U.S. Veteran Returning from Iraq Speaks Out Against the War and Killing of Civilians

Excerpts of speech by Marine Staff Sgt. Jimmy Massey, produced by Melinda Tuhus

A few months ago, eight U.S. veterans of the Iraq war -- including two women -- founded Iraq Veterans Against the War. The group is calling for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and full funding for veterans benefits at home. The organization -- with support from Vietnam Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace -- is open to any active duty reservist or recent veteran of U.S. operations in Iraq. Members of IVAW participated in an Oct. 2 vigil at the White House, along with family members of soldiers serving in Iraq, where they demanded a withdrawal of U.S. troops.

The group has recently launched a nationwide speaking tour. IVAW member Jimmy Massey, a Marine staff sergeant with 12 years of service, spoke in late September at an event in New Haven, Conn. After participating in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, he began speaking out against the killing of civilians. He came to see himself as a war criminal and suffered severe depression. Massey was honorably discharged in December 2003.

The following are excerpts from Massey's talk recorded and produced by Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus. The "Kia incident" he mentions is a reference to one of many actions in which U.S. soldiers and Marines killed Iraqi civilians.

Visit Iraq Veterans Against the War's website at www.ivaw.net or contact them via email at ivaw-AT-ivaw.net.

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