2008 Woodie Awards
Army recruitment draws both support, criticism
By Natalia Montemayor
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: News
Originally published: 10/25/07 at 7:21 PM CSTLast update: 10/27/07 at 5:55 AM CST
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On Wednesday, individuals on both sides of this weighty issue rallied for their personal convictions as anti-war protesters stood on the sidewalks of San Pedro Avenue as the U.S. Army held its Leaders Among Us rally in San Pedro Springs Park.
High school students from surrounding schools participated in the event, which lasted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On campus, Octoberfest festivities were in full swing as members of the Truth in Recruitment organization set up a table with several petitions, including one to end the war in Iraq and one specifically against the recruitment program.
"We are shocked and horrified that they are using the Hispanic youth to build recruitment," 57-year-old private security officer Rhett Smith said.
"This targeting of minorities is the same thing that was happening during the Vietnam War," the self-proclaimed citizen activist added.
High school attendees were able to explore career and college options the Army offers its recruits while participating in interactive activities.
A nationally recognized motivational speaker and Laredo native, Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, spoke to the Burbank High School ROTC about her rise from poverty.
"There are critics, protesters and people who think we are trying to mess with your mind, but it is a personal decision to serve," Kickbusch said.
Kickbusch retired as the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field of the U.S. Army in 1996 and taught a human communication course at this college and Palo Alto from 1993 to 1997 before starting Educational Achievement Services, Inc.
"I'm a self-made millionaire, and my wealth is to bring hope to others, that's why I set aside 40 percent of my income to others," she said.
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End the War now. Ron Paul wants immediate withdrawal.
posted 11/01/07 @ 4:48 AM CST
I remember Vietnam well. End the war now. This war is really only being stretched-out in order to benefit the military-industrial-corporate complex. (Continued…)
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