Kevin Benderman

Infobox Military Person
name=Kevin Benderman
born= 1964
died=
placeofbirth=Alabama
death_date=
placeofdeath=


caption=Sgt Benderman (in dress uniform) at his 2005 trial
nickname=
branch= United States Army
serviceyears=1987-1991 2000-2005
rank=Sergeant
commands=
unit=4th Infantry Division 3rd Infantry Division
battles= Operation Iraqi Freedom
awards=Army Commendation Medal(2) Army Achievement Medal (4)Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal(2)
laterwork=

Kevin Benderman (born 1964) was born in Alabama and raised in Alabama. He held the rank of Sergeant and was a mechanic (MOS 63M) in the United States Army. Kevin Benderman first enlisted in the Army in 1987 [ [http://www.antiwar.com/glantz/?articleid=9662 Soldier Who Chose Jail Over Iraq Goes Home - by Aaron Glantz ] ] and served until 1991 when he decided to exit the Army, however nine years later in 2000 he chose to reenlist. Kevin was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on July 9 2002 and served in Iraq from March 2003 until September 2003 with the Fourth Infantry Division. He was awarded two Army Commendation medals for his actions in Iraq. In late 2003 Sergeant Benderman was transferred from Fort Hood, Texas to Fort Stewart, Georgia and was assigned to the Third Infantry Division. When told that he would be returning to Iraq he first applied as a conscientious objector in December 2004 but his application was rejected. It was around this same time he was passed over for promotion to Staff Sergeant. He then refused to deploy with his unit and was court martialed in July 2005 and was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment and given a dishonorable discharge. [ [http://www.wri-irg.org/news/2006/usa0603-en.htm Military Service in the USA report ] ] He currently resides with his wife Monica in Hinesville, Georgia.

Charges

Benderman was initially going to be charged with:
* Disloyal Statements, and
* Disrespecting a Commissioned Superior Officer

The charges against him include:
* Missing Movement by Design, and
* Desertion with the Intent to Avoid Hazardous Duty.

ee also

*list of Iraq War Resisters
*conscientious objector
*Nuremberg Principles (Principle IV)

References

External links

* [http://www.bendermantimeline.com/ Website]
* [http://www.topia.net/kevinbenderman.html topia.net Timeline]
* [http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=7092 ZNet Interview]
* [http://www.oldamericancentury.org/voices_004.htm Sgt. Benderman's letter on why he refused to deploye]