For Immediate Release                                          Contact:
January 24, 2006                                                Mark Lewis (719) 471-9400
12:00pm                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Counter recruitment activists challenge dishonest recruiters in Springs

Colorado Springs, January 24, 2006 -- Regional activist groups will counter the recruitment activities at the military job fair at Phil Long Expo Center Thursday, January 26 at 1pm. As 3,000 gather to hear "defense" contractors convince them to work for interventionist foreign policies, activist will gather to urge them to work for peace.

Jeff Englehart, of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and recently featured in the ground breaking Italian video exposing the use of illegal Napalm and White Phosphorus in Fallujah, said, in relaying his experiences in Iraq, "It seemed like just a massive killing of Arabs."

"We were told going into Fallujah, that every single person walking, talking, breathing, was an enemy combatant", he continued, "as such every single person that was walking on the street or in a house, was a target."

Kelly Dougherty, former Sergeant with the Military Police of the Colorado National Guard, and co-founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War said, "The way military recruiters attract students is by saying 'join us and we'll pay your college tuition.'  Yet look at me, I have thousands of dollars in student loans," she revealed, "things are working out very different from what I was told."

"As a military veteran, I can personally attest to the fact that often times recruiters mislead, and even purposely lie to young people to convince them to join the military." Sergeant Dougherty said. 

"Anyone considering joining the military deserves to be told the truth that our young people are fighting, killing, and risking death and serious injury," she continued, "in the hopes that they will receive an education, job training, health care, and housing."

"The US military spends over $2.5 Billion each year to recruit low income youth with commercials, video games, and slick brochures", said Dennis Apuan, of the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. "For example, even though Africa Americans make up 12.4% of our population, they represent 29.8% of the Army", he continued. "They should be teaching peacemaking and mediation skills, instead of promoting militarism and glamorizing violent responses to conflict," Mr. Apuan said.

Mark Lewis, Of the Springs Action Alliance said, "Recruiters target the socio-economically challenged and tell them they will get $70,000 for college under the GI Bill, but 43% never receive a penny and 92% get less than the full benefit the recruiters promise." "On top of that", he continued, "they have to pay $1,200 annual fee for the enrollment, and it's not refundable!"

"25,000 families of service personnel are eligible for food stamps", he said. "I think that's not only in insult to those willing to risk their lives for our country, but proves the fact that the military is targeting at risk people of color and lower socio-economic position!"

A full list of facts, documentation and forms is posted on the  CSaction.org website and the ongoing counter recruitment movement is covered the CSaction.org's daily news. 

The rally and "die-in", and body chalk outlines will be peaceful and lawful as always. The organizers encourage all in attendance to observe all laws and be peaceful in words and actions. After the Camp Casey daily noon vigil for the 4 Christian Peacemaker Team members held hostage in Iraq, carpools will leave for the Phil Long Expo Center at 12:30pm.  


                                                                ###