:: Melissa's No-name Stories ::

:: Friday, April 11, 2003 ::

April 9
Seven anti-war protesters were fined for participation in a January demonstration at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration facility.
The demonstrators dressed in white hazardous materials uniforms with "citizens weapons inspector" printed in large black letters, unsuccessfully tried to enter to facility on Jan. 26. They were ordered by the town of Owego to pay $100 in fines and about $60 in court fees.
The purpose of the protest, which included 150 people who gathered in front of the plant, was to call attention to the manufacturing of parts for helicopters, jet fighters and other combat aircraft.
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April 10
A war protester who left a pile of manure on the yard of the Plattsburgh Army Recruiting Center in March has been charged with a third-degree tampering, a misdemeanor.
Essex resident Michael Bedoian, 52, wrote a letter to the Press-Republican of Plattsburgh, in which he said that he left the manure at the center and used duct tape to hold up signs that read "Fuhrer Bush, The Great Dictator."
Bedoian was charged last week with second-degree assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct for allegedly fighting with two police officers in Saratoga County while handing out anti-war fliers at a U.S. Navy housing development.

:: Melissa 5:20 AM [+] ::
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April 8
To show their support for coalition troops, Dutchess County lawmakers unanimously approved two resolutions. The first pays tribute to those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The other ensures that county workers called to duty in the reserves or National Guard will not suffer financially.
During Operation Enduring Freedom the county approved a plan to make up the difference between a county employee's salary and government payments, as well as extend health benefits to employees and their families while they served.
The resolution also included a provision supporting congressional efforts to have President Bush declare a day for fasting and prayer. This part was proposed by Fishkill Republican Shannon Martin LaFrance, who was pleased both Republican and Democratic legislators came together to support the proposal.
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An upstate dentist returned from Kuwait, where he served with the U.S. Army Reserve 865th combat support hospital. Dr. Salvatore Ruffo celebrated his 30th anniversary of active military service Monday, which started out in the National Guard.
While based in Camp Doha, the 53-year-old aided Czech, German, Australian, British and American troops in dental distress. Previously, the Conklin resident had been on six humanitarian missions in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Bolivia.
Lt. Col. Ruffo told the Press and Sun-Bulletin of Binghamton that he is dedicated to both of his families _ the first being his wife and children, the second being his unit.
:: Melissa 5:09 AM [+] ::
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April 7
A Hudson Valley woman who went to Iraq in February shared her photos and stories with about 45 people Sunday night in Albany. Longtime environmental activist Manna Jo Greene went to Iraq with Voices in the Wilderness, a group who helped peace activists go to Iraq.
She originally signed up to be a human shield, but then she said she realized her "body was not going to stop bombs or bullets." Instead, she brought a peace pole to Baghdad, that said "May Peace Prevail on Earth," in English, French, Arabic and Japanese.
The 57-year-old environmentalist said since the Iraqi people did not agree with their government, they did not assume she agreed with the American government. "I can't tell you how everyone we met was so kind," despite the troops moving into positions around the borders. "Nobody took it out on us."
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When Bob Lewis came home from serving in the Vietnam War, he was not greeted with fanfare in applause. In fact, the former U.S. Army helicopter gunner remembers a girl approaching him and calling him a child killer.
"It was demoralizing then," the Loch Sheldrake resident told the Times Herald-Record of Middletown. "I want out people to know they are going to have our respect."
The veteran joined five other motorcyclists to lead 50 patriotically decorated cars through town. The event organized by Sullivan County veterans groups banned pro- or anti-war statements. Lewis pointed out that soldiers took no part in the political decisions during either the Vietnam or Iraq wars.
:: Melissa 6:10 AM [+] ::
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April 4
Under a plaque reading, "Support the warrior, not the war," more than 100 people gathered in the rain at the Vietnam Memorial in Troy on Thursday to show their support for American troops.
Organizers, including the Veterans of Lansingburgh, the Rensselaer County Legislature and the Troy City Council, encouraged attendees and passers-by to tie yellow ribbons around trees and light poles.
County Legislative Majority Leader Robert Mirch said the rallies will continue in the city 10 miles north of Albany, with the goal to see a yellow ribbon on every home.
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To help families who are suffering economically due to a member serving in the military, Central Hudson Gas and Electric has reinstated Operation Family Support. The program that first appeared during the Persian Gulf War provides assistance to dependents of active military personnel who are having financial difficulties.
Financed by customers' contributions and matching funds from shareholders, the program provides special grants of $125 from the "Good Neighbor Fund." The company also offered deferred payment arrangements, budget billing and referral services to those who exhaust their lifetime limit of two grants.
"Many military households are doing their very best to keep life as normal as possible while their loved one is overseas, but may nonetheless be having financial difficulties," said Vice President of Customer Services and Marketing John Checklick.
*****
Liza Van Peski has been walking for three weeks, but she is only a little more than halfway to her destination. The 37-year-old mother of two left Belfast, Maine, heading for the nation's capitol with peace on her mind.
Peski opposes the war in Iraq, and has no relatives or friends serving overseas. She said her desire to be heard inspired the 650-mile-effort, which she calls "Peace Afoot."
Her husband Jeff is taking care of their children and business, while also helping out with details of the hike, including finding places for his wife to stay after the average of 20 miles a day.
Peski told the Poughkeepsie Journal that she thinks about the people she has met along the way rather than what she will do once in Washington. "The point here is the process and not the product," she said as she passed through Fishkill in Dutchess County.
:: Melissa 6:04 AM [+] ::
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