 Ivan Brobeck was released from a marine military brig at Quantico in Virginia on February 5, 2007, three months after returning to the United States from Canada with a letter to President Bush asking him to "Bring the Troops Home Now" ! During a tour of duty in Iraq in 2004 Brobeck witnessed regular instances of abuse of Iraqi detainees and the killing of Iraqi civilians at military checkpoints. He chose Canada over a second tour in a war that he came to see as illegal and contrary to the interests and moral standards of most Americans. "I was not willing to go back and fight a war that I did not believe was right, and I didn't want to put myself in a situation where I would possibly kill an innocent civilian," Brobeck explains. "Please, President Bush, do what is right; do everything you can to bring our troops home from Iraq." Ivan Brobeck surrendered to military authorities in Washington, DC on election day, November 2007. He was transferred to Quantico in Virginia where he faced court martial for his courageous actions. He returned in the same spirit that motivated him to enlist at age 17 - a desire to serve his country and to stand for what is right. On December 5, Ivan Brobeck plead guilty to "Unauthorized Absence" and "Missing Movement" at his court martial at Quantico in Virginia and was sentneced to 8 months in a military brig, forfeiture of 2/3 pay and a bad conduct discharge. Due to a pre-trial agreement Ivan was required to serve two months of that sentence with the remaining time suspended. Lisa Brobeck, Ivan's wife, said after Ivan's sentencing," The United States Marine Corps has been diligent in resolving this matter quickly, in order for Ivan to be released in time for the birth of his son. Ivan has been treated fairly, within the confines of the UCMJ but, there is a bigger picture here that is overlooked when focusing on an individual circumstance. The American public has been lied to and bullied by an administration with little regard for the welfare of the servicemen and women who put their lives on the line everyday. I ask that the American public demand an end to this war and then demand answers from the very government that started it.
Congratulations to Lisa and Ivan Brobeck on the birth of their son , Nolan Ivan Brobeck, born in Canada just after Ivan's release on February 10, 2007, but Ivan must remain in the United States as he waits for the Marine Corp to officially discharge him. He cannot return to Canada without this necessary documentation. He also continues to fight for a discharge upgrade from his "bad conduct" discharge. Ivan had this message for his supporters, " I want to thank everyone for their support of me, especially those who sent me letters while I was imprisoned. It was helpful to receive the words of encouragement and support" |
|
 Iraq combat veteran and fellow war resister, Darrell Anderson, shows support for Ivan Brobeck in San Francisco photo by: Jeff Paterson Lance Corporal Ivan Brobeck, 21, of Arlington, Virginia, returned to the United States on election day to ask President Bush and Congress to bring the troops home now. On December 5, Ivan Brobeck plead guilty to "Unauthorized Absence" and "Missing Movement" at his court martial at Quantico in Virginia. He was sentenced to a military brig for a period of 8 months, forfeiture of 2/3 pay, reduction in rank to E-1 and a bad-conduct discharge. Due to a pre-trial agreement Ivan will serve 75 days confined and the rest of his sentence will be suspended. Ivan's expected release date is Feb 6th, 2007. Statement from Ivan's wife Lisa Brobeck:
The United States Marine Corps has been diligent in resolving this matter quickly, in order for Ivan to be released in time for the birth of his son. Ivan has been treated fairly, within the confines of the UCMJ but, there is a bigger picture here that is overlooked when focusing on an individual circumstance. The American public has been lied to and bullied by an administration with little regard for the welfare of the servicemen and women who put their lives on the line everyday. I ask that the American public demand an end to this war and then demand answers from the very government that started it.
It is important that Ivan receive mail everyday, so he is constantly reminded that he is not alone during this time in the brig and that he is supported in his brave and courageous stand.
Thank You,
Lisa Brobeck
|
|
Ivan Brobeck For Immediate Release:
Washington, DC - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Ivan Brobeck, 21, of Arlington, Virginia, will return to the United States on election day to ask President Bush and Congress to bring the troops home now.
During a tour of duty in Iraq in 2004 Brobeck witnessed regular instances of abuse of Iraqi detainees and the killing of Iraqi civilians at military checkpoints. He chose Canada over a second tour in a war that he came to see as illegal and contrary to the interests and moral standards of most Americans.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
 President Bush,
Members of Congress,
and the American People
November 6, 2006 Dear President Bush, I grew up in Arlington, Virginia. Joining the military was something I always wanted to do. Throughout my life I've heard of all the wonderful things the U.S. has achieved. They have always been there to fight for what is right. I was willing to join the military and risk my life for my country and to fight for what is right just like others have done. When I was 17 years old I enlisted in the Marine Corps. Since I was still in high school I had to complete my senior year. When the U.S. was going to war with Iraq, I was confident that my country must be doing the right thing. I couldn't see a reason why they would lie to us. One week after I graduated high school I was sent off to Marine Corps boot camp. Near the end of boot camp the only thing that was told to us about Iraq was that we were going to be sent to Iraq to die (that's how the Drill Instructor's joke). |
|
Read more...
|
|
 Lcpl. Ivan Brobeck while stationed in Iraq, May 2004 He completed boot camp and infantry training and was sent to his permanent unit stationed at Camp LeJune in November of 2003. In March of 2004, Ivan was deployed with his unit to Iraq. While stationed in Iraq, Ivan was assigned security at checkpoints in the city of Mahmudiyah and Fallujah. While in Iraq he witnessed the abuse of Iraqi detainees and the killing of civilians by the United States military. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
