Eugene soldier who refused to go to Iraq is charged

[central scrutinizer]

http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/09/28/a1.swift.0928.p1.php?section=cityregion

The Army charged former Eugene resident Spc. Suzanne Swift on Wednesday with refusing to deploy for a second tour of duty in Iraq this year.

Swift, 22, who is stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., faces two charges: "missing movement" and being absent without leave.

She first served with the 66th Military Police company as a driver and gunner in places such as Karbala, Iraq, from February 2004 to February 2005. But just days before her unit was scheduled to redeploy to Iraq in January, she decided not to go and remained in Oregon until she was arrested by Eugene police on June 14 and returned to Fort Lewis.

Swift said she couldn't face returning to Iraq because of sexual harassment and sexual abuse by three sergeants who supervised her. Her story has attracted national attention.

[nosmokes]

1. should read *rape victim &soldier forced back into unit w/her rapists*

the army was gonna let this whole thing slide if ms swift had only been ms silent. but it appears this is one gutsy woman, bless her, and instead she stood her ground and refused to be a party to what's going on over there. and of course the army can't have the truth told. sheesh, that spoils all the fun.

[spooked]

2. "Don't Punish Rape Victims"

Excellent Rally for Swift outside the gates of Fort Lewis.

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/08/20/18298959.php