ENOUGH
Families Urge Congress to Support Immediate Withdrawal
Families also Comment on the Bush Administration Report regarding Iraq Government Benchmarks
Events Commemorating the Third Anniversary of the War in Iraq
Speech presented by MFSO Member and Gold Star Mother Stephany Kern at the Anti-War Patriots Conference held on March 21, 2006 at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Speech by MFSO Member Larry Syverson in Richmond, Virginia
Speech by MFSO Member Laura Costas, whose brother served in Iraq in the Army Reserves, in Washington, DC
Speech by MFSO Member Jenny Keesey in Port Angeles, Washington
My Loss; the Human Cost of War. Speech by MFSO Member Adele Kubein, for the third anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. St Luke’s Church. Portland, Oregon.
Speech by MFSO Member Rich Moniak in Juneau, Alaska
Remarks by MFSO Member Michael Hearn to Protesters at the Politicians' St. Patrick's Day Breakfast, Boston, Massachusetts, on the Third Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq
MFSO Member Maureen Hearn Tried to Speak to the St. Patrick's Day Breakfast in Boston where politicians gathered to laugh and joke - on the 3rd anniversary of the war.
Speech by MFSO Member in Providence, Rhode Island.
Soldiers and Families Pay for Administration Lies ...Bring Them Home Now - A speech by MFSO Member Wade Fulmer
Holiday Actions
During the Holidays in 2004, MFSO Members Thought of Ways to Get our Message Across
Military Families in Crawford
Midlands woman planning to join Texas war protestors
A Report from Springfield, Missouri
Camp Casey Diary: Friday 19th to Sunday 21st August
The Swift Boating of Cindy Sheehan
Local Mom Joins Cindy Sheehan's Protest In Texas
Vigil in Hawaii shows support
War protesters camp near Bush ranch despite leader's absence
Voices From Crawford: A Report by MFSO Members in Crawford, Texas
More Gold Star and Military Families Join Cindy Sheehan in Crawford
Protesters to converge on Texas
National Guard
Bring Them Home Now Tour Joins Massachusetts National Guard Families to Challenge the Deployment of the Guard in Iraq War
Testimony by Lydia Sapp, whose father is in the Massachusetts National Guard and currently deployed to Iraq.
Stop the Back Door Draft
Military Families Speak About the Back Door Draft
Background
Contact
Donate
Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities
Organizer
Volunteer with Military Families Speak Out
Letters From MFSO Members
Is it possible to support the troops and not the war? YES
Letter to the President by MFSO member Rebecca Jaffe-Halpern
Father’s Day Weekend 2007 with my son Sgt Ryan S Kahlor, by MFSO member Tim Kahlor
Letter to Speaker Pelosi from MFSO Member Ivan Goldman
Letter to Senator Levin from MFSO member Ivan Goldman
Letter from a Military Mom and Leader of MFSO's Oregon Chapter
A Letter from a Military Wife
Don't be deceived by game of war; Protest is patriotic
Anxiety, fear, grief – what military families live with.
NO MORE BRAVE YOUNG LIVES, BUSH!!!!
Letters About the National "Support the Troops Day" and Moment of Silence
I am writing in reference to the resolution passed by the House last week supporting a “National Moment of Silence”, which asks for a moment of silence to honor the sacrifices of our troops.
Dear Members of Congress:
Letters to Senator Kerry
Those of us, who remember veterans that returned from Viet Nam shattered in mind, body, and spirit, know that we need to not go another day in Iraq.
Marge and Frank, Parents of an Army Soldier, Proud Members MFSO
Please show some leadership and get us out of there. Why should we still be asking our soldiers to die for a mistake?
Jane Collins, Mother of a Recent Ex-Marine, Medford, Massachusetts
Senator Kerry, we know this war is based on lies. You know it, too. More brave leadership is needed here at home, not on the battlefield.
Nina and John Douglass, Parents of a Marine Corporal, JP, MA
You returned from an earlier unjust war which our country participated in and helped turn that situation around by your courageous testimony. We need you now to take leadership and return our soldiers from the madness in which they are mired.
Sarah and Robert Fuhro, Parents of an Army Reservist Serving in Iraq, Natick, MA
Senator Kerry, what are you going to do to make sure our troops come home now? What are you going to do to make sure that they will be taken care of them once they get here? Our troops and their families deserve an answer.
