In Clash With Marines, Reservists Gain Ally in VFW - washingtonpost.com

In Clash With Marines, Reservists Gain Ally in VFW - washingtonpost.com: "The national commander of the proud, patriotic, 2.4 million strong Veterans of Foreign Wars (motto: 'Honor the dead by helping the living') took one look at the mushrooming dispute between three antiwar Marine reservists and the U.S. Marine Corps, and knew where his sympathies lay: with the protesters.

'What the Marine Corps is trying to do is hush up and punish these individuals who served our country,' Gary Kurpius, the national commander, said in a telephone interview. 'All they're doing is exercising the same democratic voice we're trying to instill over in Iraq right now.'

The Marines have accused the three reservists, all members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, of wearing their uniforms during political protests and making 'disrespectful' or 'disloyal' statements. All three were honorably discharged from active duty, but now face 'other than honorable' discharges from the inactive reserve, which could affect future employment and veterans benefits.

The VFW issued a blistering statement on the controversy yesterday. Headline: 'VFW to Corps: Don't Stifle Freedom of Speech.'" Read complete post here.