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Champaign-Urbana Counter Recruitment Fair

By Mike Stewart

"Are you thinking of going into the military? Then there's some information that you need to know first." This was the message that the VVAW chapter in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois brought to high school students and community members thinking about enlisting in the armed forces. Because it's not an easy choice and because especially students can feel pressure to join up when all they are presented is the government's side of the story, VVAW members worked to ensure that those considering joining the military would be able to make an informed choice and were aware of the possible consequences.

On Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22, VVAW national coordinator Barry Romo and Chicago-area member Ray Parrish (a military counselor for over twenty years) spoke to classes at local high schools (see related article on page 8) and at a counter-recruitment fair about their experiences in the military, government misinformation, and other options open to young people considering enlistment. The fair, organized by the local C-U chapter of VVAW, was held at the Illinois Disciples Foundation and coincided with the Midwest regional meeting taking place there that weekend.

"A lot of people going into the military don't know what they're doing, period," said Ray Parrish in his talk at the fair. Among other topics, he spoke about racism, sexual assault and harassment, misleading information that recruiters often give to young people, and the erosion of benefits promised to veterans. "Young people need to know about the full life in the military, not just what the recruiter gives them," he added.

Along with talks by Ray and Barry, there were video showings that ran all day and information tables set up and staffed by members from across the Midwest. The booths had a variety of themes, including "Enlistment and General Military Counseling" and "Conscientious Objector Information," as well as a table dedicated to veterans' issues.

The counter-recruitment fair was covered by two local television stations and was visited by almost thirty people. All those in attendance agreed that VVAW needs to do more of this kind of outreach in the schools and the community in the future.

Mike Stewart is a union organizer for the Graduate Employees Organization at the
University of Illinois and a member of the C-U VVAW Chapter.