WASHINGTON - February 27 -

-- Military Wife Opposing War in Iraq to Testify before House Appropriations Subcommittee

-- Group to Tell Congress to Stop War Funding, Bring Troops Home Now

On Wednesday, March 1, Stacy Bannerman, wife of a National Guard soldier who returned from Iraq, will testify in front of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs. She will be joined at the hearing by Tia Steele, the stepmother of a soldier who was killed in Iraq, Garett Reppenhagen, an Iraq War veteran, and Elizabeth Frederick whose partner recently returned from Iraq, who have submitted written testimony.

WHO: Military Families, and an Iraq War Veteran testifying before members of Congress

WHAT: House Appropriations Subcommitte on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs

WHEN: Wednesday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: United States Capitol Room H143

This testimony by Military Families and an Iraq war Veteran comes just weeks before the 3rd anniversary of the Iraq war. As the violence in Iraq continues and escalates, Military Families Speak Out and Iraq Veterans Against the War will ask members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee, "How many more deaths and physical and psychological wounds must our loved ones and the people of Iraq suffer before you act decisively to end a war that you should never have allowed to start?"

Stacy Bannerman, a member of the Advisory Board of Military Families Speak Out, explains the purpose of her testimony, "My testimony will remind the Subcommittee that it was Congress that gave the Bush Administration a 'blank check' to fund this war based on lies. The best way for Congress to support our troops and their families is to stop funding for the war immediately. Not one more dime, not one more life."

Garett Reppenhagen, a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, paints a chilling picture in his written testimony of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that returning Veterans are suffering and sometimes dying from. Tia Steele, a member of Gold Star Families Speak Out, details in her written testimony the insult added to heartbreaking injury that Gold Star families have had to endure when they have not received truthful information about the circumstances that took the lives of loved ones in Iraq. Elizabeth Frederick, a member of Military Families Speak Out, highlights in her testimony the lack of supplies, equipment and leadership experienced by service men and women in the Iraq war zone and the impact this has on our troops and their families.

Following the House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, the delegation will meet with House Armed Services Committee staff, Senator John Kerry, and Congressman Jim McGovern. Stacy Bannerman, and the other members of the delegation will be available for interview before and after the hearing.

For a copy of the testimony or to arrange an interview contact Ryan Fletcher at 202-641-0277.

For further information on Military Families Speak Out, go to: http://www.mfso.org

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