GI Voice presents the first installment of the State Of The Soldier Address, a unique and historic occasion for soldiers and veterans to demonstrate that they too have a voice in our communities. Similar to past events like Winter Soldier, the State of the Soldier Address is a forum for active-duty service members, veterans, and military family members to speak out on issues related to military service, and provides an opportunity for civilians from around the community to hear the voices of those often intimidated into silence for fear of retribution. This event will include testimonies from active-duty service members and veterans speaking on a wide range of issues including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Military Sexual Trauma, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Confirmed speakers include:
Jacob George: Jacob is a three-time veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) turned peace activist. Jacob served as a paratrooper in the United States Army Special Operation Command (USASOC) between 2001 and 2004, and was honorably discharged as sergeant. Jacob is the founder of A Ride Till The End (ARTTE), which is a perpetual bicycle protest that began on May 1, 2010 and has covered over 6,000 miles in the American South. ARTTE facilitates a healing process for veterans interested in unconventional self-healing through art and cycling. ARTTE is the first Afghan veteran lead, direct action protest of the Afghanistan occupation in the U.S.
Brock McIntosh: Brock is an Army National Guard veteran who enlisted in May 2006 while in high school. His views are his own and do not represent those of the Army National Guard or any other branch of the United States military. Brock was deployed to Afghanistan from November 2008 to August 2009. Following his redeployment home, Brock reflected deeply on his experiences and research and decided to act upon the Army value that meant the most to him: integrity. He joined as a spokesperson for Veterans for Rethinking Afghanistan, became active in Iraq Veterans Against the War and Operation Recovery, and is an applicant for conscientious objection. Brock also previously interned at Win Without War, where he worked primarily on the Veterans’ Trust Fund. His development from a warrior led him to determine that that the highest evolution of a soldier is to master and live the art of nonviolence.
Date: Tuesday, 8/23/11
Location: King’s Books 218 St. Helens Ave. Tacoma, WA
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
