AFZS-AV-CAV-T

28 AUG 96

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Conscientious Objector Interview with SPC Hopkins (28 Aug 96)

1. On 28 August 1996 I conducted an interview with SPC Hopkins to discuss the Conscientious Objector claim made by SPC John R. Goldthwaite. This interview was conducted IAW AR 600-43, and listed below are the results of the interview.

Q. How long have you known SPC Goldthwaite?
A. We first met in California at DLI during FEB/MAR 94. I was in charge of his PT Group. We also went to Goodfellow AFB together, but we had minimal contact until we arrived at Ft. Huachuca AZ. In Arizona, we used to go out hiking a lot because he is a survival expert and knows how to live in the desert environment. In AUG 95 we came to Ft. Drum together. We lived in adjoining rooms until NOV 95. Currently I live across the hall from him.

Q. When did you first hear about SPC Goldthwaite's desire to be classified as a CO?
A. I knew he tried to get out at Goodfellow AFB, but was denied.

Q. Did you hear anything after that?
A. Not until we were at JRTC in OCT-DEC 95. He was writing a letter to his Congressman trying to explain why he wanted out of the Army. SPC Goldthwaite says he no longer feels morally compelled to serve the country. Additionally [he] says he sometimes feels like renouncing his US citizenship. The letter was never sent because it was too "wordy" and too long.

Q. What is SPC Goldthwaite like?
A. In the time I have known him, he reads a lot of books and has a huge book collection, [he subscribes] to a magazine called Liberty Magazine. It seems as though he [has been] searching for himself ever since I have known him. He is a hard worker and doesn't complain. He has not failed a PT test out of pride, and the fact that he want[s] to get out of the Army for the right reasons.

Q. What type of books does he read?
A. All types, religious, political, survival [etc.]

Q. Does SPC Goldthwaite go out at all?
A. He has been out with me a few times to play darts, but other [than] that the only other thing he does is go to book stores. He doesn't drink or smoke.

Q. does SPC Goldthwaite have a girl friend?
A. Not now. He did at one time back in CA, they were going to get married, but she broke it off. Since then he has not seen or even looked.

Q. Did SPC Goldthwaite ever mention any videos called Investigative Reports? Have you seen these videos?
A. No, he never mentioned them, and Yes, I remember them. They were like COPS videos done by CNN.

Q. Has SPC Goldthwaite ever made any threats against Government?
A. No, he has never mentioned anything like that.

Q. Did SPC Goldthwaite write the statement discussing his CO status?
A. Yes, it looks similar to the letter he was writing his Congressman. The print is from his printer.

Q. Do you feel SPC Goldthwaite could be targeted/approached by Extremist Groups?
A. Yes, everyone is a target, but he would have told me if he was.

Q. After the Language Olympics in CA, SPC Goldthwaite put in his paper work. Could he have been approached there?
A. Yes, but he would have told me if that were the case. He did stay on leave after the Olympics with a friend named Brad who is currently attending the DLI advanced course. I think his resignation comes after announcing he is an Atheist.

Q. Did you know that SPC Goldthwaite was putting in his paper work?
A. No, but I was not surprised.

Q. Does SPC Goldthwaite believe in the Constitution of the US?
A. No, he doesn't agree with the Constitution in that he feels he can not defend US policies. All his beliefs come down to morals and ethics.

Q. Is SPC Goldthwaite sincere in his claim?
A. Very much so.

Q. If he gets out of the Army, what would he do?
A. He would probably go back to Arizona and get a tent, water and move out to the desert and study cactus. He would live off the land.

2. POC for this interview is CPT Martinez at (extension)

(singed)
Robert A. Martinez
CPT, AV
Investigating Officer.