ImageAirman granted conscientious objector status and given an honorable discharge from the Air Force on June 10th, 2008 – after an eight month process, in which he was aided by Courage to Resist. Michael enlisted in the Air Force as a junior in high school, in 2005. As early as Basic Training and his MOS tech school training…

…he began developing strong concerns around the war in Iraq and all war in general. “In high school I was very interested in a career in aviation… …I talked with an Air Force recruiter that came to my high school in my junior year.” Michael realized that even though he was not going to be directly responsible for any combat missions, he would still be indirectly aiding the war effort and he began to develop qualms around the role he would play in the war. He left his tech school in May of 2007 and was assigned his permanent duty station at that time. During his time in tech school and basic Michael began to develop a strong belief in Taoism and to feel a solid connection to all life. “I couldn’t take it anymore and I told my supervisor that I didn’t agree with any of it [the war in Iraq and Afghanistan]”. Shortly after his discussion with his supervisor, Michael began the 8 month process that would end with an Honorable Discharge. As of February, 2009, Michael joined the Courage to Resist organizing collective.