'I Could No Longer Just Obey'

U.S. Marine Speaks Out

Lance Corporal Stephen Funk, a Filipino American, declared himself a conscientious objector last February and failed to report when his unit was activated for the war in Iraq. The 21-year-old gay Marine was charged with desertion but was convicted in September of the lesser charge of unauthorized absence. His sentence was six months in prison, a bad conduct discharge, reduction in rank to private and forfeiture of two-thirds pay for six months. For more information, see www.notinourname.net/funk.

Below is a shortened version of a statement by Funk prior to his trial.

Stephen Funk, a U.S. Marine, refused to serve in the war on Iraq because of his moral and political convictions.

My name is Stephen Funk. I am a Marine Corps reservist who spoke out against the invasion of Iraq. Now I am being charged with desertion, even though I returned to my unit after completing an application for discharge as a conscientious objector.

I was born and raised in Seattle. Since high school I have worked with several campaigns for the disadvantaged, political prisoners and for peace and justice in our communities.

Despite all this, I was persuaded to join the Marines. I was out of school for the first time with depression from the lack of direction and confusion in my life and a recruiter was able to sell me on what I might learn in basic training. Leadership, teamwork, discipline and most importantly a sense of direction and of belonging are what convinced me.

The boot camp experience quickly snapped me back into reality, but by that time it seemed too late to do anything.

I had figured out that war itself was immoral and could not be justified. Yet everyone told me it was futile to try to get out. In February my San Jose-based unit was called up to support the attack on Iraq. I could no longer just obey.

For the next six weeks I kept in contact with my command, explaining why I had not yet reported. I completed my conscientious objector paperwork and I attended antiwar protests with hundreds of thousands of others.

In the face of this unjust war based on deception by our leaders, I could not remain silent. On April 1, after a press conference in front of my base, I turned myself in. I spoke out so that others in the military would realize that they also have a choice and a duty to resist immoral and illegitimate orders. You don't have to be a cog in the machinery of war.

On base I've been harassed a few times. I have also had a few death threats. However, I have also received tremendous positive feedback, even from some of the enlisted people. I am certainly not alone.

In writing my application for discharge, I was completely honest about who I am. Part of that meant acknowledging that I am gay. I believe that homosexuals should be able to serve if they choose, and that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is an awful policy that only helps the military perpetuate anti-gay sentiment among its ranks. However, I am not an advocate for gay inclusion in the military because I personally do not support military action.

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