Benefit with Stephen Funk, GI resister facing military tribunal

Mediterranean dinner catered by Bacheeso's Garden Bistro. $10 minimum dinner donation requested. This is a benefit for Stephen Funk's legal defense--so bring your checkbook. Hosted by the Not in Our Name Project (510-444-6466) with local poets, artists and musicians. Meet US Marine Lance Corporal Stephen Funk and find out how he found the courage to resist. In April Stephen held a press conference in front of his reserve post in San Jose to declare himself a conscientious objector, and to voice his objections to the pending war on Iraq. He appeared on BBC television and national and international newspapers covered his press conference. "I spoke out so that others in the military would realize that they also have a choice and a duty to resist immoral and illegitimate orders... In the face of this unjust war based on deception by our leaders, I could not remain silent," declares Stephen. The day after our dinner with Stephen, he will return to Louisiana to face a military tribunal and two-years in the brig for "desertion". Stephen had delayed reporting for activation for 43 days to complete his conscientious objector paperwork. If you are unable to attend this benefit dinner, please send checks payable to "Stephen Funk Legal Defense Fund", 1230 Market Street #111, San Francisco CA 94102. Of the millions of people worldwide who protested the war, maybe no one put more on the line than this 21-year-old Filipino brother. Now its time for us to fight for him! On August 11, the scheduled start of his trial, join the "Free Stephen Funk" protest vigil at Castro and Market, San Francisco at 5 PM. For more information about Stephen Funk, including where to send letters on his behalf, to contribute to his defense fund online, and for up-to-date information, visit http://www.notinourname.net/funk "I refuse to surrender my dignity, I refuse to kill... The military demands obedience, but I will not obey" -Stephen Funk