PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

July 15 National Day of Action to Demand an Immediate Honorable Discharge for Suzanne Swift

Letter from Suzanne Swift's Mom

Suzanne joined the Army with stars in her eyes. She was told she would see far away travel, be trained as a military police officer and when she got out she would be given money for college. Hell of a deal. Not once did the recruiter mention the deadly statistics for women in the military and how going to war dehumanizes many soldiers to a point where they think that raping and harassing women is acceptable behavior.

What has happened to Suzanne is happening to 2 out of every three women in the military right now. Young women and men are being subjected to sexual harassment, intimidation and assault every day and this is a national call to action. We must stop the climate of fear that our soldiers are living in every day. No more sweeping it under the carpet. Help us change the system where this is acceptable and victims are dismissed and their needs ignored. Take action and pay attention. My daughter is stepping up with her very life. What are you going to do to effect change today?

Support Suzanne and thousands of others in taking action. We demand that Suzanne be given a full honorable discharge from the Army and that all her mental heath needs be fully met. On this July 15, Suzanne will be 22 years old. Don't allow her to spend another minute under the care of a system that fails so many of it's own every day. Suzanne deserves an honorable discharge today!

Join me at the gates of Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, WA on July 15 to show support for Suzanne.

Plan a support event in your own city.

For more information go to www.SuzanneSwift.org

Thank you for your time and energy.

Peace~

Sara Rich, M.S.W

Listen to an audio interview with Sara Rich calling for the day of action on July 15.

How to Help Suzanne Today

1) On July 15 join with people across the country to demand an immediate
honorable discharge for Suzanne Swift.

Send Sara a note to let her know what you are planning in your city on July 15 to:
formydaughtersuzanne@yahoo.com

Check www.SuzanneSwift.org for forthcoming organizing materials

2) Sign the support petition to demand the immediate release of Suzanne Swift from Fort Lewis, WA where she is being detained for refusing to return to her unit where she was sexually harassed, abused and demeaned.

3) Download the informational flyer and help to educate your community about Suzanne's case.

4) Send messages of support to Suzanne (you can collect them on July 15!)
Friends of Suzanne
P.O. Box 51584
Eugene, OR 97405

5) Donate to Suzanne's legal defense fund

www.SuzanneSwift.org