http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=53264An Army soldier who refused to return to Iraq for a second combat tour, saying he now objects to war, has been charged with desertion and missing deployment, Fort Stewart officials said Thursday.
Sgt. Kevin Benderman notified his commanders Dec. 28 that he was seeking a discharge as a conscientious objector. He then refused orders to deploy with his unit Jan. 8 while the Army processed his objector claim.
"My response to those charges is not guilty," said Benderman, 40. "I am prepared to deal with whatever consequences my action brings. ...In applying for conscientious objector status, I believe I would be right to not participate in war."
Army investigators must now decide whether to prosecute Benderman in a court-martial or allow his case to be handled administratively, said Lt. Col. Robert Whetstone, a Fort Stewart spokesman.
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