The Army yesterday charged Sergeant Kevin Benderman with two counts of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), for his refusal to re-deploy to Iraq in a case that has sparked a worldwide media feeding-frenzy and elicited condemnation of both the Bush administration and the U.S. Army.
Benderman, 40, charged with violating articles 85 and 87 after refusing to re-deploy to Iraq appeared before his commanding officer today who formally read the charges filed against him. Benderman has filed for Conscientious Objector status with the Army. His former commanding officer, now deployed, had recommended denial of his CO application even before it was acted upon according to military regulations. Benderman says his new commanding officer is following Army regulations to the letter and has been helpful in processing his request.
The specification under article 85 charged Benderman with desertion and intent to avoid hazardous duty in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the specification under Article 87 charged him with missing the unit’s movement, or deployment to Kuwait (the staging area for military forces entering Iraq).
While realizing that his moral stand could result in a jail sentence, Benderman described his feelings today as ambivalent. “I am certainly not going to back down now, why would I do that? I am continuing to go forward with what I believe in and am going to demand a General Courts-Martial,” he said. This is the right of any serviceman or woman who holds the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer or above when faced with charges of this severity. The possible penalties handed down by this court however are the maximum allowed under the UCMJ, whereas other levels provide for less severe punishment upon conviction.
Dissident Voice article
Jack Dalton, who is in personal contact with Sgt. Benderman, comments at POAC. I've written to Jack to ask how I (and any YWA readers interested) can best be of help to Sgt. Benderman and his wife at this point. I'll let you know what he says.
Kevin and Monica Benderman
Salon article on Kevin Benderman: Ain't gonna study war no more
Update 10:10pm: Jack replies:
We'll be putting up info as we get it from Kevin and Monica [...] In the meantime, just keep their story alive, and how many others are either going awol, trying to commit suicide or are in jail--all for doing what a sane person should do, refuse to participate in the slaughter of one's fellow human beings; and leaving nothing but a wake of destruction, with broken bodies and broken minds.
This is far from over. [...]
Yours in solidarity and peace
Jack
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