Meet James Circello

Photo: Vanissa Chan

James Circello enlisted in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman in September 2001.

He served with various units throughout Europe and deployed with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Of this experience, James writes: “During the occupation of Iraq, the truth about what the United States government has done to the country of Iraq became more apparent. Open waste water flowed through neighborhood streets where children played soccer. Families were thrown out of their homes with simple accusations from others. Vehicles were taken on sight by the military if individuals couldn't provide proper documents claiming they own the vehicle. These events and others helped in strengthening my opposition to the so-called ‘War on Terror.’”

In April 2007, while his unit was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, James Circello deserted the military. Months later, he issued an open letter to the U.S. government declaring he had officially resigned from the military. While AWOL he delivered speeches along the devastated Gulf Coast, making the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan personal to many of Hurricane Katrina's survivors.

In November 2007, James Circello turned himself in to the military at Fort Knox and was discharged administratively within three days.