Donating in the memory of Kenneth B Perkins, a co-founder of VFP, Inc, who passed on March 27, 2023, at the age of 91. During the Korean War, he had served three tours as a corpsman on The Haven, the world's largest hospital ship. He tended to the wounded above and beyond the call of duty, foregoing a medal for his bravery in saving lives. He co-founded a Quaker Meeting in Winthrop, ME, which collected used medical equipment and supplies that he helped deliver to Nicaragua to alleviate suffering during the Contra War and to show support for ending the war. He participated in VFP counter-recruitment activities in area schools. He is remembered for his witty sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, compassionate mind, love of nature (rain or shine), and commitment to pushing himself and others to be our best, humanitarian selves.
A great group. They offer good values and help us better understand the costs of war. I am really grateful for what I have because it is the effort of many people in history.
As a veteran (US Navy 1973-79) Veterans For Peace is quite simply a group of veterans who think there has to be a better way to solve conflicts than running off to war all the time, especially wars cheered on by people who never were in the military. This group does amazing things with little money, but loads of dedication and passion.
I'm another Vietnam era draftee who regrets having any part in the military at that time, even fifty years
later. Why are we still funding the military at obscene levels while most of our leaders complain that there isn't enough money for education, social services, taking care of children, infrastructure, health care, or even taking care of the needs of combat veterans!
I'm very pleased with Veterans For Peace. It keeps me informed about ongoing and new peace issues and opportunities for effective activism to oppose them.
I'm equally pleased with my local chapter, which is passionately interested in national, international and
local peace and justice issues. Fellow members are smart, keep current, and teach and inspire me to stay involved.
Sadly, and apologetically, I was one of those out in right-field who supported Vietnam and every other incursion during the past 40 plus years until that "cowboy" walked us into Iraq under fraudulent circumstances. It was a game-changer for me. I discovered Veterans for Peace, found it to be a strong national organization with focused goals and have been a member now for several years. Best single contribution I have ever made to a non-profit.
J. B. Hooper
Winter Haven, FL
jhooper2@msn.com
I was drafted in 1969 and went along with the program. It was an eye opening experience, the madness of the military, following orders handed down from the elite. By the time I got out i wanted nothing but to forget the whole ordeal. Years went by knowing in the back of my mind that I should be exposing the truth about war and the mindset that perpetuates it. I don't recall how or even when I found Veterans for Peace but knew imediately that I needed to be a part of such a worthy organization. It takes dedication to maintain an organization that stands for something that you would rather forget forever. Veterans for Peace has true grit and that's noshit.
I'm a 'Vietnam Era' veteran who joined during the atrocious U.S. war against that country. I made it clear during flight training at Pensacola that I wasn't "suitable" for combat duty. I was fortunate that my engineering degree qualified me for an Aeronautical Engineer Duty Officer assignment with the Naval Air Propulsion Test Center facility in Philadelphia for the duration of my active duty obligation. Veterans For Peace is an outstanding organization of great activists who are repulsed by the senseless consequences of war. The VFP leadership is both dynamic and inspirational. VFP's objectives and membership reflect my values and make me proud to be a Life Member of VFP.
Veterans For Peace is the only veterans organization dedicated to the abolition of war. We seek to agitate, educate and legislate to stop current wars, prevent future wars, and dismantle the machinery of war. War is the least effective way to oppose aggression and oppression. Violence breeds violence, and nonviolent conflict resolution has been proven to be the most effective strategy in promoting a culture of peace.
I am a veteran opposed to war except when our country is subject to an unprovoked attack as stated in the constitution.
War causes needless death and destruction of property.
I am pleased to be a member of Veterans for Peace where I can give support to like minded, courageous veterans and volunteers.
I am a 20 year veteran of the US Army. While I was on active duty I felt I couldn't reveal how I REALLY felt about our countries constant drive for more conflict, more war, and my confusion as to why the United States still has bases in countries where the conflicts have been over more than 60 years ago??? We waste SO much money with all the testosterone driven "presence" all over the world. I felt I had a great ally in the Veterans for Peace organizations. They speak the truth passionately and stand up for what is really right. I admire all their hard work to put the word out there for people who normally wouldn't be heard. I support Veterans for Peace whole heartedly!
My husband is the veteran and I'm his "Partner for Peace." The VFP helps us to be part of a group that can speak up for peace with authenticity because of their experiences with war. Thank you Veterans for Peace for all the witness you do for those of us who share your goal of peace. You are valued and we hope more Americans will hear your message.
I am a Vietnam veteran with severe PTSD, and Veterans For Peace provides a place that I can go and feel understood and accepted. We have veterans from the "War on Terror" (i.e., the unending series of wars) the Gulf war and Korean war, and even WWII. We may disagree on some topics, but we support each other none-the-less.
We also work together as a group and with others from the Peace and Justice community to educate the public, especially youth, regarding the true and usually hidden costs of war on so many levels. We also work to expose the militarization of local law enforcement: the direct result of our war-based economy and culture.
