EDIT: A lovely and talented Kossack and her husband, who both work at the Library of Congress, have offered to host me :) I am thrilled and grateful. Thank you, everyone ! Love and Hugs, H
My Dear Kossacks,
As many of you know, my husband, Dan, was a US Vietnam vet who survived being tortured. Dan suffered from his injuries, both physical and psychological for over 30 years, until he had a fatal heart attack ten years ago this coming June 12th. Dan left me a mission: To stop torture as the law, policy and practice of the United States, and to push to ensure that those responsible at the highest levels for the torture inflicted by the United States since 9/11 are held legally accountable.
As part of my mission, I will be attending a conference in Washington, DC this month. The conference is Ecumenical Days Days of Advocacy ( http://advocacydays.org/ ) It is a gathering of about 1500 people of faith who advocate and work for social justice. This years focus is on Mass Incarceration and Systems of Exploitation. I am particularly eager to discuss the conditions under which prisoners are held, and the ways in which some of those conditions are torture. I will be drawing attention to, and advocating on behalf of, Albert Woodfox, the still incarcerated member of the Angola Three, who has been in solitary confinement for 42 years, yes 42 years. That is torture, especially since Mr. Woodfox's conviction has been overturned.
To attend this conference, I will need some help: I will need some help towards my airfare and baggage charges ($300) and, most urgently, a place to stay. A very kind and generous Kossack had offered to host me, as she did last year, but due to an unexpected family situation she is no longer able to do so. Rather than have to raise about $1000 for hotel charges, I am hoping that another kind and generous Kossack will be able to host me. I will be arriving at around 9pm on Tuesday, April 14th, and flying home at around 9am on Tuesday, April 21st. The hotel where the conference is happening is Doubletree Hotel – Crystal City
300 Army-Navy Dr.
Arlington, VA 22202-2891
Depending on where my host is located, I can either take public transit to and from the site, or would need a ride to and from the location each morning and evening. I am happy to discuss the specifics with anyone who would like the details.
My paypal address is: chacounne@gmail.com
I appreciate with my entire heart, any consideration you might give to this request, and any help you might provide.
With gratitude,
Standing for justice and accountability,
For Dan,
Heather