There hasn’t been much U.S. press coverage on the event, but the UK’s Sunday Times, using the headline of “Patriot Missiles,” had a lengthy magazine story on the subject:
Other veterans, and vet bloggers, aren’t thrilled with this event. A group called “Stop the Slander,” described as a “coalition of concerned veterans, family members, and friends,” has even published a guide for reporter’s covering IVAW. The guide warns journalists that claims made by IVAW may be untrue. The guide even provides an acronym to follow of questions to ask: : Date(s) – When did the incident occur? : Unit(s) – What military units were involved? : Personnel – What are the names of the participants and witnesses? : Event(s) – What exactly happened exactly where? : Signature(s) – Was this reported at the time or later and were reports, affidavits or depositions signed, or will they now be signed?
Veterans For Freedom blogger, Mark Seavey, took his own critical look at the IVAW’s preparations for the Winter Soldier event, but in the end wrote that both sides of the debate should be heard – without unnecessary contest or debate:
The term “Winter Soldier” is derived from Thomas Paine’s passage intended to motivate George Washington’s troops suffering at Valley Forge:
This is generating a huge amount of debate within the vocal veterans community. What’s interesting to note is that perhaps the only demographic who can debate IVAW, without being called-out on their lack of service, is other veterans. The issues goes above someone’s service record, and shows how the fabled, and perhaps cliched, military bond can only go so far in such times of controversy. Or, is it still there, above all the ruckus? We’ll soon find out.
