Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan

Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) was founded by Iraq war veterans in July 2004 at the annual convention of Veterans for Peace (VFP) to give a voice to the large number of active duty service people and veterans who are against this war, but are under pressure to remain silent. From its inception, IVAW has called for: immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces in Iraq; reparations for the human and structural damages Iraq has suffered, and stopping the corporate pillaging of Iraq so that Iraqis can control their own lives and future; and full benefits, adequate healthcare (including mental health), and other supports for returning service people.

In March 2008, IVAW launched a four-day event. Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan featured testimony exposing the human consequences of failed policy. It was named Winter Soldier to honor a similar gathering 30 years ago of veterans from the Vietnam War. Winter soldiers, according to Tom Paine, are the people who stand up for the soul of their country, even in its darkest hours.

Winter Soldier featured live testimony from U.S. veterans, giving an accurate account of what is happening on the ground. It brought together veterans, active duty service members, and military families to testify about their experiences - and present video and photographic evidence. In addition, panels of scholars, veterans, journalists, and other specialists gave context to the testimony. These panels covered everything from the history of the GI resistance movement to the fight for veterans' health benefits and support.