Former Army Officer counsels others on how to get out of military

[IrateCitizen]

Sharing his experiences
By SUSAN ELAN
[e-mail]
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: February 22, 2005)


A former first lieutenant in the Army Reserve is helping spearhead a Web site to inform those who discover after enlisting in the military that they have deep philosophical and religious objections to war how to apply for conscientious objector status.

"I now feel free to live my life in accordance with my beliefs," said Chris Harrison, 31, of Mount Kisco, who received an honorable discharge from the Army as a CO in December. "I didn't do it to dodge a bullet. I reached a point where knowing what a negative influence the military has on our society, I couldn't do it anymore."

Harrison joined Perry O'Brien, a 22-year-old veteran from Peaks Island, Maine, who served a tour as an airborne Army medic in Afghanistan.

The pair set up the Web site www.peace-out.com, which offers information and online counseling. O'Brien gained an honorable discharge as a CO in November.

Both men stressed their respect for American troops and said the best way they could support them was by educating those who sought alternatives to combat on how to go about it.

READ THE REST HERE

FWIW, the person featured in this article is a long-time DUer....

[xynthee]

1. Thank you!!

I'm sending it to my brother. It's probably too late for him (deploying next month), and he probably won't go for it anyway, but it's worth a shot!!

Thanks again!

[Eloriel]

2. Congratulations

I remember the soul-searching, the worry and anxiety that you went through, right here at DU and I'm sure even more on your own, in your private moments. Looks like it worked out well for you. I'm really glad and even more: I'm so very proud of you! Thanks for standing up for what you believe in and showing the way for others.

[GetTheRightVote]

3. It is in the sharing that we truly realize what is lost in this war

because we are not there to see it for ourselves, congrats and welcome back home.

:kick: