Posted on 11/13/2010 4:11:00 PM PST by SandRat
FORT HUACHUCA — The annual protest of this Army post will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, across the street from the Main Gate.
Because of the protest, which alleges torture is taught at the Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the gate will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a post spokeswoman said.
During the more than six hours the Main Gate is closed, the Directorate of Emergency Services will “exercise for protection procedures during a planned demonstration across the street from the gate,” Tanja Linton said.
When the protests began a few years ago, those who allege the teaching of torture had longer events, starting with a rally — first at Veterans’ Memorial Park and later at another city park — and then they would walk to the Main Gate.
Since then, protesters — who come from across Arizona, as well as other states — have lessened the time they spend putting out their message, which in the past two years has begun to target unmanned aerial systems training on the fort because the pilotless planes have been weaponized and have been used to attack what the protesters claim are innocent victims.
As there are protesters against the fort, there are those who protest the protesters.
In the recent past, nonmilitary law enforcement agencies — primarily the Sierra Vista Police Department, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and the Arizona Department of Public Safety — have kept the two groups separated.
The protesters are usually on the north side of Fry Boulevard and the counterdemonstrators are on the south side of the street.
However, members of one group or the other occasionally cross Fry to confront one another.
Army veteran John Jelley said he would like to see people who support the military come out to “show support for our troops and the great work they do.”
At the same time, another message will be sent, which is that even though the pro-fort people may not agree with the protesters, the military defends everyone’s rights — “our right as well as the rights of those we do not agree with is what our First Amendment to the Constitution is all about,” Jelley said.
He is asking people to show up at 11 a.m. and to bring flags and play patriotic music, but not to engage in violence or wear firearms “or any other kind of stupidity, he said.
“Let’s not make this a political thing.”
Franciscan friar Brother Dave said the object is to have a vigil of peace and demonstration against torture.
“We want it to be a prayerful meditation” to show concerns about the type of training done on the fort to ensure those being instructed are aware not to be pressured into doing unacceptable things, he said.
Whether, as there has been in a number of previous years, anyone will be arrested for attempting to enter the fort this year is unknown, the friar said.
Linton said due to increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic expected at the intersection of Fry Boulevard and Buffalo Soldier Trail, the fort’s residents and visitors should avoid the area.
The East Gate, which is usually closed on weekends, will be open.
Dangerous Hippies Attack Army Post!
I remember when they had us Squids practicing to repel the Hippies in Berkeley. They had ‘good intelligence’ that they were going to attack NAS Alameda. Brrrr.
Then the demonstrator are is essence demonstrating against themselves because this nonsense is worse than pulling fingernails to those with an objective point of view of life and the real world around us.
I will never forget my time at Ft. Huachuca and Sierra Vista. If I could move back there right now, the truck would be loaded and full of fuel. After a life as an Army Brat and subsequently my time in service to our country, it was my last duty station and honestly the first place of the many I had lived around the world, that I felt at home and at peace. Not to mention the birthplace of my first born.
USAEPG, Ft. Huachuca 1974-1976. 31S and 32D.
STRATCOM Teheran 1972-1974
I currently serve and work at the intel center. My wife and I plan on taking photos of the loons and post them on freepers!
This demonstration is quite ironic. Clearly, these mush brains do not believe the US engages in torture, or they wouldn’t dare come out and protest. People never protest against torture in places where it actually happens.
Post has good intel on this. The Main gate will be closed with barriers manned by FBI, AZ DPS, County Sheriff, City Police, and MPs. East gate will have extra security personnel as well as the West gate.
Yes good memories.
Got eggs?
:0)
Good on ya. Legion Riders will be there annoying the heck out of them by riding by and refing their bikes
These butt-heads would tell you that it was an inside job and that steel doesn’t melt.
Those with high powered rifles and scopes are reminded to ensure that their weapons are properly zeroed and should position themselves at the designated firing line on the high ground on the West side of post. Please remove all expended brass at the conclusion of the exercise and good shooting!
Time to test some of the “Non Lethal” Army weapons.... Or heck just go back to the Good Old Water Cannon! (The hippies would hate that!)
Now ... Now ... mustn’t be violent.
Ah ... the cries of “Don’t TAZE me Bro” in the afternoon. LOL
If you have a ping list for those pix, please add me! Thanks!
You going to be there?
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