Press Release

Group Asks President Bush to Grant Amnesty for Anthrax Vaccine Refusers

Monday February 12, 1:52 am Eastern Time

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to the Bush Administration's weekly theme -- Military Week -- active-duty troops injured by the Pentagon's anthrax vaccine and families of those who refused the shot, are requesting President Bush to grant amnesty for all past and present vaccine refusers. At 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12th, in the Choate Room of the Carnegie Endowment Building, 1779 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, D.C., the group ``Citizen Soldier'' will hold a press conference where speakers from around the country will discuss this issue. Speakers include:

• Captain John Buck, MD., Biloxi, MS: The first military physician to face court martial for refusing the vaccine on the basis of legal, medical and ethical principles, Captain Buck is currently awaiting a final decision in his case. To contact Captain Buck at home: (228) 875-7709.
• Former Major Sonnie Bates and Roxane Bates, Dover, DE: A 14 year career pilot who was given General Discharge for refusing the shot, Sonnie Bates has appeared on ``60 Minutes'' and been widely interviewed by media across the country. He is currently writing a book on his experiences. To contact: (302) 430-0279.
• Mrs. Deanna Austin, Fritch, TX: Mrs. Austin is the mother of Marine Lance Cpl. Jason Austin, who was convicted at court martial and given a Bad Conduct Discharge and prison term.
• Spec. Jeremy Deaton, Rosemond, CA: Spec. Deaton refused the anthrax vaccine while stationed with the Army in Germany, and is now facing court martial.
• Staff Sgt. Randi Allaire & Tech. Sgt. Robin Smith, Lansing, MI: Both troops suffered adverse health effects from vaccine while with the Michigan Air National Guard; both received General Discharges despite many years of exemplary service.
• Mrs. Michelle Norris, Temecula, CA: Mrs. Norris is the wife of 1st Class Petty Officer Dan Norris, barred from re-enlistment after 14 years of Navy service, because he challenged the vaccine's safety.
• Lt Col. Tom Heemstra, Florence, KY: A former F-16 Squadron Commander with the Indiana Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Heemstra refused to order the vaccine for his troops, refused to take the vaccine himself, and was forced to resign. To contact at home: (859) 296-6720.
• William Boylan, Wheaton, IL: Mr. Boylan is the father of two vaccine refusers: Navy Petty Officer Daniel Boylan and Ensign Brian Boylan. Despite superior ratings, both sons were forced out of the service with General Discharges due to their opposition to the vaccine. To contact: boynazz25@aol.com.

Those who have refused the vaccine cite health concerns as well as questions about the program's legality. Without proper FDA authority and oversight, the Pentagon changed many of the guidelines for using the vaccine. Each violation constitutes illegal experimentation. The vaccine can legally be offered only with a service member's fully informed and voluntary consent as required by 10 USC 1107 -- consent which the military has never allowed.

Reports of adverse reactions to the vaccine have included grand mal seizures, blackouts and falls due to loss of consciousness, severe bone and joint pain, excessive fatigue, blood pressure problems, loss of vision and other eye problems, and severe skin problems. For more information about the anthrax vaccine: http://www.majorbates.com.

SOURCE: Redmond Handy http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010212/dc_amnesty.html