Sample Request for Letters of Support

I have recently turned 18 and now must register with the Selective Service System. Because I believe I am sincere in saying that I don't want to be involved in war, I wrote "I am a Conscientious Objector" on my registration card.

Apparently, the requirements for becoming a CO in the Selective Service System's books are a little more complicated than that. That is why I am writing to you. When, or if, I am drafted I will need to have a portfolio of evidence that supports my claim. One of the things I need in it is a statement explaining why I think I am a CO. The other important thing I need is a pile of letters from people who know me well enough to support my case. I am writing to ask you for one of these letters. I have enclosed my statement. A letter saying that you think I do believe the things I say in that statement would be a great help.

Here are the four questions that draft counselors recommend you answer in your letter:

1. What is your relationship to the applicant, and how long have you known him?
2. Do you believe that the applicant is sincere in his claim as a conscientious objector?
3. To the best of your knowledge, has the applicant's conduct since arriving at this belief been consistent with the claim being made?
4. Do you believe the applicant's claim is based on deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs, however broadly defined? If possible, give examples of influences or training in the life of the applicant which you think might have led to the development of his or her beliefs.

Try to make your letter personal rather than general. The letter should be about one page long, typed or clearly written, and address to "To Whom It May Concern." It should include my name and address, as shown above, and my Selective Service number. The number is: **-*******-*. Please send your letter to me for inclusion in my portfolio.

It is through the care you've given me and the things you have helped me to learn that I have become the person I am. Though I am sending this letter to a number of people, you all have this in common.

Thank you very much,

Sample Letters of Support

To Whom It May Concern:
I have known *** **** for a period of four years. Three of those four years were as his high school principal. He is a fine young man who is a very quiet, reserved individual in and out of the school setting. He was very involved with his academics and music as well as an outdoors person concerned about ecology and nature.

I firmly believe that *** ****'s claim of being a Conscientious Objector is consistent with his life style and beliefs. His claim is based on a deep moral belief that life in any form is precious and taking life from any living creature is something that he is not even remotely capable of doing.

Sincerely,

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a teacher at ******** High School where *** **** was a student of mine last year. I have lived in this community for a long time and have known *** for many years. I was also his football coach for two of his high school years.

*** is a sincere, caring, honest person who has consistently spoken and acted in opposition to wars throughout the time I have known him. When it was appropriate, *** made plain his views as a student in my class.

I know *** well enough to be sure that if there were any doubt in his mind about the act of war he would not apply for Conscientious Objector status but would willingly serve until his doubts were resolved. He has considered this matter thoroughly and his actions are consistent with all his beliefs to the very best of my knowledge.

Sincerely Yours,

To Whom It May Concern:
I have been the Pastor at **** Church for the past six years. During that period, I have seen *** grow from a child to an honest and sincere young man. He has been very active in various church organizations and has attended services on a regular basis.

Although our denomination is not a "peace church", as such, we support the individual's right to interpretation of God's teachings.

*** has very consistently stated his conviction that war and killing are wrong. His views have created a lot of discussion in his Sunday School classes. I have no doubt that *** feels that God has led him to have this religious and moral conviction and that his conviction is unwavering. I can do nothing but support the claim of *** as a Conscientious Objector.

Sincerely,