US Army Infantry, Iraq Veteran enlisted in 2002, at the age of 17. Attended basic training at Fort Benning, in Georgia – belonged to the 1st BN, 509th Airborne Infantry, a non-deployable unit, and prior to the beginnings of the occupation in Iraq. William deployed to Iraq in 2004 – with his entire battalion.
“I was treated like a family member by the Army [until I told them that I wanted out]”. Diagnosed with PTSD, sleep disorders, depression and given minimal talk therapy – while being prescribed an intense drug therapy that in his own words “putting me into an ‘I don’t care’ vegetative state”. After reenlisting in 2006 for another 5 years, realized that he no longer wished to be in the Army.
“Courage to Resist has helped individuals who have taken brave stands, has been an important bridge between anti-war soldiers and civilians, and has helped both publicize and build the critical component of soldier resistance in ending war.”
