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A Cedar Rapids veteran was the first person in Eastern Iowa to place a "Support the Troops, End the War" yard sign as a part of the "Iraq Summer" campaign sponsored by Americans Against Escalation in Iraq.

"The message is a good and positive one," said Gulf War veteran Joe Stutler. "I'm an Operation Desert Storm vet and these guys are really pounding the same sand. To me they are pounding the wrong sand. In my personal opinion, we're supposed to be going after the original Al Qeada -- the folks that attacked us on 9/11. They are in Afghanistan and there's a big difference between Afghanistan and Iraq."

Stutler says, as a veteran, he would never agree to be a part of any push or organization that did not support our military men and women.

"These guys are my brothers in arms," he said. "I don't know of any veteran that's really served and that really believes in America and veterans issues that wouldn't immediately and willingly go pick up ruck and gun and go serve alongside these guys. That's what we are about."

He also feels that it is a part of his duty to speak out against a war which he feels is "the wrong mission."

"Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11," he said. "If there are some of those folks there now, it's because we opened the door and let them in. ... I'm still wondering where Osama bin Laden is.

"One of the things I hope to bring about by having this yard sign is to have people stop, think and really look into the things going on. People need to question everything. Question their message... question my message. There is no problem with all of these messages being out there. Listen to them all and make an informed decision."

Stutler, a former Republican, is now an active member of the Veterans Caucus of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Many additional signs were placed in the Cedar Rapids area today as part of an ongoing effort to convince Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Tom Latham to change course and vote for the safe and responsible redeployment of U.S. troops in Iraq. AAEI expects to place more than 6,000 yard signs in the next few days.

The drive was officially launched in Altoona last week with the first sign in Iowa planted in the yard of Dr. Larry Koenig, a lifelong Republican who served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and whose daughter and son joined the United States Army. His son is currently on active duty.

"I think [the war] is politicized now," Stutler said. "I don't think it has to be. I think both sides are trying to play this game and, when you get down to it, it is not a game for those of us who have been there."

“Iraq Summer” is a nationwide, 10-week long campaign with nearly 100 organizers in 15 states and 40 congressional districts to turn up the heat on members of Congress who have opposed setting a time line to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq. The effort will culminate with a national “Take a Stand” day on August 28th, when members of Congress will have the opportunity to explain their stance on the war to their constituents in a town hall setting.