I am not a veteran, being a woman when women did not go to war. But I admire the work of Veterans for Peace. I have been to VFP national conventions and have participated in many programs that the Veterans have sponsored. Their dedication to peace is phenomenal. Their kindness is also phenomenal. I know also they are a great support to each other. And they are inspiring to others. They help each other, and they help all of us to understand the trauma of war and the need to strive for peace through their work nationwide and worldwide.
I joined VFP in 2002. I used to be satisfied that I'd done a good job during my nearly-full military career. I began to realize the lies and abuses my country causes while I was in and thought it was enough to remove myself from the military. But our militant attitudes permeate our country. I came home to a different society than the one I left in 1979. I was the one who was different, I guess. Suddenly I saw we couldn't get enough violence at the expense of the world's poor. Since Oct 2001 we've caused such misery at home and abroad by our extravagant, excessive spending to dominate the global scene militarily. My dream is that the work of groups like VFP will help shift public acceptance of this imbalance. I believe in our Constitutional rights AND obligations. We can change our country's focus. JOIN US!
Without VFP I'd be a mental wreck. I woke up to my military experience (Army, infantry in the U.S. war against the people of Viet Nam) in January of 2003. I turned on the TV one night and the movie "Platoon" was playing. I had never read or watched anything about Viet Nam since I left there in early 1971. I figured I could handle it now. Wrong. I saw the children with big brown eyes and tatted clothes and it all came back - like a lightening bolt - the sights, the sounds, the smells. I was introduced to VFP by Bob Krzewinski in Michigan. I joined and am now immersed in VFP. It is my life line. I wear something VFP everyday and engage in dialogue about our mission at every opportunity. VFP is the place for me!
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I woke up to my military experience (Army, infantry, Viet Nam) in January of 2003. I was overwhelmed with striff/panic/shame/anger for many months. I have an MBA and I used my research skills to learn all I could about war, violence, politics, foreign affairs, other cultures, and many other topics. I gained knowledge, but I needed more than knowledge. About a year later I attended a peace rally in Ann Arbor, MI . A guy approached me and asked if I had heard of Veterans For Peace. I hadn't. I took his info., went home and researched the group. I joined soon after that and the association has changed my life. I thought I was alone with my issues. I wasn't. The people I've met via VFP have introduced me to books, videos, and other resources that I would never have found on my own. More importantly, I've met many great folks all over the country who have followed the same path and are speaking and acting for true, Gandhi style peace. They give me the strength and courage to oppose violence as a solution.
I joined VFP in 2001 knowing that we were headed into another long and futile war. The members I have met in the last 13 years are dedicated to abolishing war, are courageously and non violently standing up to the powerful war mongers, and continually educating people that war can be resisted. We need more vets to join us and we could definitely change the national discussions on how to wage peace.
Have been involved for over 25 years, interacting with other Veterans in educating the public regarding the true costs of our unnecessary wars, to abolish war as a means of resolving conflicts.
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Inspiring interaction with other Veterans and supporters regarding their experiences, and efforts to end war as a means of conflict resolution.
Excellent use of time and resources and up-to-date website with pictures and descriptions of events and actions.
Veterans For Peace held an incredibly successful 29th annual convention July 23 - 27 in Asheville, NC. For the 2nd consecutive year (also Madison in August 2013), VFP was welcomed by our host city's mayor. The convention lasted 5 days, drawing nearly 400 participants. One highlight was an Iraq and Afghanistan veterans caucus, drawing over 3 dozen young veterans. Our keynote speaker, Cynthia McKinney, was preceded by keynoter Alice Walker at our 2012 convention in Miami, which itself was followed by a fact-finding tour to Haiti with Alice, Colonel Ann Wright (ret.) and 16 other participants.
Veterans For Peace is unique in its demographic, institutional viability, and enthusiasm for activism shown consistently in over 100 communities. Veterans For Peace is one of the most reliable groups on the American scene in the fight for peace and equality.
Excellent usage of time and resources as well as exemplarary image of non violence. The dialogue was encouraging and inspiring. Everyone can benefit.
The work of VFP is essential in keeping the consciousness of peace forefront in our thinking. VFP can help us evolve from using war to resolve conflict, to peaceful, beneficial, cooperative methods.
Veterans for Peace brings actions and awareness to the importance of being and acting fore peace rather than merely being against war.
One of the best nonprofits there is. PEACE is what this country desperately needs, & Veterans for Peace has been there. They know the opposite of PEACE, so they can be trusted by the public.
Veterans For Peace members throughout the nation and in a few foreign countries constantly work to educate the public on the human cost of war and advocate for an end to violence. These tasks help those of us who have wounded bodies heal our wounded souls. We are all still serving our country, but in a higher cause.
