Mark Wilkerson (conscientious objector)
Army Spc. Mark Wilkerson (born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA 1984-) is an American soldier and Iraq war objector. He went AWOL for 19 months and then turned himself in to his unit. He was not confined behind bars by his superiors. He had filed for conscientious objector status after his first tour in Iraq, but was denied; he appealed but would not not be heard until returning from a second tour in Iraq. This is something he found unacceptable so during two-weeks off period, he did not return to his unit. He met with Cindy Sheehan's group and with their support returned to Fort Hood to face the necessary consequences with their support. Wilkerson was sentenced to seven months in prison.
External links
- Mark Wilkerson: "My Conscience Is Clear" Statement issued on the eve of his court-martial, Austin Chronicle News Story, March 1, 2007
- Soldier of Morality: Spc. Mark Wilkerson learns that it's a lot easier to get in the Army than it is to get out" Article written after he had returned to his unit but before his trial, Austin Chronicle News Story, September 8, 2006
- Article regarding AWOL soldiers (link dead As of 2007-05-28)