This is in response to several letters to the editor published in The Daily Collegian about protesting war after it has been declared. For me, it was never a question of supporting troops, but a question of supporting human beings. The people in the Persian Gulf are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and children. They all have a right to life just as valid as your own.

I am willing to serve my country, but I abhor the use of armed force and warfare to solve any problem. I recognize that not everyone sees it that way and sometimes there may not be a choice. Therefore I can only consent to serve in the military in a non-combat role, like being a medic. I am very willing to serve in such a manner.

I hope that others can find it in their hearts to support those who want peace. We are not your enemies. I don't want to "fly in the face of my country," or to condemn those who feel any participation in war is wrong. I just want a peaceful world and for the war to end as quickly as possible. Often, I find myself hated by my own society because people don't fully understand what it is that I stand for, and this can be discouraging. But my feelings have not changed.