San Francisco Antiwar Rally
911 Speakout in UN Plaza
11 September 2004

Rachel Avila

Ms. Avila's only child, her son Ryan, was grievously injured in Bagdahd. She spoke about the suffering contained in just one number. Ryan enlisted in 2003, just before his 20th birtday. On October 7, 2003 he was deployed to Iraq. He survived his wounds though life is forever changed. She must fight with insurance companies to justify his continued care. They ask why they must pay for his medical treatment. She has answered in hand written letters, advising them to ask Ryan's Commander-in-Chief.