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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 21, 2005 From left, Scott Guthrie, 21, of Central Point and Michael Graber, 16, of Medford take off running on an obstacle course set up in Hawthorne Park Saturday for Soldier for a Day, sponsored by recruiters for the U.S. Army. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli Caught in the line of political fire Iraq war protesters stage an alternative recruiting effort at ‘Soldier for a Day’ By PARIS ACHEN Mail Tribune Clutching a drill rifle loaded with plastic bullets, 16-year-old Michael Graber crawled face down on the cool, green grass at Hawthorne Park. Reaching a wall of sandbags, he grabbed a blank grenade and hurled it at a tree. In the background, a banner showing the number of casualties from the war in Iraq hung from a picnic table surrounded by peace activists handing out pamphlets on alternatives to joining the military, such as college grants. The "Soldier for a Day" event held Saturday by recruiters from the U.S. Army Career Counselor Center in Medford and the countermove by protesters highlighted the ongoing debate over the war. "If participants are seriously considering enlisting, we want them to know there are alternatives for their future instead of possibly killing and being killed," said Grady Boyd, a peace activist from Ashland. "We would also like to give the message to military recruiters that we are part of a national group that’s watching what recruiters are doing and what they are promising young people." Advertisement The free event was publicized as a way to give young people a taste of what it’s like to be in the Army. The 13 participants went through an early morning exercise routine, obstacle course and classes in first aid, map reading and land navigation. But some war objectors said the event was a sugar-coated example of the military designed to reel in teenagers and twenty-somethings who need money for college. "If the Army is going to do recruitment, they should show guys lying down with their limbs blown off," said Medford resident Laurie Terrall, whose son recently joined the Marine Corps against her wishes. Protester Tana Domecq-Davis of the Little Applegate Valley said she supports the troops in Iraq but not the war. "We don’t want more young people killed for a lie," said Domecq-Davis, referring to the apparent absence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, despite government claims. Recruiter supervisor Sgt. Konrad Wilson said he makes sure recruits and their families know of the possibility of combat. "We don’t try to hide it, but it’s not something we plaster on the wall," Wilson said. Many of the participants said they are considering enlisting in the military to fund their college education. Scott Guthrie, 21, of Central Point joined the Army two weeks ago as an infantryman with the promise of a $20,000 bonus, a college education and an assignment in Europe. Guthrie said the Medford recruiter who helped him enlist didn’t mention the possibility of going to Iraq. But Guthrie said he asked about his chances of deployment in Iraq when he signed up in Portland. "They said the chances are low because they’re not shipping many more over there," Guthrie said. He said he did not support the invasion of Iraq but now hopes the military can help the people there. Some participants said they are considering the military because that’s the best option available to them. "It’s basically something to do," said 20-year-old Daniel Davis, who is unemployed. Others said they want to serve their country. Graber said his decision to join the military was prompted by his mother’s recent death of Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neuromuscular disease that destroys motor skills. "War is never a good thing, but we have a chance to give Iraqis freedom," said Graber, who dreams of one day opening a pizzeria. "I’d rather do something to give people freedom than do nothing." Call Paris Achen at 776-4496: e-mail Caught in the line of political fire ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s