Monthly Protest Against Drones - Camp Williams/Volk Field

Each month, the members and friends of THE WISCONSIN COALITION TO GROUND THE DRONES AND END THE WARS gather to protest the almost 4,000 people who have been killed in U.S. drone attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and other places around the globe. 


Please join us for our monthly vigil against killer drones at Camp Williams/Volk Field

Schedule
Directions
Background on the drones at Camp Williams/Volk Field
Related links

Schedule

Vigils take place the 4th Tuesday of every month. We generally gather at the picnic wayside near the base (see directions below) around 3:00 p.m.

More details re: August 26, 2014 vigil

Directions

To get to the vigil, take the Camp Douglas exit off Interstate 90/94 between Mauston and Tomah. When you exit take County Rd. C to the northeast. You will see the base straight ahead, but follow County Rd. C to the right and within a few blocks is a picnic wayside.

We will gather at the wayside (usually between 3:00-3:15) for introductions and to review the plan for the vigil, and then process together to the gates of the base where we will hold a solemn vigil for one hour to remember those killed by drones. Participants can stand in silence or read poems and stories about the effects of drone warfare. It is important that the voices of the victims be brought to the gates of Volk Field.

Bring posters if you can. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT CARPOOLING FROM MADISON: Most months, there will be an organized carpool from the JC Penney parking lot in Madison. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please call Joy at 608 239-4327 or email at joyfirst5@gmail.com.

We hope to see you at the next vigil.  If you can’t come this month, mark your calendar for the 4th Tuesday of every month and join us when you can. If you have any questions please call or email Joy at 608 239-4327 or joyfirst5@gmail.com or Bonnie at 608-256-5088 or bblock@charter.net .

Peace,

Joy and Bonnie

Background on the drones at Camp Williams/Volk Field
(supplied by David Soumis)

Volk Field Wisconsn, an Air National Guard base, is currently flying the RQ-7 Shadow 200, manufactured by AAI Corporation, an aerospace and defense development and manufacturing firm in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Specifications:

General characteristics
 Length: 11.2 ft (3.4 m)
Wingspan: 14 ft (4.3 m)
 Height: 3.3 ft (1.0 m)
Empty weight: 186 lb (84 kg)
 Gross weight: 375 lb (170 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wankel UAV Engine 741 used only with Silkolene Synthetic Oil , 38 hp (28 kW)

Performance
Maximum speed: 127 mph; 204 km/h (110 kn)
Cruising speed: 81 mph; 130 km/h (70 kn)
Range: 68 mi (59 nmi; 109 km)
Endurance: 6 h/ 9 h Increased Endurance
Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m) ELOS (Electronic Line Of Sight)

In February, 2010, AAI began a fleet update program to improve the Shadow system. The improvements include installing the wiring harnesses and software updates for IAI's POP300D payload which includes a designator for guiding laser-guided bombs. Other improvements in the program will include an electronic fuel injection engine and fuel system to replace the AR741-1101's carburetored engine. The most visible improvement to the system will be a wider wing of 20 feet (6.1 m) in span which is designed to increase fuel capacity and allow for mission endurance of almost 9 hours. The new wings will also include hardpoints for external munitions. PLEASE NOTE THE BOLD TYPE --- this drone will be able to use munitions. The current use is surveillance.

Related links

Drones Crimes Indictment

Photos of April, 2013, vigil at Volk Field

Putting the Drones on Trial in Wisconsin

More background - from June, 2012, vigil