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The MCN Legal Fund supports conscientious objectors (CO) who are in need of legal support. Here's a story of a CO needing your financial help....

Current Case: Agustin Aguayo
CO Appeals Case to Court: MCN Seeks Your Support

Most COs in Iraq have encountered hardship and, in due course, faced bitter disappointment. Agustin Aguayo has experienced it all. Returning in February after a year of service in a war zone as a medic, he has decided to take his struggle for separation as a CO to the next level.

At the beginning of his deployment to Iraq, Agustin submitted his CO claim. Six months later it was denied by a Conscientious Objection Review Board at the Department of the Army. Now, a year later, Agustin and his family are facing the daunting trial of appealing his case to a federal court. It won't be easy. The case will be lengthy, expensive and full of uncertainty. This is a big commitment for the Aguayos, which entails a $12,000 investment for court and lawyer expenses and a 3 to 6 month process. It will be emotionally challenging for Agustin, Helga and their two children, who have already gone through so much; stress of separation through Agustin's deployment, harassment for Agustin in Iraq, isolation for Helga at the base in Germany and the disillusionment of a rejected claim.

Agustin and Helga are going to need financial and emotional support from others in the coming months. In this issue of Sound Off, we want to introduce you to Agustin and Helga, their situation, and their inspirational story. We want to stand behind them in the months to come and help organize broader support for their pursuit of recognition for CO status in a time of war. We are seeking the support of individuals, organizations and churches. With respect to the court process, Helga and Agustin have decided not to approach the press with their story at this time. However, they will need a community of support for the difficulties ahead.

They need our support.