Two students, dressed as terrorists, raised a banner in front of the podium that read “Al Qaeda Approved.” They were immediately forced from the room by security.

Several minutes later, two students rose in the front of the room with a sign that read “Thank you to Casey and all our Troops!” with a picture of an Iraqi woman holding up her blue finger. They were escorted out as well.

“I’m all for individuals like Cindy sharing their opinion about the war, but the national media gives such a disproportionate amount of attention to the antiwar movement while there is so much good news coming out of Iraq,” said Air Force Maj. Eric Egland, who has been stationed in Iraq.

Outside the event, Egland joined two members of the Davis College Republicans who will be joining the armed forces, speaking to a rally in support of the troops stationed in Iraq.

“I do not want to pay the cost of abandoning Iraq today, with the blood of my son in 25 years when we are forced to fix such a monumental mistake. I would rather do it now, with my own,” said Matthew Eagan, who will be joining the Marines when he graduates this spring.

“I’m joining the military in part because people like Cindy Sheehan has reminded me that freedom is worth fighting for, whether it be protecting America from foreign terrorists or helping Iraqis bring democracy to their country,” said Thomas Merwin, a UC Davis student.

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