By Under the Hood Cafe friends. February 18, 2011
Killeen, Texas – Several months after returning from a combat tour in Iraq, Fort Hood soldier SPC Kyle Wesolowski submitted an application for a conscientious objector discharge based on his Buddhist faith. Since that time, SPC Wesolowski has completed a rigorous examination of his beliefs by military authorities, including required interviews by a psychiatrist, a chaplain and an independent investigating officer. All of these officials recommended that SPC Wesolowski be discharged based on the sincerity of his beliefs.
Today, we are pleased to announce that SPC Wesolowski’s Conscientious Objector claim was approved by the U.S. Army. Wesolowski’s discharge will likely occur in early March, 2011. Kyle has received a great deal of encouragement from the community who helped to support him through this arduous process.
Here is what a few of his supporters had to say about this news:
“Kyle’s decision to follow his conscience has required great patience and perseverance. I admire his command and the Army administration for recognizing his sincerity, and choosing to honor him with a conscientious objector discharge.” – Fran Clark, Board Member, Under the Hood Cafe and Outreach Center
“It has taken great courage for Kyle to follow his conscience. He has diligently, respectfully and patiently pursued his conscientious objector status over the last several months. I trust that the Army recognizes Kyle’s sincerity and will move quickly to approve an honorable discharge.” Alice Embree, Board Member Fort Hood Support Network
Wesolowski’s attorney, James Branum, had this to say:
“I am so proud of Kyle. He stood strong in a long and difficult process. Many other applicants would have given up, but Kyle stood firm. Thankfully the Army has now recognized what I’ve known all along — Kyle is a sincere conscientious objector to war.”
Thank you to Courage to Resist supporters in allowing us to help fund Kyle’s legal representation.
“Courage To Resist accomplishes one part of this program of resistance by speaking for and defending the brave souls in the military who do not wish to be part of the perfidy of this administration. It behooves us to do all we can to support Courage To Resist with money and with spine.”
