Sergeant Matthis Chiroux served in the Army for over 4 years in over 3 countries around the globe. Matthis had until Sunday, fathers day, to report for duty. He did not. Matthis is one of over 7,500 troops who have been “reactivated” and chose to not participate in the illegal occupation of Iraq. That is about half of the 15,000 troops who have been reactivated. This is a clear sign that not only American citizens are against the occupation, the troops are as well.

What happens to Matthis and the other 7,500 troops?

The scope of punishment ranges from, nothing at all, to the Death Penalty. Some of the 7,500 troops have simply been left alone and received no punishment so far, while others have been charged with “desertion”. I do not believe anybody has received the death penalty for desertion but it is acceptable by law. Matthis is playing the waiting game right now, awaiting word from the US Army on whether they are going to press forward with any punishment.

Putting the Truth out there

Here is a quote from a interview Matthis gave on DemocracyNow today, June 17 2008.

To me, I’m following the US Constitution. I’m upholding the law, and I’m going to continue behaving as such. I refuse to be labeled or be shamed by these actions. I refuse to behave like a criminal.

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