We, having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace.  To this end, we will work with others:

1. Toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war
2. To restrain our government from intervening, overtly or covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations
3. To end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons
4. To seek justice for veterans and victims of war
5. To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

To achieve these goals, members of Veterans For Peace pledge to use non-violent means and to maintain an organization that is both democratic and open with the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace.

We urge all people who share this vision to join us.

1.  OUR HISTORY.... Veterans for peace was founded and incorporated in Maine July 8, 1985 by three veterans representing WWII, Korea and Vietnam . A predecessor to Veterans for Peace was started by two-time Congressional Medal of Honor winner General Smedley Butler in 1931.  There currently are 4 chapters in our state and 120 chapters nation wide.  The national membership that has grown from 500 in 2002 to now over 5000.  More information about our national organization can be found at our National website.   The National Website Address is: www.VeteransforPeace.org   

2. OUR LOCAL VETERANS FOR PEACE CHAPTER WEB SITE IS:  www.vfp109rcc.org .  See the site for local chapter information.   

3. OUR LOCAL CHAPTER NAME:  Veterans for Peace, Chapter 109, The Rachel Corrie Chapter is named for Rachel Corrie.  Rachel grew up, attended college and worked in Olympia , Washington .  She was killed on March 16th of 2003 in the town of Rafah at the southern edge of the Gaza strip in Israeli occupied Palestine .  She was crushed to death by an Israeli Defense Force bulldozer as she stood to protect the home of a Palestinian pharmacist, his wife and their three children.  Rachel was inducted as an honorary member of Veterans For Peace.  We honor her for her ideals of justice, fairness and peace.  She is also honored for her qualities of love, compassion, commitment and courage.  Her example strengthens our resolve to pursue peace, justice and fairness for all.  

4. THE CHAPTER FORMED: May 2004 with 16 members, 10 full and 6 associate members. Full members are veterans who have served the military in any era. Our veteran members have served since WW II through Desert Shield- Desert Storm. 

Associate members are non veterans and support the ideals of the Veterans For Peace organization and the unique voice of those who have served in the military. They may be mothers, fathers, siblings, relatives or friends of service members.  They are caring citizens who support the goals of the VFP.  Our associate members range in age from teens to 90+ years old and are a passionate, vital, part of our group and organization.  

5. OUR CURRENT MEMBERSHIP: Is now 67 and rapidly growing.  We are 65% veterans and 35% non veterans.  We are 63% male and 37% female.  

6. WE HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY DEVELOPING: an organizational structure, good interpersonal relationships, group working skills and have participated in activities and projects that promote the purposes of the organization, e.g., Arlington NW Memorials in Seattle and in Olympia on the Capitol grounds - A memorial tribute to our troops who have died In Iraq and Afghanistan, various demonstration, National convention participation, developing working relationship with other peace organizations in our community and the Northwest that include the Rachel Corrie foundation, Military Families Speak out, Friends of Reconciliation, Iraqi Veterans against War.  We have brought in outside speakers to address issues such as; the concern for the adverse health and environmental effects due to the use of depleted uranium, truth in recruiting, Iraqi war veterans against the war - providing the soldiers story of going to war and it's effects.  We are also working to promote political actions that support the needs of veterans affairs particularly improving Veterans Administration's  physical and psychological readjustment treatment for all veterans and their families.  We have a monthly radio program dedicated to public education concerning veterans affairs.  A TV program is in development.                      

7. WE MEET: Monthly at various locations in and around Olympia .  Generally, our meetings last 2-3 hours.  During the summer months we often have potluck meetings.   

8. YOU CAN CONTACT US: Through our web site vfp109rcc.org or by calling me_ George "Jim James at 360.480.5957 if you have any questions or need assistance with the application procedure.                                                                                                                           

9. WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN: Complete the application for membership on line.  Call us (see the above number) and let us know that you have applied so we can immediately identify you as a pending member and get you information via the computer, phone or mail.   

10.  Please call if you have any questions.

                                                           Jody Tiller

                                                           President, RCC, VFP, Chapter 109