When my son joined the army in 2003 I went looking for an organization to help me deal with his deployment to Afghanistan. I joined VFP in 2005 and have been a loyal member since. My local chapter and the national office have been very supportive and have offered me great comfort to know that those who have served understand the costs of war. Although I am the mother that stayed behind when "they" went to fight, these veterans still understand my fears and rage at repeated deployments and apathy of the public. These veterans are smart, dedicated, loyal and they love their country more than most.
I have been a member of the San Francisco chapter of VFP since March 2012 and host a weekly radio program dedicated to the concept of peace. I believe that peace can be achieved and one of the most effective ways of influencing the behavior of others is to set a good example. Be the change we wish to see and others will follow suit.
When I fist arrived on the scene I expected to find a group of forward thinking veterans who are working together to make San Francisco and the world a better place, but instead found myself embroiled in an unnecessary war over the control of resources available at the SF Veterans Building (money, free office space & people), with VFP leading the charge. While the monthly VFP meetings condemn the tactics the government utilizes to achieve their ends, they themselves are riddled with deception, hidden agendas and conflicts of interests, justifying their means with righteousness and self-adoring entitlement while inflicting psychological violence on fellow Veterans.
Where there once was a community of thousands of veterans, there is now only a few dozen at best and the ongoing hostilities and dysfunctional attitudes keep veterans away. From my perspective, this chapter of VFP is indirectly responsible for dozens, if not hundreds of veteran suicides and attempts, because of the lack of positive community. Inside the War Memorial Veterans Building I have opened a museum dedicated to the concept of peace, not with the help of VFP, but in spite of its lack thereof. In summary....
There are 3 P's for some in Veterans For Peace,
and ironically Peace isn't anywhere to hear or see.
The 38,000 ft. of the WMVB is their golden fleece,
a fight lasting forever is one they fight with glee.
The first P is for Protest and to thirst for it flagrantly,
for every protest there is a themed marching parade,
and an after-party to celebrate their perceived victory,
the fights must go on with each one custom made.
The second P is for Parties at which they crave conformity,
spending on them to attend a regular basis is a must.
Standing up to take the honorary bow as if deservedly.
a celebration for themselves and the few they trust.
The third and last P of VFP stands for the marching Parade,
pretending to be the war heroes they wish they could never be,
remembering feeling great during the short boot-camp charade,
and hate the fact that it felt so good being active in the military.
Respect for the veterans, largely Vietnam era, who have kept their commitment to peace and exposing the lies and commemorating those killed which goes with involvement in war. Despite their opposition to war, they have not forgotten their fellow vets who continue to suffer-pscyolologically and physically-from wars. They are committed to not forgetting those who have died and also work with other groups that some mainstream peace groups avoid. Even before renewed political activism generated by the Occupy movement, Veterans for Peace were there. They are doing a great job. Their involvement lends credence to the peace movement.
The Veterans For Peace have done a great job in raising attention for the difficulties war veterans face today. They relieve loneliness and isolation and help creating awareness about the silent longterm aftermath of wars. The importance of Veterans For Peace stretches across international borders.
Veterans For Peace has helped me deliver phone cards to VA hospital patients (overall nationally 54,000 in 148 facilities), help 87,000 stoplossed troops get another year to claim their back pay, help 98,000 military spouse students restore their college funds, let me contribute to their Iraqi water Project (helping 85,000 Iraqis get safe drinking water, help pass NY Guard health coverage for depleted uranium (the "new Agent Orange"), tell the VA about 4000 support groups that can help w/PTSD, proving peace patriotic by honoring the warrior not the war. One of our chapter's members, Miles Manchester, arranged PTSD training for every police agency near the home of the Army's most deployed division. VFP supports schools and clinics in Vietnam & Afghanistan. A fellow member and I are about to do a YouTube video motivating veterans to get help for their PTSD, using quotes of mine successfully "field-tested"by 400 families living w/PTSD in Nebraska.
My work with VFP, and with veterans from every era, has been the most meaningful experience of my life. I hope never to stop volunteering with this essential group.
I am an Iraq vet. I have a sixty percent service connected disability for PTSD and Hearing Loss. Veterans for Peace is an organization that I believe in, now more than ever. I knew a young girl, 18 just out of basic training. I trained with her at Ft. Bliss. She was apprehensive about going to Iraq. Now she is dead. She was killed by an IED/roadside bomb.
I have known only a few veterans who belong, but have seen their Facebook page and the information compiled there is useful to activists of any level. Veterans telling the truth about War, Veterans Affairs and the world in which we live. Since the Pentagon's crushing disinformation campaign distorts, so does VFP clear the muddied waters of discourse in many ares. Their protest work is superb and effective across the board, since vets are diverse as the US itself.
What an important role this organization fills in our country! Educating our citizens, beyond the sound bites on the news, about the people who served and their needs here at home. With more awareness, the public can understand and support Veterans telling their stories and provide resources to embrace them as they return to civilian life.