Wisconsin reservist refuses to return to Iraq

A Wisconsin Army Reservist refused to leave Friday to return to his unit in Iraq, saying he's become disillusioned with the U.S. role there. Spc. Kristoffer Walker of Green Bay said he sent an e-mail to his squad leader, platoon sergeant and company first sergeant in Iraq, stating he won't return from his two-week leave. The 28-year-old Walker has served with the 353rd Transportation Company out of Buffalo, Minn., which deployed to Iraq in October. He said he was a truck driver for the first two months, and since then he's worked in the headquarters office. Walker said in a telephone interview from Green Bay Friday night that he originally enlisted in the Army in February 2002, motivated by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and served a tour in Iraq as an infantryman. After four years active duty, he later joined the Reserves. He said he now views the Iraq war as "an illegitimate, unnecessary campaign," and he feels that by making him take part, the government broke the contract under which he agreed to defend the U.S. "I feel absolutely justified in doing what I'm doing now based on their breach of the initial contract," he said. Walker had been scheduled Friday to fly to Atlanta and then rejoin his unit. In the e-mail, he said he would contact a local Reserve unit to see if he can work there until he either gets transferred to finish out the final year of his enlistment or gets arrested. He hadn't heard back from the military by Friday night. An Army spokesman contacted by the Green Bay Press-Gazette and WLUK-TV in Green Bay said that after 30 days Walker could be arrested as absent without leave, which could lead to trial for desertion. Lt. Col. Nathan Banks said Walker should return to duty and petition to be reassigned as a conscientious objector, adding that "he is letting down his battle buddies." Walker said he doesn't fit the military's definition of a conscientious objector, because he sees a legitimate purpose for warfare, as in retaliating when attacked. He said he put in a request in December for a transfer out of Iraq, but it was denied. When he pursued it again, he said the effort ended the day before he left on leave, when he got an angry response that left him little hope of getting the request considered. He said his wife is supporting him in his decision. Army duty officers said Banks wasn't available when The Associated Press tried to reach him Friday night for further comment.