WASHINGTON — Among those addressing the crowd at yesterday's protest was Hawai'i resident Bob Watada, father of Lt. Ehren Watada, the Army officer who is facing a court-martial next month for refusing to deploy to Iraq.

"The president has been deceptive," Bob Watada told the crowd.

Lt. Watada, 28, who is charged with conduct unbecoming an officer, missing troop movement and contempt toward officials, could be sentenced to six years in military prison.

"My son seeks to give a voice to the thousands who do not have a voice," Bob Watada said to enthusiastic applause.

After the speech, Watada's wife, Rosa Sakanishi, Ehren Watada's stepmother, collapsed and was taken to George Washington University Hospital.

Retired Army Col. Mary Ann Wright, who resigned from the State Department in protest of the Iraq invasion, was with the Watadas and caught Sakanishi as she fell, Bob Watada said.

Reached at George Washington University Hospital, Watada said his wife may have suffered a mild stroke, but that she was feeling better. "I'm with her and talking with her now," said Watada. "We're just now leaving the emergency room. She's resting. She'll be all right."

Watada hadn't spoken with the doctors about how long she would remain at the hospital.