Vietnam vet faces jail over T-shirt, gesture

Embattled Vietnam veteran Greg Kachka had his first appearance in court Monday on a pair of disorderly conduct charges over his choice of clothing and hand gestures during an Island Lake village board meeting.

The case was continued to a pretrial hearing set for July 21.

"This is nothing but small-town politics and personal vendettas against my client," said Alfred Stavros, Kachka's Wheeling-based attorney.

More Coverage Links Controversial T-shirt assists with legal bills [05/06/08] Shirt, gestures lead to trouble for veteran [04/30/08] Editorial: Board should work with constituents [05/03/08]

If convicted, Kachka, 60, of 3221 Hyacinth Terrace, faces up to 30 days in jail, two years' probation and a $1,500 fine.

The case gained international attention after a March 13 meeting where Kachka questioned the board's expenditures and legal fees while wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a Marine Corps sniper and the words, "Don't Move. If you Run, You'll Only Die Tired."

Kachka allegedly had his right index finger and thumb portraying a handgun pointed at the village board, prompting Trustee Debbie Herrmann and Village Clerk Christy Kaczmarek to file a complaint with police.

Kachka, who served in the Marines from 1966 to 1970, contends he was just pointing at the board.

No one representing the village was in court. Officials could not be reached for comment Monday.

Before Kachka's hearing, about 15 people, both village residents and members of the Citizen Advocacy Center, protested the charges.

"I'm stunned that a former Marine's free speech rights have been completely violated," said Natalie Brouwer, with the Citizen Advocacy Center. "He was acting as a good citizen and questioning his government. This is a classic example of chilling free speech."

Monday's protest wasn't the first sign of public support.

An eBay auction was set up in April selling a replica of Kachka's shirt by a group of residents calling themselves Citizens for Better Government in Island Lake. So far, about $700 has been raised, which will be used for Kachka's legal costs.

Kachka also has received letters of support from people across the country and internationally.

Kachka said the support is touching, but all of the attention has been overwhelming.

"I've been trying to stay calm, but anything can happen once we go to court," Kachka said.