Back ![Robin Hensel (left) and Larry Fisk with Little Falls Partners for Peace discuss the war in Afghanistan with Justin Doerfler who was part of a counter protest at the main gates of Camp Ripley Monday. For more photos go to <a href="http://spotted.brainerddispatch.com/galleries/index.php?id=541628" target="new">spotted.brainerddispatch.com</a>. Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch](http://brainerddispatch.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/11497659.jpg "Robin Hensel (left) and Larry Fisk with Little Falls Partners for Peace discuss the war in Afghanistan with Justin Doerfler who was part of a counter protest at the main gates of Camp Ripley Monday. For more photos go to <a href="http://spotted.brainerddispatch.com/galleries/index.php?id=541628" target="new">spotted.brainerddispatch.com</a>. Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch")
![Matt Baggs (left) Justin Doerfler and Chad Kieffer talk near the main gate of Camp Ripley Monday. Their group staged a counter protest to the Little Falls Partners for Peace peace vigil. For more photos go to <a href="http://spotted.brainerddispatch.com/galleries/index.php?id=541628" target="new">spotted.brainerddispatch.com</a>. Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch](http://brainerddispatch.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/11497707.jpg "Matt Baggs (left) Justin Doerfler and Chad Kieffer talk near the main gate of Camp Ripley Monday. Their group staged a counter protest to the Little Falls Partners for Peace peace vigil. For more photos go to <a href="http://spotted.brainerddispatch.com/galleries/index.php?id=541628" target="new">spotted.brainerddispatch.com</a>. Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch")
![Larry Fisk (left) with the Little Falls Partners for Peace talks with Justin Doerfler who represented a group counter protesting about the war in Afghanistan Monday during a demonstration at the main gates of Camp Ripley. For more photos go to <a href="http://spotted.brainerddispatch.com/galleries/index.php?id=541628" target="new">spotted.brainerddispatch.com</a>. Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch](http://brainerddispatch.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/11497616.jpg "Larry Fisk (left) with the Little Falls Partners for Peace talks with Justin Doerfler who represented a group counter protesting about the war in Afghanistan Monday during a demonstration at the main gates of Camp Ripley. For more photos go to <a href="http://spotted.brainerddispatch.com/galleries/index.php?id=541628" target="new">spotted.brainerddispatch.com</a>. Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch")
CAMP RIPLEY — Peace vigil supporters and veterans demonstrated on opposite sides of the street in front of Camp Ripley’s main gate Monday.
Post Commander Col. Scott St. Sauver watched the activity just inside the main gate. Music came from both groups on either side of County Road 115. A kite flew overhead, colorful flags and signs were carried and people on both sides voiced their opinions.
For St. Sauver it was democracy in action.
“The reason we do what we do is so they can exercise their rights,” St. Sauver said he tells his soldiers. “So that’s pretty important.”
And Monday they were doing just that, peacefully if vocally, on both sides of the highway. Although the roadway didn’t keep the two groups from interacting and at one point debating as they stood next to each other on the grass in front of Camp Ripley.
Little Falls Partners for Peace and Occupy Little Falls set up the peace vigil outside the main gate with a stated intent of demanding the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and putting an end to drone bombing campaigns in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The group planned a potluck dinner after the protest.
St. Sauver said the group went through all the right channels.
“It’s their absolute right to exercise democracy,” he said.
Spc. Justin Doerfler, a member of the National Guard who returned in 2010 after a year in active duty in Afghanistan, first heard about the protest Monday afternoon.
Less than two hours later he was at Camp Ripley with other veterans and civilians who quickly dropped what they were doing in order to form a counter protest. The group included veterans who served in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“They’ve never been there,” Doerfler said of the peace vigil’s demands for a withdrawal from Afghanistan. “We’ve done more good than anything.”
Doerfler said soldiers gave their own food and water to Afghan civilians.
“People at home don’t know what is going on,” Doerfler said. “They see 1 percent of the news and they run with it. They are taking one bad aspect and blowing it up into the war.”
Doerfler said he’s personally seen the effort going into to rebuilding the Afghan infrastructure.
“Right now us leaving (Afghanistan) is a very bad idea,” Doerfler said. “We’d create more instability by leaving.”
Doerfler said he thought it was highly distasteful for the group to have its vigil outside Camp Ripley. Roy Pokovich, a Vietnam veteran from Brainerd, agreed, saying the peace vigil group’s message was a political one and should be addressed to the politicians not outside Camp Ripley.
“They should be writing a letter to our congressman not standing in the street making the families of those who lost loved ones feel bad,” Pokovich said.
Pokovich said when he came back from Vietnam, protesters had to be removed from the runway so his plane could land.
Across the road, Kevin Smith was detangling colorful streamers. The Minnetonka resident said he was a reserve officer from 1979 to 1983 and served in Germany. Smith said he supports the military completely but has concerns about drone warfare.
“Drone warfare is so indiscriminate,” Smith said. “I have a real problem with indiscriminate killing that’s pretty much why I’m here. ... We can still honor our service members by holding our politicians accountable. ... I hope we can come together for a better understanding.”
