Oklahoma City Contacts:
Nathaniel Batchelder, The Peace House: 405-524-5577
Susan Lee, organizer/activist: ……. © 405-245-1778

“Voices In The Wilderness” Contacts In Lawton:
Kathy Kelly: ……… © 773-619-2418
Steve Kelly: ……… © 877-685-5573

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.

Update: PFC Camilo Mejia, imprisoned

Private First Class Camilo Mejia, who refused to return to Iraq where he had previously been a prison guard at the Al Assad prison, is now sentenced to one year in prison, following a court martial. His pleas to become a conscientious objector have not been officially recognized.

Letters to the Commander General who could still shorten Camilo Mejia’s sentence to “time served” can be sent to

Major General William Webster
CG Fort Stewart
42 Wayne Place
Fort Stewart, GA 31314

Please consider writing on behalf of Camilo Mejia, a 28-year-old Florida National Guard Staff Sargeant who did not return to Iraq from R&R leave. Camilo has taken a public stand of conscience against what he calls an illegal and immoral war, and has filed an application for conscientious objector status. Camilo is now being held at Ft. Stewart in Georgia, where he is charged by the Army with desertion. He will be tried by a Special Court Martial, and can receive one year in prison and a Bad Conduct Discharge.

Maritza is asking you to write two letters: one to Camilo expressing your support and another to the Commanding General asking that the Army accept Camilo’s conscientious objection application.

Camilo’s Address:
Ssg. Mejia Camilo
A Company USAG MED-HOLD 865
Hase Road
Ft. Stewart, GA 31315

The Commanding General’s address:
Major General William G. Webster, Jr.
Commanding General, Fort Stewart
42 Wayne Place
Ft Stewart, GA 31314

Thank you for helping this brave soldier and his courageous mother.