Press Release

Americans who have served in Iraq as peace witnesses are in Lawton this week to honor and celebrate what they call a courageous stance by Iraq War veteran Camilo Mejia. Mejia served in Iraq with his National Guard Army unit, but, when called to return for a second tour, he refused. Mejia explained that he had seen and even participated in prisoner abuse in Iraq, and had seen civilians killed by mistake. Because of this, Mejia has applied for “Conscientious Objector” status while serving a one-year sentence at Fort Sill’s incarceration unit for refusing to obey orders.

Camilo Mejia’s supporters in Lawton this week have all been to Iraq numerous times with their organization: “Voices in the Wilderness.” Founder of the group Kathy Kelly was in Baghdad when the bombing began and has participated in more than 20 peace delegations. “Americans in the military risk their lives, so why shouldn’t activists for peace?,” Kelly asked, explaining the group’s
motivation.