Soldier get 15 months for refusing to return to Iraq.

[FloridaPat]

Guess the guy didn't like shooting civilians. But if you go there and torture prisoners you just get your hand slapped. I seem to remember they got just a couple of weeks or months? And of course the higher ups are even being considered for war crimes.

"Sgt. Kevin Benderman, 40, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on the charge of missing movement. He also was given a dishonorable discharge from the military and a reduction in rank to private. If he had been found guilty of desertion, he could have faced five years in prison.Benderman failed to deploy with his 3rd Infantry Division unit Jan. 8, 10 days after he told Fort Stewart commanders he was seeking a discharge as a conscientious objector."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8744267/

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Didn't a certain LT GW Bush miss several military commitments?

There is only one explanation: the Republicans hate us for our freedoms.

--p!

[driver8]

4. No...I think you are mistaken. You must mean Lt. John Kerry...

Our president served honorably. He has an honorable discharge with pay records to prove it.

[FreedomAngel82]

8. Exactly

If you haven't you should see this documentary: http://informationclearinghouse.info/article9154.htm

This guy went AWOL and it's his story of everything. It shows the Iraq War Veterans Against War.

[FreedomAngel82]

9. Bush was a LT?

Huh?

[Dogmudgeon]

12. I think so

I know he never made his Captain's bars. According to at least two Air Force officers I know, while the overall career course of an officer is challenging, you make Captain by simply showing up and following the program. It's kind of a shake-out rank, to determine who is fit for higher command, and who is best suited in the cockpit of a desk.

Of course, things in the Texas Air National Guard may have been a lot tougher. And since I'm a civilian, I only have a couple of opinions to go on. I don't even have enough experience to talk out of my ass, but I do know that Bush never excelled as an airman or an officer.

I also assumed that the chain of command for officers in the Air National Guard is: Lieutenant - Captain - Major - Colonel - General, with several sub-grades in each. (Also see US Air Force Rank Insignia.)

--p!

[ClintonTyree]

2. I'd gladly serve the 15.......

rather than go back to that tell hole bush has created.
Sometimes being a conscientious objector means you have to pay a price for that action. He's paying it, too dearly, I agree, but I'm sure he's content in his heart.
Good luck, Private Benderman! :patriot:

[lonestarnot]

5. I would too!

[FloridaPat]

7. Same here.

[izzie]

3. Poor guy and North got his pension back. Life is not fair for sure

--

[SouthernDem2004]

6. He was a machanic.... /nt

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

10. ...and? (nt)

[Bouncy Ball]

11. What's a "machanic" and why is it germane

that he was a mechanic?