Germany Offers Political Asylum for Army Mechanic

No matter what one’s political affiliation or opinion about the American engagement in two wars, there is concern and gratitude to those men and women who stand in Harm’s Way. If, for personal reasons of conscience, one cannot be involved with the warfare operations, the military has procedures to resolve such concerns. Spec. André L. Shepherd chose to desert the Army and seek political asylum in Germany:

“The 31-year-old former mechanic of the 601st Aviation Support Battalion is enjoying perks that eluded him back home in Ohio: a bed, a bank account, a cell phone and friends.

“I’m having the time of my life,” says Shepherd, the only American bunking at a refugee-processing center in southern Germany.”

link: Army Deserter Seeking German Asylum ‘Having Time of My Life’

Spec. André L. Shepherd’s fellow soldiers are not having the time of their lives. They stand to duty and risk their futures daily. To revel in the perks of desertion is an insult to every member of the military.

Catherine Forsythe