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From the Commander,
The Berkeley City Council’s decision to order Marine Corps recruiters out of the city is a slap in the face to California’s veteran community and the brave men and women serving in the Marine Corps. As national commander of AMVETS, one of the nation’s leading veterans’ service organizations, I condemn this irresponsible act.
This symbolic gesture will have no effect on the policy-makers in Washington, D.C., Rather, it will only hurt the men and women who have volunteered to wear the uniform.
Recruiters perform a necessary task for the United States military—they seek out the best and brightest and ensure that our fighting force stands ready to protect our way of life. Without military recruiters, our volunteer force cannot sustain itself.
AMVETS understands that the citizens of Berkeley may have qualms with the prosecution of the war in Iraq. However, banning Marine Corps recruiters from the city and endorsing the radical anti-war group Code Pink vilifies the brave men and women who nobly serve this nation.
I implore the Berkeley City Council to do the right thing. Reverse your decision and demonstrate your support to our nation’s heroes—even if you disagree with national policy.
AMVETS encourages all Americans to exercise their First Amendment rights, but direct your voices at the people who can institute change, and not your brave veterans who have sacrificed so much to keep you free.
Veterans serving veterans,
John P. “JP” Brown III
AMVETS National Commander
4647 Forbes Blvd.
Lanham, MD 20706
(877) 726-8387
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