DeepSummary
The transcript is an interview with Sergeant Kevin Benderman, who was sentenced to 15 months in military prison for refusing to return to Iraq on moral grounds after his first deployment in 2003. During his initial tour, Benderman witnessed the devastating effects of war on civilians, including injured children, which made him realize the senselessness of the conflict. He felt the war was based on lies and was being waged for personal enrichment and oil interests rather than the stated reasons.
Upon returning home, Benderman filed for conscientious objector status, but his command rejected his application without proper review. When he refused to deploy again, he was court-martialed and charged with desertion, despite following the appropriate legal procedures. Benderman maintained that the war was illegal and went against the moral principles the military claimed to uphold.
Benderman's case drew support from Amnesty International, which labeled him a prisoner of conscience. However, he was still sentenced to 15 months in prison, demoted, and dishonorably discharged, losing his retirement and benefits. Despite the heavy price he paid, Benderman stands by his decision and advises current soldiers to follow their moral compass and not blindly obey orders that violate human rights or international laws.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Sergeant Kevin Benderman refused to redeploy to Iraq on moral grounds after witnessing the war's devastating impact on civilians during his first tour in 2003.
- Despite following proper procedures for conscientious objection, Benderman was court-martialed, sentenced to 15 months in prison, demoted, and dishonorably discharged.
- Benderman believed the Iraq War was illegal, based on lies, and waged for personal enrichment and oil interests rather than the stated reasons.
- He paid a heavy personal price for his moral stance, losing his military career, retirement, and family.
- Benderman advises current soldiers to uphold moral principles and not blindly follow orders that violate human rights or international laws.
- The interview highlights the importance of individual moral courage and the human toll of the Iraq War on civilians.
- Benderman's case drew support from Amnesty International, which labeled him a prisoner of conscience.
- The interview serves as a powerful reminder of the need for ethical decision-making and accountability in military operations.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “After World War Two, in the Nuremberg said, just following orders is no longer an option for service members of any nation. That includes us. We are the main authors of that document. We wanted that information included in all these national and international laws.“ by Kevin Benderman
- “There is no need for me to be pointing an M 16 at this little 90 pound, 70 year old woman as we roused her out of her bed at 03:00 a.m. i said, this is never in my life I would be asked to do that in any capacity as a soldier of the United States. That was beyond the pale for me.“ by Kevin Benderman
- “And the little girl that was standing there on the side of the road with her arm burned to a crisp, begging for someone to help her. Her and her mother, you know, they don't, you can't have that in training.“ by Kevin Benderman
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Episode Information
Eyes Left Podcast
Eyes Left
12/22/20
Interview with Sergeant Kevin Benderman, sentenced to 15 months in military prison for refusing to return to Iraq on moral grounds.