Paralyzed Iraq War Vet Tomas Young Speaks Out Against the War

“How can you say that you support the troops if you support the false ideas they may die for?”: Paralyzed from the chest down, Iraq war vet Tomas Young speaks out against the war and occupation.
by Derek Seidman

December 5, 2005

Pfc. Tomas Young, 25 years old, was sent to Iraq last year with the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. He joined the military for college money to further his education and, in his own words, “to exact some form of retribution” on the perpetrators of 9/11. Two-and-a-half weeks into his tour of duty, Young was paralyzed from the chest down after being struck by an AK-47 round while sitting in an open truck bed. Since returning home, he has joined Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and has become an outspoken critic of the war and occupation.  

This interview is the result of a long e-mail exchange. 

Derek Seidman: Tomas, thank you very much for doing this interview. Before we get into your story more in depth and discuss your involvement in IVAW, can you tell us the basics about your service in Iraq? When were you there, where were stationed, and what were you doing? 

Tomas Young: I deployed to the region in mid-March of last year. I spent two-and-a-half weeks in Kuwait and went to Sadr City in the beginning of April, where I stayed until I was shot on April 4th, going out on what I thought was a simple rescue mission.

DS: Were you critical of the war and occupation before you were sent to Iraq?

TS: Not only was I extremely critical of the war with Iraq, I was very critical of the entire Bush administration. I mean, he was after all partly responsible for trading Sammy Sosa from the Rangers.  

Read Entire Interview Here:
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Dec05/Seidman1205.htm

to speak out against the situation and administration that abused that service.

:patriot:

I was 1st Cav and that was what we used to hear from other units. Thought I would share although it hasn't a shred of truth.

DS: When I first asked you to do this interview, you told me you’d gladly do it because you wanted to get the “truth” out to people. If you could say anything to the American people about the war and occupation, based on your own thoughts and experiences, what would it be?  

TS: I can really think of only one thing: how can you say that you support the troops if you support the false ideas they may die for?

he wants to get the truth to America. Amazing how such a simple thing these days is so socially valuable.

How hard it is to do!

-Hoot

against this Lie.

:yourock:

The Young man has a powerful message.

It was eons ago, at least several lifetimes. Paralyzed is forever, or as long as you have that physical body anyway. I can't imagine what it must be like to be 25 and paralyzed or otherwise maimed from a stupid, illegal war.

What a gorgeous couple. I hope they are together happily for a very long time. God Bless You, Tomas Young.

Thank you, Tomas, for your sacrifice, your courage, your passion and your life!!!

:patriot:

This is the fight that makes you whole!!! Never give up!!!