We Are Not Your Soldiers visited two NYC high schools before the February break – one a mini-school in Manhattan, part of a larger high school campus, and the other a transfer high school in Brooklyn.  John Burns, a recent veteran, spoke at both.

The students had been well-prepared for the visits and had many questions to ask.  Some were more concerned about the broader political questions and others, a number of whom are actively considering enlisting, wanted to get information about the real deal, what joining the military actually entails – from someone who has been there, done that.  Watching a part of the feature film “Unmanned” and Ehan McCord’s narrated version of “Collateral Murder” led us into discussions of the morality of what the troops are called upon to do when engaged in wars against civilian populations and the history of US occupations of other countries. And, we discussed how this impacts the returning veterans as they try to move on with their lives but have to deal with the effects of post-traumatic stress resulting from their time in the military.

We are open to invitations to other high schools and colleges for the Spring semester.  Please share this information with teachers, parents and students.  Anyone who would like to set up a visit, please contact wearenotyoursoldiers@worldcantwait.net or call 646-807-3259.  Visit our website for further information, wearenotyoursoldiers.org, and join us on Facebook.