Closing WHINSEC

In 2009, Mexico and Colombia may be the only reliable military allies of the United States in the Western Hemisphere, and both armies are heavily funded by U.S. taxpayers.

This summer, The Washington Post reported that the Mexican army has engaged in torture and other human rights abuses in its anti-narcotics operations.

In Colombia, military personnel have been charged with murdering innocent civilians, mostly young and poor, dressing the bodies in rebel uniforms, and claiming the bodies were guerrillas or drug traffickers killed in combat. Soldiers and police officers received holidays, promotions, and bonuses for fulfilling "kill" quotas.

The Obama administration has shown no inclination to decrease military aid to either country, or to end the training of these armies at Fort Benning, Georgia. In fact, the U.S. plans to establish a presence on seven military bases in Colombia. The new Colombian bases will replace a single base in Ecuador, where the government has refused to renew the lease.

On November 20-22, thousands of people will converge on Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia to pressure Congress and the White House to close the "School of Americas" training facility, end military aid to Mexico and Colombia, and support the return of the elected democratic government of Honduras.

The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship will be there! Plan to join us for educational (and fun!) workshops and the deeply moving Sunday morning vigil. We have reserved a block of rooms, and are arranging transportation from the Atlanta airport for those arriving Friday morning and leaving Monday afternoon.

Plan to attend the Presbyterian Breakfast on Saturday, November 21, from 7 - 9 a.m. at the Holiday Inn North, where we will celebrate PPF's 65th birthday with our executive director, Rick Ufford-Chase; honor prisoners of conscience and accompaniment program volunteers; hear updates on PPF projects; and enjoy the fellowship of 60-80 Presbyterians! The cost is $10 for a full breakfast, and reservations are required.

After the Sunday morning vigil, meet at the PPF information table to walk together to the gate for a brief prayer and communion service.

For more information about housing or transportation, or for breakfast reservations, contact Marilyn White at marwhite@igc.org or 512-450-2766.

Join Us!

  • Join the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship this November 20-22, 2009 in Ft. Benning, GA, for the Vigil and Direct Action to Close the SOA/WHINSEC.
    Click Here for more info.
  • Get the latest information and communicate with others about SOA/WHINSEC on the network site.
  • Write to your representatives in Congress. You can learn a great deal more about this work at www.soaw.org.
  • Lorie and Phil Gates are available to speak to your congregation or organization about WHINSEC, Colombia, and Phil's experience of civil disobedience, arrest, and imprisonment in protest of WHINSEC and its policies.