About 11 people were on the peace activists side with about 20 people with Doerfler.
Robin Hensel said a reason for the peace vigil was to bring awareness about the drone testing and facility at Camp Ripley.
“I think it’s the most appropriate place to go,” Hensel said, adding they wanted to include the military and welcome their comments. Hensel said they weren’t against the military but were against offensive wars and wars for resources. Hensel said they believe a difference can be made without guns.
“What we have going on right now hasn’t been working,” Hensel said.
Hensel, who is running for a Little Falls City Council seat in November, previously filed a lawsuit against the city in U.S. District Court maintaining the city violated her free speech by forcing her to take down political signs on her property. In addition to the drones and Afghanistan, the vigil supporters wanted peaceful resolutions to the Syrian civil war and the dispute over Iran’s nuclear energy program.
Camp Ripley has a drone facility. St. Sauver said the drones do not fly beyond Camp Ripley’s borders and have been used for rescue operations as well. The question of how drones can and should be used domestically is a serious national policy question, St. Sauver said.
RENEE RICHARDSON, senior reporter, may be reached at 855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Dispatchbizbuzz.
Comments (43)
Add commentHmm, a comment like ". . . that throws me into a PTSD
crash", combined with what sound like thinly-veiled threats of violence?? Sincerely, Charlie, maybe it would be best if you sat this one out on Sept. 21. You're sounding incredibly angry that others with a different point of view have a right to protest. While we appreciate your service, it does not earn you the right to dictate the time and place others may lawfully (per Col. St. Sauver) exercise their free speech. You admit a problem with PTSD, and you have earned the right to get that treated for free by the Gov't./people who sent you to war. I hope you're able to do so, and get the peace of mind you deserve.
In defense of Charlie
Charlie does sound a little angry; maybe there needs to be more thought given to where some of his anger might come from. Charlie served honorably in Vietnam, and I am sure that as a dutiful soldier in the United States Army he carried out orders doing things, and I'm sure witnessing horrific things, that many of us can not even imagine. Things that he lives with even now, 40 years later.
Then he, and many other soldiers, were "welcomed" home to being spit on and called "baby killers" by many protestors.
In my opinion, they were treated with an unforgivable lack of respect when they returned. No American deserves to be treated by another American as they were treated.
Please think about that. I hope it gives us all a little more understanding about where some of his anger might come from, especially in reference to war protestors.
Thank you Bubba Yumbo for recognizing that our veterans that need help can get that help, free of charge. They deserve that and more!
I am proud of you Charlie, and proud of all our veterans for their service to our country, and am honored to call you a friend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
charlie m
I may have misunderstood your statement, and I apologize.
Denton -- I'm not sure what you are apologizing for
Denton, your apologizing seems unnecessary. I appreciate the context that "Conservative" presented. We owed our Vietnam vets a far different "welcome home". That said, Charlie needs to examine his threatening speech, and the Dispatch should have no part of hosting it. I would hope such talk does not deter peaceful protestors of any ilk from exercising their right to attend on Sept. 21.
Robin's response to Charlie M
Charlie M.....I am Robin Hensel, organizer of both drone protests and a call for immediate withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan. Please identify yourself fully Charlie. How do your threats of violence differ from that of the Taliban? They threaten women also. Are you aware that is illegal to threaten violence or bodily harm to another? Did you take an oath to protect the constitution and uphold PEACE when you entered the military service Charlie? How do you suggest paying for eternal war? Peace activists are concerned about the expanding presence of military in this country and abroad, and the collective costs of the "war machine". How many drones are enough and what about the fact that drone use for murder is illegal? There is no better place to take up the issue of the "war machine", than at it's front door. There are many within the military that oppose their orders. It is a fact, that Ron Paul has received more campaign donations from military members than any other candidate for president. That is likely due to his anti-war stance. It is a fact that when I met with the PR person at the VA in St. Cloud recently, he stated that most of the vets there would agree with our stance against eternal war. The sign that I made that says "The bravest ones don't carry guns" is absolutely true. The organization Nonviolent Peaceforce is active in very violent conflicts throughout the world. They are a respected group that negotiate resolution between two warring parties, so they can go about their lives to achieve peace in their communities. Anne Frisch, Sr. Advisor Nonviolent Peaceforce, spoke on June 23rd in Little Falls, Maple Island Park. I personally invited all of the active military to the Central Mn Peace and Diversity Fair on June 23rd here in Little Falls, when I met with Major John Donovan. When there is no dialogue, there can be no resolution. Dialogue is the main purpose of the demonstrations.....to open up discussion. As someone stated recently...."the rise in use of drone attacks and the technology that goes with them is the final step in the industrial revolution." I would like to pose the question to you Charlie.....how much war is enough? And how much money to support war is enough? I hope you give some serious thought to the fact that I am not your enemy, because I advocate for peace. Neither are any in the peace groups. Please note also that I have two very fine attorneys. Your biker friends will never drown out the voice for peace. I also suggest a show of common courtesy at the next protest. I did not protest when I was younger, nor was I a hippie. Now I believe the most important thing to work towards is advocating for peace throughout the world. If you disagree with our peaceful demonstrations, that is your right, but you do not have the legal right to threaten anyone. That sir, is not an act of bravery.
