To watch my videos that are part of MTV2's Fourth of July Takeover, check this post out.
In June, I met about eight Iraq veterans who share a group-house in Northeast DC. The guys, all part of Iraq Veterans Against the War, talk to me about how they're working to make a difference. The video is called Mission Possible. [embedded below]
"Humanize this War. If It Is Humanized, People Will Start to Care." HT to Me, January 2008. These Are Our Peers. They Fought in This War. And This is What They Had to Say.
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| by EricaAmerica on Jun 24,2008 |
The first soldier story I did was Decision to Desert Part I where I explore my unlikely connection to the War in Iraq -- a cousin named Paul, who was serving time for deserting the Marine Corps.
In January, I discovered I have an unlikely connection to the War in Iraq. His name is Paul, and not forty miles away from me, he was serving time in the Quantico Brig (military prison) for deserting the Marine Corp after learning of a second tour in Iraq. Though we had only met once before, I decided there was only one thing to do. Go visit my second cousin and get the story. Here is Part I of a two Part series.
Next is Decision to Desert Part II, where Paul talks about the ideals that drove him to desert after serving a tour in Iraq. I also take a look at anti-war demonstrations in Washington.
While 21-year old Iraq Veteran, Paul, aims to add normalcy back to his life, the war transcended on Washington, DC. At the start of the sixth year of war on Iraq, March 19, a mix of people gathered within an ear shot of the White House to demonstrate dissatisfaction.
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| by EricaAmerica on Apr 08,2008 |
Since my Street Team tenure started six months ago, I've been attracted to the story of soldiers. Here is an inside look at where my work began and how far it has taken me.
It wasn’t until a trip to the Newseum last weekend when it dawned on me. Like the great Ernie Pyle, a war time journalist and Indiana University alum like me, I am drawn to the story of war and the ordinary soldiers who serve in them.
In January, Helen Thomas gave me advice I couldn’t ignore. When I told her I had a cousin serving time in a military prison for deserting the Marine Corps, she didn’t hesitate. “Go visit him. If not for the story then because he needs a friend.” I did, and from it I got more than these two stories [Decision to Desert Part I and Part II]– I found a friendship and respect for the individual struggle of each soldier.
By February it was as if a switch turned on. I began feverishly studying the military. In particular, I was curious about why soldiers resisted, either by deserting, conscientious objection or speaking out at events like this one called Winter Soldier. I too became intrigued by the idea of our All-Voluntary Military -- and the way it parallels and contrast the draft that kept Vietnam going for as long as it did.
Through the late nights, phone calls -- and white paper research, I would walk to my day job, in suite and stride, with lobbyists on K Street. Something about it seemed, and still does, like the most educational experience I could possibly receive.
With March came the anniversary of the war. On a street in close proximity to places like the IRS, Exxon Mobile, Halliburton and the World Bank. I was in the center of what activists call the "business of war" and on the anniversary -- the demonstrations against war. During my lunch break I threw on my Street Team pack and took a straight shot down K Street. At McPherson Square, I witnessed exercises of our First Amendment Rights as if out of a text book. Groups peacefully assembled, passed around petitions and pointed to the White House in disagreement. I even exercised one of my own First Amendment Right when I gathered this footage and included in Decision to Desert: Part II.
April and May brought a video on the GI Bill. And just last month, I found a row house where eight soldiers, all who served in Iraq since 9/11, live and work. After spending nearly a month on the story, I submitted this, video, Mission Possible, to document that tales of four soldiers on individual missions to contend with the government that the cause they fought for was not right.
Following both my instinct and conscious has brought me to this point. And without pretense, I’ve become immersed. Investigative. I’ve even become obsessed. But it’s all been great because you know what? I think I’ve done my very best.
In April, during the thick of an all-night editing session, I wrote this. Though it was written in a 3AM delusion, I can say that I mean every bit of it.
“In closing, I want to be a great journalist.
Respected. Scrappy. Fair, but forward.
I want to strive for honesty in all I do.
I am also a person.
A person inescapable of pundits, politicians and positions.
All ask for is to see me for who I am.
Loyal to my country --
Proud of our historically just leadership --
Certain that the world is made of GOOD people.
In my career, as in my life, I will always strive to be myself,
And find a way to leave the world a better place.
Here’s to Trying."
This is Erica Anderson, Street Team ’08, Washington DC