Army PFC who refused to return to Iraq as scheduled on September 25th, 2008 won a hardship discharge instead. On June 13th, after many tragedies in his family Jose told his sergeant that he was not “refusing” to deploy, but that he “could not” do so due to the circumstances in his family.
“Well if you won’t get on [the bus], then you’re refusing.” Jose replied, “Whatever you say.” He was placed on restriction and prepared to face court martial.
While on leave from Iraq, Jose discovered his family in the midst of a serious health crisis. Determined to help, Jose requested a hardship discharge or a posting near his home so he could take care of his family. The Army’s response was to order him back to Iraq. Jose won a Hardship Discharge from the U.S. army in mid-September, 2008.
“I fully support the right of US military personnel who, in acts of conscience, refuse to go to a war of aggression, a war crime. … I proudly support those who take such a stand.”