a question for GiGi Dombovy of the Little Falls Farmers Market
I would like to ask you GiGi...do you condone the suggestion of violence from Charlie M of the group you stood with at Camp Ripley on Aug. 27? If you know him, perhaps you should let him know how you feel, one way or the other. I am shocked that anyone associated with that group, whether present at Camp or not, would stand for such commentary. I think his comments are all in direct conflict with the mission statement on the website of Warrior Brotherhood.
Vietnam vs Iraq welcome homes
I agree that the Vietnam vets were ignored or disrespected when they came home. That is why they and their families are proudly organizing welcome home parades in their honor today.
Only those
Only those looking for violence would interpret my statement as an act of violence. That is exactly what you protesters were looking for. On the other hand, my intentions, a show of force, is a great deterent to violence. I believe I am covered by the same constitution as you when it comes to free speech. By the way, do you honestly think you would have free speech if it wasn't for war. I'm trembling in my shoes about those 2 very good attorneys. Bring them with you at your next rally so they can see what lies ahead of them in defending you. They'll probably change their mind.
Charlie and I talked
After I became aware of Charlie's first reply to my comment, I re-read his comment several more times to better understand it. I realized that what he was trying to say may not have been what I had interpreted it as, and I apologized.
Because it was the right thing to do.
Charlie just called me, after he was made aware of my apology.
He called because he realized he had written things already today - in other articles - that he wouldn't have if he had been aware of my apology and he said he was sorry.
He accepted my apology - and I accepted his.
It was a misunderstanding and we resolved it by talking it out and making an effort to understand each other better.
Charlie told me his intent in his original comment was to say that (in his belief) the peace group is hoping someone will react in an illegal or violent manner to their protests and they didn't get any - not that they were going to get violence.
He assured me that he was not suggesting or condoning any violent acts toward them.
More clarifications, indeed, will be helpful . . .
Indeed, if somebody's G'pa or Grammy kicked my butt, I might mistakenly take it as a physical confrontation. "And don't forget, their are a lot of Viet Nam vets out here that would love to take care of unfinished business. Don't push our buttons. We were fighting a war when you protested in the past but we haven't forgotten and stand ready and willing. We might be older now but you are still going to have to explain to your kids how somebodies grandpa kicked your butt. s/s Viet Nam Vet." (quote from Charlie, above)
You may also need to explain to someone's grandkids why you, Charlie, who presumably adheres to a code of honor, would speak to a fellow American with such contempt and, despite your protestations to the contrary, threatening language.. Why would you presume that a group of peaceful protestors are there to personally provoke you? This isn't about you! These protestors -- who respresent the views of many people worldwide -- hold some very dear beliefs and convictions about one of our most important global issues:- how to settle disputes in our world. These are follow citizens who love their country, their communities, their children and grandchildren just as you do. Why does their mere presence in a public place infuriate you so much? Is it not possible that, contrary to your presumptions, they bear you no ill will, completely respect your right to disagree with them, and merely want their under-reported view to be heard? The term "patriot" is not just reserved for those who wear/wore our nation's military uniforms; it also applies to those who care enough about our children and grandchildren to imagine alternatives to war for dispute resolution.
Clint Eastwood -- LOVE him (esp, "are you feeling lucky" quote),
but what a mistake on the stage tonight. He, apparently, wasn't that lucky this evening. A HUGE flop. He didn't lie quite as much as some of the previous speakers at the podium, but he demeaned himself. The "politician/employees-of-ours" need to be more accountable. I don't trust politicians who maintain that the rich still need to get richer, and we need to cut expenses on the backs of the poor. If Mitt Romney isn't "feeling lucky" -- he doesn't have a chance. "Make OUR day", national Republican party, and keep up this wierd nonsense. This was some crazy sh.#@. Unbelievable.
OMG -- Republicans are seriously doing the "We Deserve IT"
mantra. Explain to me why this is not the height of hypocrisy? WOW! "We Deserve IT". Say What? We deserve to be rich, white folks? I only wish my late father could have afforded to give one single rose to my mom.
Romney says, "I hired women (don't support legislation to make sure they're paid the same as men, however) into great jobs. Oops, now it's the Ozzie and Harriet story, about the tough boys!! WHOAH -- that doesn't get the homework done, and her job is more important than mine. (And maybe Ann should probably be President). We found church "kinship", joy to help others, diverse and vibrant places, we prayed together, played together." What about the fact that many poor folks can't afford the "bedrock of what makes America"?
Okay, I'll report more later,
RE: Oceans Rising comments from Romney
Check out the amazing Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College this fall. We understand -- science is not your strong suit in the Republican party.