"I was advocating for our national values," said former U.S. Army Muslim Chaplain James J. Yee. "My patriotism was under fire."

On Monday, Sept. 22, Yee spoke in the Student Life Center Ballroom about his experiences as a chaplain at Guantanamo Bay prison camp and his 76-day imprisonment in a naval brig after being falsely accused of espionage and of aiding alleged terrorists being held at Guantanamo. Refreshments and a book signing followed Yee's remarks.

Yee, a graduate of West Point and winner of two Army Commendation medals, first gained notoriety in 2001 when he began educating his fellow soldiers about Islam. He also handled numerous national and global media requests about his religion.

"Many Americans had questions about Islam after 9/11 ... (they) came away with a better understanding of Islam (after my talks)," Yee said.

Because of his extensive knowledge of Islam, Yee was asked to serve as a chaplain at Guantanamo Bay. At the prison, he noticed questionable conditions, especially the use of religion "as a weapon to humiliate." He said the voicing of his concerns led to the false accusations brought against him.

Senior and co-chair for Vanderbilt University Speakers Committee (VUSC) Nina Wall said the organization chooses speakers based on their "timeliness and political pertinence."

"Mr. Yee fit both of these qualifications," said Wall.

Junior Amearah Elsamadicy, vice-president of the Muslim Student Association, was happy about VUSC's choice of Yee. "This was needed because there wasn't a voice to Islam at Impact (last year)," said Elsamadicy.

Students attended Yee's presentation for reasons ranging from interest in international law to concern about human rights issues.

"I think it's important to know what's going on at Guantanamo," said
sophomore Sarah Brand, president of Amnesty International.

For more information about Yee's experience, read his book "For God and Country: Faith and Patriotism under Fire."