Chante Wolf - Veterans for Peace

photo of Chante Wolf in her miliatry uniform and carrying a rifle

Chante Wolf spent 12 years in the military, leaving on her birthday in 1992, meaning that she was part of the first Gulf War. Back then she was called Sharon Haller, thought of herself as a Republican, and nearly killed someone who messed with her gun. She speaks elequently of the changes she's been through, starting out Baptist/Methodist, a self-described "Bible thumper", a partier and, currently an activist with Veterans for Peace and attender of Quaker meetings in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

Music featured on this program includes:
War - Edwin Starr
Mercy Now - Mary Gauthier
How Come - Ray LaMontagne

Episode Number

SIA-000040

First Air Date

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Chante Wolf - Veterans for Peace

Audio file

I believed in what Jesus taught and talked about - compassion, forgiveness, kindness, working together. You help the poor - you don't shoot 'em! You don't bomb 'em and then take their resources and turn their wives into your prostitutes! I don't agree with that at all! I believed what the military told me. I believed that they were taking care of us - they took care of us, we were the people in the white hats, we were always the good, caring, compassionate, we do the right thing. None of us wanted to go to war. Well, that's true, but that's not the truth of the institution as I have found over the last fourteen years, that it's very much hidden as to what it is, or nobody would join the military, if that - I mean, what's the difference between joining the military now or joining the mafia? Nothing, we're doing the same thing.
So, I was all fine with Veterans for Peace and what they were doing to abolish war and everything, but, yeah, you're right, I just didn't want to be around military men. That's the whole point of the military. It's not a job program, folks. You're taught to flippin' kill people, for God sakes, and some of these people do kill people, and they kill people, and they kill people, and they kill people. That's what the military is, period. It's not about providing anybody with a job. It's not about providing anybody with equality - that's bullshit. You're trained to kill and win wars, period! And that changes you, and it's changed me. And it's an anger that burns inside of me because I know I can kill people. I came close to it.

Broadcast Date(s)

Guest:

Chante Wolf

Comments

Spirit in Action and Song of the Soul impress me as professionally produced reflections into what we all find to be the center of our lives. They certainly must have wide appeal to thinking people, whether traditionally religious or not. I found the program with Chante Wolf to be especially riveting. Though graphic, it presents some truths about militarism many people prefer not to see, butr really should face. I hope these programs will continue to be available in Eau Claire. I think they would be a valuable assest offered to other radio or internet venues as well. Thank you.

I've just listened to your program about Chaunte Wolfe, and her experience in the military. I appreciate hearing the high-quality sensitive interview which Mark Helpsmeet conducted with her. Mark has a natural radio voice, and his empathy opens up those he interviews. Mark's questions are personal and probing, yet respectful. I look forward to hearing more of his work here in the Northern woods of Wisconsin. Thank you for bringing high quality, diverse programs to us.

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