Reflection from Willard Krabill

The following is a reflection from Willard Krabill regarding his motivation to join CPS:

"The influence of my parents and my church and the expectations of my extended family were such that I never considered military service. I was used to being in the minority all through my high school years in war time and did not feel undue pressure to join the military. There was plenty of hostility toward 'conchies' but as a person I felt respected. I was even president of my high school senior class.

However, I was very sensitive to the fact that while my high school classmates were risking their lives in Europe I was waiting tables in a CO base camp. I jumped at the chance to volunteer for the Smoke Jumper unit at the first opportunity. I found this dangerous activity to be a way I could make a statement that the reason for my refusal of military service was not fear of personal danger or bodily harm.”

--Taken from "Detour...Main Highway": Our CPS Stories. Goshen, IN: College Mennonite Church, 1995. Pp 36-8.