o'Kelly McCluskey, our dear friend and founding member of VFP 92, has departed from this world. His entire family was with him, and he died peacefully, without any apparent suffering on Thursday, February, 11th.

They told of a "strange" thing that happened.  As you may know, the crow was o'Kelly's totem animal.  They just had come home from the hospital and a crow landed directly in front of their car as they pulled in to the driveway. Then there was an unusually huge gathering of crows, and they distinctly heard a very loud "CAW CAW" which, they said, o'Kelly used to do with them often.  They are convinced it was o'Kelly's spirit showing them that he had passed well and was with them.

A memorial service is being planned for early March and more information will be posted here.

o'Kelly McCluskey, once voted Veterans For Peace's oldest looking member, was the heart and soul of the VFP movement Northwest.  During o'Kelly's reign of work, VFP grew from almost nothing in the Seattle area to hundreds including very active chapters in Bellingham, Olympia, Tacoma, Olympic Peninsula. It grew so large it is not unusual to run into somebody from another chapter in the region and not recognize them though they are active in their area. He went to the convention in San Francisco by Amtrak after having personally invited Dennis Kucinich who spoke at the convention there.

o'Kelly, along with his father, created the Medal of Conscience which was given out to honor those peace activists whose actions should be upheld and emulated. Rachel Corrie's name is # 1 on the Medal of Conscience Rolls. She was killed while non violently protecting the Human Rights of a Palestinian family.

Several videos of other Medal of Conscience presentations can be viewed at:

Sept. 20, 2008 video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbK9iu73Ivs

and May 9, 2009 video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pobFQYAnsEY

Army moves to strip jailed hip-hop soldier of civilian legal team

Immediate Iraq tranfser and court martial announced in violation of military regulations

By the Friends and Family of Spc. Marc Hall.
February 3, 2010

Today, Fort Stewart, Georgia officials confirmed that the Army will attempt to separate Spc Marc A Hall from both his civilian legal team and his established military defender Capt. Anthony Schiavetti by sending him to Iraq “within a few days” to face court martial.
Rest of article

Coffee Strong has initiated a monthly rally vigil in support of Travis Bishop, the only public Afghanistan War resister currently imprisoned, as far as we know.  Travis is right here at Fort Lewis, serving a 1-year sentence, probably until June.  The next vigil is on Sunday, Feb. 28, 1:30-3:30 pm, and continues on the fourth Sunday of every month until Travis is released.  

Please join us for the Rally at the Freedom Bridge at I-5 Exit 122. Hot beverages and snacks available before and after the rally at Coffee Strong, 15109 Union Ave SW in Lakewod, next door to Subway.

See lengthy article about Travis Bishop at the top of the home page at www.GIVoice.org

Join a broad coalition of Seattle area anti-war groups for a rally and march to mark the 7th anniversary of the Iraq War. This protest is being organized in coordination with the March 20 National March on the Pentagon. (We are holding our demonstration on Sunday to avoid logistical conflict with the St. Patrick's day parade.)

Volunteers are needed to get the word out and to help on the day of the event. Please use the Get Involved-->Volunteer link on the www.answerseattle.org website. If you can mobilize in your area, please let us know.

Endorsers are still welcome, please use the Get Involved-->Contact Us link on the www.answerseattle.org website.

Donations are needed, you can donate online through Donate Today link on the www.answerseattle.org website.

Co-sponsors:
ANSWER • Code Pink • Iraq Veterans Against the War - Ft. Lewis • SNOW • Veterans for Peace, Greater Seattle Chapter #92 • World Can't Wait.

Help build VFP 92's participation in this march & rally!
Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 206-499-1220