Laura, Whose Cousin Has Served Two Tours in Iraq, Lynn, MA
How many more must die for a war based on lies? How many more will return home, never to be the same again? I implore you, please, look into your heart, remember how you felt, and show the sons and daughters of America that you care.
Anne L. Roesler, Whose Son Has Served Three Tours in Iraq, Saratoga, CA
I expect, and ask that you work to do whatever you can to get our military out of Iraq. I expect, and ask that YOU stand up and Speak Out.
Anne Sapp, National Guard Spouse, Billerica, MA
We are blue collar people some of us living week to week but we all live every day wandering if our loved one will come back. You say you hear our voices and you say you feel my pain but you can't unless you walk in my shoes.
Joanne Spencer, Mother of an Army Corporal, Tyngsboro, MA
As constituents and the proud parents of an Army soldier, we urgently request that you stand up to address this issue by working in Congress to bring our troops home now. We sincerely believe that such action would be in keeping with your oath of office to defend the Constitution of the United States.
Military Parents, Needham, MA
As Iraq edges to the brink of civil war, our 21-year-old son, our only child, is training for his second deployment to Iraq as an MP in the U.S. Army.
John and Virginia, MA
Letters to USA Today
When I first read this I thought it was a joke piece, as I read it again I was sickened to realize it was real.
Colonel Scott may be doing good work, but you must be aware that your headline and the tone of the article strikes like a punch in the face to people like me
Having buried my husband's Army son, I assure you there is nothing funny about war.
The stress for military families is very real. It is not a "laughing" matter.
As the mother of a soldier preparing to deploy in the next several weeks, I find this article highlighting the "Cheerman of the Board" quite distasteful. War is no laughing matter.
Asking us, the family members, to waddle like a penguin in order to "laugh away our stress", goes beyond insult. It is obscene!
After reading the article from the USAtoday website, which was cold-heartedly labeled Pentagon to families: Go ahead, laugh, a terrifying fear for the well-being of our country overtook my soul.
I am a member of MFSO ( military families speak out) And I have to say that this is appalling to me. My only child is on his way right now to Iraq and the Pentagon is telling me to laugh.
In response to the 1/13/06 article "Pentagon to families: Go ahead, laugh" I am a wife of a New York Army National Guard soldier, my husband just returned this past fall from a year long tour of duty in Iraq. Though, "laughing" may be considered "support" by those in the Pentagon, let me tell you what we really need, and do not get!
The best way to improve the mental health of our soldiers and their families is to bring our troops home now. This would be far more therapeutic than laughing like goofballs.
Letters from Concerned Family
From an MFSO Member in Missouri
War in Iraq creates a disconnect in paradise
A Message from Gold Star Mother Mary Ann MacCombie
Not counted as a casualty of war
The real state of the union
Why My Brother Died
A Parent's Concerns
Juxtaposition of Lives
The Flag-Draped Coffins
"We, the relatives of the Florida National Guard soldiers..."
Letters from Retired Military
From a Marine Veteran
"They volunteered, didn't they? What did they think they were signing up for?"
Someone Else's Sons and Daughters
Why I Refused a 2nd Deployment to Iraq
A Matter of Concience
To the Editor
New York Times Letter to the Editor by MFSO member Laura Costas
Asking honor of those who serve--and lead Letter to the Editor of the Chicago Tribune by MFSO member Linda Englund
MFSO Member's Letter to the Editor published in New York Times 7-10-07 in response to New York Times Editorial "The Road Home"
Letter to the Editor of the Washington Post from MFSO member Fran Middleberg
Military families want troops home: Letter to the editor of the Davis Enterprise from MFSO member Laurie Loving
Take a stand and cut war funding: Letter to the editor of Democrat and Chronicle from MFSO member Marilyn Lambert-Fisher
Letter to the Bergen County Record from MFSO member John Fenton
Letter to the Editor of the Telegraph from MFSO Member Julie Anderson
War sacrifices not shared by everyone
Letters to the Editor of the Idaho Statesman from MFSO Member Laura McCarthy: George Bush -- Colossal error
Letters to Elected Officials
Letter to Senator Dick Durbin from MFSO Member
To Congressman Meehan
Letter From MFSO Alaska To Senator Murkowski
An Open Letter To Senator Murkowski from Families of the 172nd Stryker Brigade
Open Letter to Congress from MFSO Member Stacy Hafley:
A Letter to Senator Diane Feinstein
Letters to Senator John Kerry
To Congressman Steven Lynch
My son in Iraq and Senator Ted Stevens
A Letter to Maine and Vermont Members of Congress and Staff Members
To Secretary Donald Rumsfeld
In service to our country
Upset Girlfriend lets Rumsfeld know
Letter from a widow
An MFSO Member Writes to Donald Rumsfeld
Letter to Sec. Rumsfeld, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Letter to Rumsfeld
Cindy Sheehan has written to Defense Secretary Rumsfeld asking for a meeting
"My sister Susan sent you a very kind letter."
