From The Military Times: Marine’s injury draws vets to Occupy movement
“We’re getting calls from veterans across the country who are extremely angry and appalled that someone who served two tours in Iraq got injured as a well-behaved protester,” Kimball said. “It’s rallying vets across the country. We’re just seeing the beginning of it.”
Spurred by an injury to one of their own, military veterans are mobilizing to increase their presence and profile in the Occupy Wall Street movement.
Wednesday on Wall Street, the New York City chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War and dozens of other uniformed veterans known as “Veterans of the 99%” are expected to mass near Wall Street, where Occupy began Sept. 17.
Although they’ve been participating in Occupy protests throughout the country, vets said their ranks have been swelling since last week, when former Marine and Iraq War vet Scott Olsen sustained a skull fracture when he was hit by a police projectile at an Occupy Oakland protest. Although still hospitalized, Olsen, 24, is expected to make a full recovery.
“His injury has definitely galvanized veterans,” said University of Illinois senior Scott Kimball, 27, who served in Iraq as an Army specialist. He’ll be helping coordinate Wednesday’s New York City event, which begins at 11 a.m. march at Vietnam Veterans Plaza.
Joe Carter, a retired Army sergeant and national head of Iraq Veterans Against the War, said he expects increasing involvement from retired and active-duty personnel.
“We’re hearing from 80-year-old former Marines,” said Carter, who served two tours in Iraq. “Scott Olsen was willing to put himself on the line, so a lot more people are willing to take a more visible role.”
From the Occupy Wall Street calendar:
On November 2nd, members of the New York City Chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War and other veterans will come together at Wall Street with other Veterans of the 99%. We will march from Vietnam Veterans Plaza (map) to Liberty Square (Zuccoti Park)—the heart of the Occupy Wall Street movement—and hold a press conference announcing our support for the 99%, and calling on other veterans and service members to join us.
November 2nd, march with us in support of the 99%. If you’re unable to come to New York, organize veterans in support of the 99% at your local occupations.
We are veterans. We are the 99%.
Veterans of the 99%
March to Occupy Wall Street
Wednesday, November 2nd
11:00am - 1:00pm
Veterans who would like to participate should contact
veteransofthe99@gmail.com
646.723.0989
Other schedule of events for New York City include a Solidarity March for Oakland at 5 PM starting at Liberty Square.
Update: Olsen's roommate spoke to the UK Guardian on Sunday and reported Olsen had given a "thumbs up" to reports of his widespread support. He is not yet speaking.
Shannon told the Guardian that Olsen is still communicating via written notes – although these tend to be short – and that Olsen's spelling has suffered since he was injured.
"He only really writes when he needs something," Shannon said. Olsen keeps a notepad and pen beside him on the bed to issue the messages, which often consist of just one word.
Shannon said his roommate is "still really tired", adding that during Sunday's visit: "At one point he wrote asking us to go out," so he could rest.