After combat, sailor redraws battle lines

By KATE WILTROUT, The Virginian-Pilot
© June 27, 2005
Last updated: 12:44 AM

VIRGINIA BEACH — Against the marbled greens of Charlie Anderson’s camouflage shirt rest a handful of brightly colored ribbons .

They represent nine years as a Navy hospital corpsman: individual commendation, good conduct, combat action, service in national defense, the war on terror, deployment at sea. Another set of colorful rectangles – bumper stickers – plastered to the gate of Anderson’s pickup exhibit a far different sentiment.

“Iraq is Arabic for Vietnam.” “I love my country but fear my government.” “What liberal media?” “Lead, follow or get out of the way.”

Anderson, who left the Navy in March as a petty officer second class and lives in Virginia Beach, embodies both displays. He is both a combat veteran and an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq.

Being an anti-war activist in a pro-military region has its challenges, but Anderson, 28 , isn’t deterred.