As the war in Iraq continues, so do the numbers of dissident veterans continue to grow. Demond Mullins, a dancer, served in Iraq and the experiences there have forced him to speak out against it. Here's some background info on him:
Demond Mullins
Former E-4/ Specialist
Army Natl. Guard Infantryman
Iraq Tour Oct 2004- Sept 2005
Duty: Combat Patrols in Baghdad AO
Member of Iraq Veterans Against the War

The following is an interview with him:
HOLLER!: Demond, what were your initial feelings about the war, and what did you feel when you were told that you were going there?

DEMOND: Initially I did not support the war effort. I felt it was criminal and unjustified. However, when I received my orders I decided I would serve with my buddies because I had been a part of my unit for four years prior to my deployment. So, although I opposed the war in ideology I supported my comrades above all else.

HOLLER!: Upon arriving, what were your first impressions of the US armed forces, and what were your impressions of the Iraqi people?

DEMOND: For the first two weeks there I had not encountered any combat. Therefore, I spent my time on missions sightseeing really. I had developed an affinity for the people because I appreciated the beauty of their culture. However, after my second week I encountered my first combat situation and the rest of my deployment proved to be stressful and a difficult time. I soon forgot how beautiful Iraq was.

HOLLER!: What is positive about the US presence there?

DEMOND: I don't see anything positive about an unjustified and criminal occupation of foreign territory.

HOLLER!: You were in combat situations against insurgents. Did you have conflicts about fighting against them?

DEMOND: I was in combat situations with insurgents and I had no problem engaging in open combat at the time because the fear for my life took precedence over the ethical reasons for my dissent against the occupation.

HOLLER!: How did Iraqi people relate to you? Did they view you differently because you are an African American? Generally, how are African American soldiers' relations with the Iraqi people?

DEMOND: The average Iraqi local nationals that I encountered in Iraq saw no distinction between the white and black Americans. For them we were all participants in a hostile occupation of their homeland. The images of blacks that Iraqis are familiar with are all entertainment figures such as Michaels Jackson and Jordan, therefore I would often hear ILN's calling me those names. Which became pretty insulting to me after a while.

HOLLER!: Before you were sent to Iraq, you were not engaged in activist activities; how did going to Iraq change that?

DEMOND: Before I had been sent to Iraq I had not engaged in any activism at all. My fire for anti war activism was fueled and ignited by what I experienced in Iraq, and what I experienced as a veteran returning home to the States.

HOLLER!: In your opinion, what should the US be doing; leave immediately, or stay until...?

DEMOND: My organization, Iraq Veterans Against the War stands for three things...
1) The immediate withdrawal of the troops from Iraq
2) Adequate care for the troops upon their return
3) Reparations for the Iraqi people for the egregious damages caused by the negligence of our government.

HOLLER!: Tell us about the film you were in recently. What kind of responses has it received?

DEMOND: "THE GROUND TRUTH" Is a film about how some of the troops feel about their experiences in Iraq. Reviews of the film have been given by all national papers and they are largely positive.

HOLLER!: Have you gotten any negative reactions about your anti war position from anyone in the army?

DEMOND: Actually, so far my army buddies are some of my biggest supporters. So as of yet no, I have received no negative reactions from them. What is paradoxical is that I receive more negative criticism from pro-war civilians. Go figure...

HOLLER!: Do you see any differences in U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan?

DEMOND: I cannot say I have seen any recent change in U.S. foreign policy regarding these occupations. However, my activist efforts are based on the hope for future changes.

HOLLER!: How do you think the elections of last week will change the situation in Iraq?

DEMOND: For the first time since I have come back from Iraq I can say that I am optimistic about the future of this nation. The reason isn't because I believe the Democrats will do a great job changing our current foreign policies, rather it is because America has finally been stirred into action. A change was needed, and America went out to the polls and made that change. If the Democrats prove to be as useless as their counterparts then I am confident that America will readjust and respond once again. However, I believe that because we have tried both sides of our bi-party system the next change that will be brought about from America's unrest will not be as peaceful.