War Veteran Refuses 2nd Iraq Deployment

[obnoxiousdrunk]

SAVANNAH, Ga. - A mechanic with nine years in the Army, including a role in the assault on Baghdad, has refused to return to Iraq (news - web sites), claiming "you just don't know how bad it is."

Sgt. Kevin Benderman, 40, said he became morally opposed to war after seeing it firsthand during his first Iraq tour. Now he faces a possible court-martial after failing to deploy Friday with his unit.


"I told them that I refused deployment because I just couldn't go back over there," Benderman said Wednesday. "If I'm going to sit up there and tell everyone that I do not believe in war, why would I go back to a war zone?"


Lt. Col. Cliff Kent, a Fort Stewart spokesman, said Benderman was being considered absent without leave because he had orders to deploy to Iraq while the Army processed his conscientious objector claim.


"He was AWOL from the unit's movement," Kent said. "Beginning the application process for conscientious objection does not preclude you from deploying."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&e=15&u=/ap/20050113/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/objecting_soldier

[Hobarticus]

1. What if they gave a war and no one came?

Or, went back?

[txaslftist]

2. Sorry Benderman, you bought your ticket...

...you gotta take your ride.

War is Hell.

[Benhurst]

3. AWOL? Hell, that's nothing. The man must be planning a

run for the presidency.

War is Hell. Bush's Iraq Invasion is a War Crime.

[olddad56]

4. he already took his ride...

He should take a ride to Canada. Maybe you should go in his place.

[IrateCitizen]

5. He already did that ride once, and it changed him

Did you happen to read the article? Did you happen to read his statement as to why he wouldn't go back?

The kind of flippant attitude exhibited by those like you toward those faced with an incredibly difficult decision of conscience absolutely sickens me. I feel only vaguely qualified to comment on SGT Benderman's situation because I was in one that was something like it. Unless you've been in a similar situation, please tell me how you're qualified to make such a pithy response.

:grr:

[Moderator]

6. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1146832

[Kellanved]

7. self -delete

Sorry