Asylum dilemma for Iraq War Veteran After US Desertion

Asylum dilemma for Iraq War Veteran After US Desertion

news.bbc.co.uk

American Iraq veteran Andre Shepherd shocked fellow servicemen when he walked off his military base in Germany and deserted the US army.

Now he is causing even more of a stir by applying for the right of asylum in Germany.

(visit the link for the full news article)

I'm torn on this one. I understand and agree with his reasoning because this war is wrong and to violent and doing more harm than good to our country. Also, I somehow think that it might be an extremely effective way to protest. I'm just not sure of how I feel about leaving your duty to the army after you signed up to defend our country.



news.bbc.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

The Army is better off without him; however, Mr. Iraq veteran Andre Shepherd should be punished for breaking his contract that he CHOSE to enter into.

He entered the Army WELL after us going to Iraq

www.cleveland.com.../base/cuyahoga/1228210330218530.xml&coll=2

He enlisted in 2004 with the hope of flying the Apaches, but was urged to become a mechanic first.

The guy is a disgrace. Period.


Edited to add some more sources:

www.rightpundits.com...
Andre Shepherd is a 31-year-old U.S. Army specialist, originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He joined the Army in January 2004, and served in Iraq between September 2004 and February 2005.

The former helicopter mechanic WAS part of the 412th Aviation Support Battalion. In 2005, he was a desk jockey in Germany, and after much thought, went AWOL, stating “I could not in good conscience continue to serve.”

[edit on 3/19/2009 by greeneyedleo]

I agree. Although I don't agree with the war, but that's why I'm not in the army. I didn't even know that he signed up after the war already started.

what's a disgrace is the war in iraq... he didn't sign up to fight the wars of the upper crust of American business, he signed up to fight for the american people... and he isn't! he is fighting against them if he serves in iraq.