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I.V.A.W. Report on Outreach to GIs: “95-98% Were Very Receptive”WHO: IVAW Los Angeles, VFP, + Civilian Allies WHAT: GI Outreach WHERE: Los Alamitos, CA I had two teams of 3-4 people. One was posted outside the main gate passing out sit-reps and brownies and cookies (that included in the wrapping a card with IVAW.org and “Honor the warrior, not the war”) to vehicles exiting the base. The other team, myself included, drove on base. I gave the soldier at the gate a sit-rep and brownie after checking my ID. On base we gave 48 brownies to a group of at risk/drop out Los Angeles high school students who were doing physical training under army sergeants.  An MP had been sent to watch us and I gave him a sit-rep and brownie also. He took it and said thanks. After I asked him if he was sent to watch us, he responded by saying that he had cameras all over the base and found out about us as soon as we reached the gate. Team B, proceeded to post at the base PX and pass out sit-reps and brownies. About 20 minutes later, the same MP from before informed us that he was sorry but he was here to escort us off base. One lady entering the PX was very vocal and told him not to apologize. She said we had no right to protest on base, and we needed to get off base and protest there. I engaged her and asked her if we were protesting. We were just handing out brownies and sit-reps. We got into my car and he asked us for our IDs after receiving the order on the radio. He took my license plate number down also and we proceeded to get off base. We then scoped out other areas that we could post. We found a history teacher on the way to his son's little league game who asked for a sit-reps to show to his class. I offered to visit his class and engage them. Team A at the gate was very successful and found by their accounts 95-98% were very receptive. I did see one lady who returned the sit-rep and brownie after circling around. We plan to continue this action monthly in order to become familiar with the soldiers. Unfortunately many of the units are taking time off because of the upcoming annual training. All in all I think this was a very good action. A trial if you will and we know for future reference how to operate logistically. What works best are 3-4 man teams maximum, avoid mob presence, and preferably station a group of people away from the gate and from traffic for those who are receptive and would like to engage in a conversation. The Los Alamitos police was amicable and just warned us to not obstruct traffic. Best, Wendy Barranco Iraq Veterans Against the War, LA Page 3--> |
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