I am pleased to offer this letter of recommendation on behalf of Veterans for Peace (VFP) and their proposed Engagement Campaign to build opposition to U.S. military occupation of Iraq.
Veterans and members of the military community are absolutely crucial to the debate on U.S. military policy. They have greater credibility and legitimacy on these issues than civilian groups. VFP is highly effective in helping to convince mainstream Americans of the need for a more peaceful U.S. foreign policy. More than any other constituency, veterans are highly persuasive in communicating alternative perspectives on U.S. policy in Iraq and beyond.
I have worked closely with VFP for several years and have been impressed by the group’s organizational growth, effective management, and creative programming. Two years ago I personally helped active duty service members create the Appeal for Redress. As the Appeal was being created, we asked VFP for organizational and political support. VFP responded promptly and enthusiastically and helped the active duty and reserve members speak out for an end to the military occupation.
VFP has developed significantly as an organization in recent years. Under the able direction of Michael McPhearson and the professional staff, with solid support from a very active and committed board of directors, VFP has become a well managed and effective organization. I attended the 2007 VFP national convention in St. Louis and was greatly impressed both by the informative and inspiring nature of the program and by the skill and efficiency of the VFP staff in organizing the event.
VFP is fully capable of implementing the proposed campaign. The organization has solid contacts and support from veterans and military family members in the targeted communities. Through its work with Iraq Veterans Against the War and the Appeal for Redress, VFP also had good connections with active duty and reserve military members in these communities. VFP has had successful experience in the past in organizing similar convoys to military communities. It has a proven track record in conducting effective public education and organizing campaigns within the military community.
There is no other organization with VFP’s ability to mobilize and articulate opposition to U.S. foreign policy within the military community. I commend their work highly.
David Cortright
David Cortright is professor of peace studies at Notre Dame University and author of Soldiers In Revolt: GI Resistance During The Vietnam War
Veterans and members of the military community are absolutely crucial to the debate on U.S. military policy. They have greater credibility and legitimacy on these issues than civilian groups. VFP is highly effective in helping to convince mainstream Americans of the need for a more peaceful U.S. foreign policy. More than any other constituency, veterans are highly persuasive in communicating alternative perspectives on U.S. policy in Iraq and beyond.
I have worked closely with VFP for several years and have been impressed by the group’s organizational growth, effective management, and creative programming. Two years ago I personally helped active duty service members create the Appeal for Redress. As the Appeal was being created, we asked VFP for organizational and political support. VFP responded promptly and enthusiastically and helped the active duty and reserve members speak out for an end to the military occupation.
VFP has developed significantly as an organization in recent years. Under the able direction of Michael McPhearson and the professional staff, with solid support from a very active and committed board of directors, VFP has become a well managed and effective organization. I attended the 2007 VFP national convention in St. Louis and was greatly impressed both by the informative and inspiring nature of the program and by the skill and efficiency of the VFP staff in organizing the event.
VFP is fully capable of implementing the proposed campaign. The organization has solid contacts and support from veterans and military family members in the targeted communities. Through its work with Iraq Veterans Against the War and the Appeal for Redress, VFP also had good connections with active duty and reserve military members in these communities. VFP has had successful experience in the past in organizing similar convoys to military communities. It has a proven track record in conducting effective public education and organizing campaigns within the military community.
There is no other organization with VFP’s ability to mobilize and articulate opposition to U.S. foreign policy within the military community. I commend their work highly.
David Cortright
David Cortright is professor of peace studies at Notre Dame University and author of Soldiers In Revolt: GI Resistance During The Vietnam War