Second Letter to Rumsfeld
Letter from an angered Aunt
Letters to President George W. Bush
To President Bush, Following Your Address to the National Endowment for Democracy
To President Bush:
"Best for the United States?"
"Against all Enemies Foreign and Domestic..."
An Open Letter to President George Bush from Military Families Speak Out Member Cindy Sheehan
Adding up the Toll of War
A Mother Questions Bush's History, Motivations and Respect
Upset Mother wants Bush to Read DOD Reports
First Anniversary Without her Husband
From a Military Wife
Letters to MFSO
WHEN YOUR LOVED ONE GOES OFF TO WAR, OR DIES IN WAR, WHAT REGULAR LIFE DO YOU RETURN TO?
A Letter from the Father of an Injured Marine
Letter from Idaho
Letter from Teaneck
E-Mail from MFSO Member Lisa Gill about Meeting with Congressman Jim McDermott on Saturday, July 23rd - 3rd Anniversary of the Downing Street Memo
'When do We Teach Peace'
Senate Admits War is Based on Lies: An Angry Mom Responds
Thank You to MFSO
Letter to MFSO
From a Grandmother
Holiday Messages
A Memorial Day Message
A Letter from a Houston Mom on the Occasion of Mother's Day
An open letter
The Origins of Mother's Day
A Father's Thoughts
Links
Doe v. Bush
Summary of the case: John Doe I v. President Bush
STATEMENT OF PLAINTIFFS' ATTORNEY JOHN BONIFAZ
First Circuit Court of Appeals Declines to Prevent President from Taking the Country to War
Legal Documents and Press Releases
MFSO Chapters
Joining MFSO
October 27th Actions
Celeste Zappala's speech at October 27th Demonstration in Philadelphia
Thousands march against the war in S.F., across the country
Weather not a barrier to dozens of protesters in New York
Costs of Iraq War to be Focus of Protests
MILITARY AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONWIDE IRAQ WAR PROTESTS ON OCTOBER 27
Operation House Call
Blog Reports from Washington
Week Six, Day Three
Speech at Press Conference Closing the First Phase of Operation House Call
Outside the Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC
Week Six, Day Two
Week Six, Day One
Week Five, Day Five
Week Five Day One
Week Four, Day Three
Week Four, Day Four
Week Four, Day Two
Week Four, Day One
In The Press
News Articles
Group protests 'stay-the-course'
War foes mark 1st anniversary of weekly protests in Teaneck
Ms. Rogovin Goes to Washington
Making a House Call on Congress
Operation House Call Update:
A video about Operation House Call
Braving heat to protest the war
Families bristle at word of tour extension
Military families speak out against the Iraq war
Anti-war mom sees Hastert
Anti-war mom to meet Hastert
Press Releases
Gold Star and Military Families Speak Out at Congressman Dana “Warbacker” Rohrabacher’s Office
As Congress Goes Home for Summer Recess, Military Families End Six-Week Vigil in D.C. and Prepare to Meet Elected Officials on their Home Turf
Military and Gold Star Families, including Families of the 172nd Stryker Brigade, Speak Out at D.C. Press Conference on Thursday, August 3rd
172nd Stryker Brigade Tour of Duty in Iraq Extended;
Family Members Speak Out Against the War
Military Families Travel to Washington, D.C. to Confront Congress and Highlight the Human Costs of the Iraq War
Families Arriving for Last Two Weeks of ‘Operation House Call’ are available for interview
Military Mom and Military Wife Visit Senators, Deliver Message:
“This is What Staying the Course Looks Like”
Member of Daughters of the American Revolution Joins Operation House Call to Tell Congress, “Bring the Troops Home Now”
Dinah Mason Available for Interview June 28 at 10AM
Military Families Speak Out Launches Operation House Call
Military Families travel to Washington, DC to Tell Congress: ‘Bring Our Loved Ones Home Now!”
With the Iraq War Putting the Nation’s Health in Peril,
Military Families Make a House Call
Military Families Speak Out Begins “Operation House Call” with June 22, 2006 Press Conference
Opening Press Conference
Operation House Call in the States
It Is All About Your Record An Open Letter to Congresswoman Melissa Bean
Anti-war protests come to congressman's lawn
About 35 members of Military Families Speak Out face off with Rep. Rohrabacher at his house in Huntington Beach.
Capitol Region Moms Challenge Rep. Doris Matsui
Military Families, Iraq War and other Veterans Hold Vigil at Boston Home of Congressman Stephen Lynch on August 24
Teaneck holds Anniversary Vigil - All their elected officials make statements of support
Military Families, Veterans and Peace Activists meet with Tom Lantos; call for firm political will on Iraq withdrawal
MFSO Minnesota Brings Daily Cost of the War to their Senators and Representatives
MFSO Missouri Operation House Call
Statements From Military Families
An Open Letter to Congress:
Capitol Police Evict Military Family Member from Operation House Call.
Another Sleepless Night
"Get Over It" by Anne Roesler, August 1
Distracted, damn right I am!
I WILL BE HEARD!!!...I WILL BE SEEN!!!!...I WILL HAVE ANSWERS
Will I be heard???
Dear Representative Hastert
Get Over It! A Response to Staying the Course in Iraq.
Support Operation House Call
Write your Representative
Link to Operation House Call with our banners
Press
MILITARY AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES MOURN 4,000th TROOP DEATH IN IRAQ
PARENTS OF SLAIN PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIER WANT CANDIDATES TO MEET THEM AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY
MILITARY FAMILIES:
MILITARY SUICIDES ARE UNACCEPTABLE CASUALTIES OF AN UNJUSTIFIABLE WAR
MILITARY FAMILIES:
PLAN TO KEEP MORE TROOPS IN IRAQ ANOTHER BETRAYAL
Congress Must Act to Bring Troops Home
Iraq veterans deserve more than post-combat negligence
Hollywood's new mandate: Bring the Iraq war home
Sunday anti-war rally at MN Capitol
Burton, MI family opposes inactive reservist's involuntary return to Iraq
A Death in the Family: A Tribute to Dave Cline, Friend, Mentor, Warrior for Peace and Justice, and Former President, Veterans For Peace
From Cathedral to Capitol with a message--A peaceful antiwar march stretched along about four blocks in St. Paul, MN and ended with a rally on the State Capitol lawn.
National Guard
Army Guard short of equipment at home
National Guard readiness eroded by Iraq: report
Read About MFSO Members' Meeting with Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
The Guard's burden: A Register-Guard Editorial
Five Pa. Guardsmen killed in Iraq, raising Pa. total to over 100
National Guard faces shortage of gear for homeland mission
National Guard sent to protect oil, not people (by MFSO Member Stacy Bannerman)
Guard Stretched Between Katrina, Wars
Officials: Guard Deployment Hurt Response
Overextended Guard leads to problems at home
News Coverage of MFSO and MFSO Members
New Jersey Military Mothers Sue President Bush Over Iraq War
Happy Mother's Day, Nancy Pelosi
Untreated Casualties: The Military's Suicide Epidemic
Local anti-war marchers step off for Fort Drum
MILITARY FAMILIES CALL ON CONGRESS TO REJECT SPEAKER PELOSI'S BETRAYAL OF OUR TROOPS
Anti-War Military Wife
Many families want end to Iraq war
McCain's Noble Cause
Military Families Say: Congress Must Accomplish the Mission of Ending the War In Iraq
Living with sacrifice in the wake of war
Resources
Download "Support Our Troops -- Bring Them Home!" Graphics
Speeches
Winter Soldier: Testimony of Joyce and Kevin Lucey
Speech Given by MFSO Member Rick Hanson of Minnetonka, MN at Rally Outside the Minnesota State Capitol
Speech from MFSO and GSFSO member Debbie Whitfield at a Mother's Day Vigil in Pittsburgh, PA
4th Anniversary Speech by MFSO member Anne Roesler, Walnut Creek, CA
Speech By MFSO Member Corey VanBuskirk Delivered at March 19 Washington D.C. Press Conference on 4th Anniversary of War in Iraq
Santa Barbara, CA Veteran's Day Candelight Vigil Speech By MFSO Member Lisa Leitz
Hold On to Your Humanity: An Open Letter to GIs in Iraq
Remarks given at Eyes Wide Open Exhibit
Speech by MFSO Member Mike Perkins
Testimony provided by MFSO Member Stacy Bannerman to House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs