In 1990, I was commander of an Air Force Combat Communication Squadron deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. At the time of the deployment, I was opposed to the war because it was obvious that the true reason was not the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq, but the protection of American oil interests in the Persian Gulf.

The true purpose of this war was obvious. The US had been a supporter of Saddam Hussein's government in the years prior to the war, and had previously turned a blind eye to Hussein's activities. Suddenly in 1990, the United States was outraged at his actions. We went to war on a tapestry of lies.

The current war in Iraq was also started on a tapestry of lies. Neither the situation in 1990 nor the situation today justifies the loss of American military men and women.

In 1990, I opposed the war in the Persian Gulf, but I deployed and served in spite of my objections. My reasons, simply put, were that I had a career at stake. To refuse to deploy would have ended that career. I was not willing to pay that price.

Today, we assemble in support of Lt. Ehren Watada, who, realizing the illegal nature of the war in Iraq, has chosen to do what I could not do 16 years ago. People will call him a coward for his actions, but I can assure you, this is the action of a brave man.

Today I add my support to the cause of Lt. Watada and I thank him for taking the stand that I was unable to take myself.