Winter Soldier

Winter Soldier was a gathering of Iraq war veterans in Washington, D.C. from March 13th to 16th, 2008. Wisconsin members joined in witnessing the historic testimony absent from media reports. Troops painfully relived eyeqitness accounts of the massive and daily death and destruction, noting that when embedded reporters were not present, the code of conduct was completely different.

Soldiers testified to the dehumanization of the Iraqi people, stating multiple examples of leadership all the way from the top using racist slurs towards Muslims and condoning their genocide. Soldiers testified to the use of the Rules of Engagement (RoE). During the first weeks of invasion the RoE was followed closely, but as soldiers saw their comrades die they began to change the rules.

The RoE states that a person must show "hostile intent". Soldiers stated that today in Iraq "hostile intent" is classified by any person being outside after dark, wearing a headband, talking on a cell phone outside or just using a shovel, to name a few.

Because of the limited water supply in Iraq since the invasion, farmers risk their lives to irrigate their crops after dark, and are often killed by US soldiers for breaking curfew. Veterans also relayed their personal experiences in the mishandling of prisoners, the lack of respect for the ancient culture of Iraq, the mishandling of the dead, random acts of violence as retaliation and breaking many more international laws by firing on civilian homes, villages, hospitals and mosques.

The historic Winter Soldier event was attended by veterans of past wars, politicians, military families, writers, professors and reporters. Throughout the gathering troops were honored for their courage to stop fighting and share their painful stories. Members encouraged others to stand up and join them in fighting to end the occupation.

For more information about the Winter Soldier hearings and to see more photos, check out this Facebook.