The Latest: Veteran Draws Parallels Between Pipeline, Flint

CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) — The Latest on the Dakota Access pipeline protest (all times local):

2:45 p.m.

A disabled Gulf War veteran from Flint, Michigan, says he sees irony in the parallels between his city's lead-tainted water issue and the four-state Dakota Access pipeline.

Art Woodson is a disabled Gulf War veteran who served in the Army and drove to the main protest encampment from North Dakota with two others — a 17-hour nonstop drive. He's here as part of the Veterans Stand for Standing Rock group.

The 49-year-old says he is showing is support for "Native Americans and for water," because Flint residents know "that water is in dire need."

Woodson also said that "they're trying to force pipes on people" but that "we're trying to get pipes in Flint for safe water."

The group had said about 2,000 veterans were going to the camp, where several hundred people have for months protested the $3.8 billion pipeline, but it wasn't clear how many actually arrived.

The government has ordered people to leave the encampment by Monday. Demonstrators say they're prepared to stay.