Military Families Speak Out

Military Families Speak Out is an organization founded in 2002 by Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson, two Massachusetts residents who have a son serving in the United States Military. The group was established to give a voice to families of military personnel who oppose the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War. Military Families Speak Out has been involved in various anti-war movements and has worked with other organizations such as Veterans For Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Gold Star Families for Peace, which was founded by Cindy Sheehan, the mother of Casey Sheehan, a United States Army soldier who was killed in action during the Iraq War.

● History

The history of Military Families Speak Out dates back to 2002, when Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson decided to take a stand against the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the impending Iraq War. The organization gained momentum and soon had chapters in several states, including California, New York, and Texas. Military Families Speak Out has been involved in various protests and rallies, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq protests, which drew millions of people worldwide, including Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Michael Moore. The organization has also worked with other anti-war groups, such as Code Pink, founded by Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin, and United for Peace and Justice, which was founded by Leslie Cagan.

● Organization

The organization is made up of families of military personnel who are opposed to the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War. Military Families Speak Out has chapters in several states and is governed by a board of directors, which includes Nancy Lessin and other founding members. The organization is supported by various donations and grants from organizations such as the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Soros Foundation, founded by George Soros. Military Families Speak Out has also received support from politicians such as Dennis Kucinich, Barbara Lee, and John Conyers, who have been vocal opponents of the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War.

● Activities and Campaigns

Military Families Speak Out has been involved in various activities and campaigns to raise awareness about the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War. The organization has participated in protests and rallies, including the 2005 anti-war protest in Washington, D.C., which drew hundreds of thousands of people, including Cindy Sheehan, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton. Military Families Speak Out has also worked with other organizations to support veterans and families of military personnel, including the Wounded Warrior Project, founded by John Melia, and the USO, founded by Billy Rose. The organization has also been involved in various lobbying efforts, including working with politicians such as Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barack Obama to pass legislation that supports veterans and families of military personnel.

● Notable Members

Military Families Speak Out has several notable members, including Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson, who are the co-founders of the organization. Other notable members include Cindy Sheehan, the mother of Casey Sheehan, a United States Army soldier who was killed in action during the Iraq War, and Diane Wilson, the mother of a United States Marine Corps soldier who served in Iraq. The organization has also been supported by various celebrities, including Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, and Sean Penn, who have been vocal opponents of the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War. Military Families Speak Out has also worked with other notable anti-war activists, including Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Michael Moore.

● Impact and Reception

The impact of Military Families Speak Out has been significant, with the organization helping to raise awareness about the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War. The organization has been featured in various media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, and has been recognized for its work by organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, founded by Crystal Eastman, and the National Council of Churches, which is made up of denominations such as the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Military Families Speak Out has also received support from various international organizations, including Amnesty International, founded by Peter Benenson, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization has been praised by politicians such as Dennis Kucinich and Barbara Lee, who have been vocal opponents of the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War.

Category:Anti-war organizations