Thursday, July 28, 2005
R.A.G. Salutes Soldier
Ft. Stewart, Ga. The R.A.G. Files salutes Sargeant Kevin Benderman, mechanic for the 3rd forward support battalion.
Sgt. Benderman was being charged with desertion for refusing to go to Iraq. He commented that he did not want to go to war and was awaiting "conscientious objector" status he had applied for after his first tour of duty in Iraq.
He stated that he does not like war, has nothing against his "brothers at arms" who are there fighting now, he wants everyone home and raising their families. Benderman was also accused of demoralizing the rest of his unit after he refused to deploy with them just recently to Iraq.
Sgt. Benderman was acquitted of the charges of desertion, but was charged with lesser charges that have him behind bars for 15 months.
The R.A.G. Files do not beleive in war, but realize it's a necessity in this imperfect world. We are supportive of our troops who defend us home and abroad. And we salute the fallen. And Sgt. Benderman, we thank you.
Sgt. Benderman was being charged with desertion for refusing to go to Iraq. He commented that he did not want to go to war and was awaiting "conscientious objector" status he had applied for after his first tour of duty in Iraq.
He stated that he does not like war, has nothing against his "brothers at arms" who are there fighting now, he wants everyone home and raising their families. Benderman was also accused of demoralizing the rest of his unit after he refused to deploy with them just recently to Iraq.
Sgt. Benderman was acquitted of the charges of desertion, but was charged with lesser charges that have him behind bars for 15 months.
The R.A.G. Files do not beleive in war, but realize it's a necessity in this imperfect world. We are supportive of our troops who defend us home and abroad. And we salute the fallen. And Sgt. Benderman, we thank you.
