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How did your life collide with the headlines in 2007?
Iraq, the subprime crisis, Facebook, immigration, oil prices - 2007 had no shortage of hefty headlines. We'd like to hear about how these and other major news events of the past year affected you. Where did your life collide with the news in 2007?

What's your holiday performance story?
The office talent show, the neighborhood caroling posse, the school pageant ... At holiday time we often sing, dance, and dress as shepherds. Did you bloom in the warmth of your audience's adulation, or freeze up like the snowman you'd rather be building? Did your holiday performance change your life or that of someone close to you?

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Sgt. Kevin Benderman
Sergeant Kevin Benderman was supposed to be on a plane with his unit bound for Iraq on January 7 for what was going to be his second deployment to the war. But when the day came he had to follow his conscience. We were the first to hear Benderman say that "he refused to go to Iraq." Our coverage has sparked a great deal of reaction. We've stayed with the story, and will continue to do so. Sergeant Benderman faces a general court martial on May 12th.
(Earliest stories at bottom of page.)
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Listen IconFacing the Music
Earlier this year, Sgt. Kevin Benderman refused to return to Iraq after serving there since 2003. In the last few months, Sgt. Benderman waited for a ruling on his request for conscientious objector status. Yesterday, a military court found him guilty of missing troop movement and handed down a sentence. Weekend America recounts his journey and the decision that led him to prison. (07/30/2005)

Listen IconBridging the Divide
"Sergeant Benderman is no Mahatma Gandhi." That's what former marine John Hein said about Kevin Benderman, a soldier who refused to return to Iraq because he's come to believe that war is wrong. Weekend America put Benderman and Hein in touch. It turns out that their conversations have had a surprising effect on Hein. (02/26/2005)

Listen IconReporter's Notebook
Sgt. Kevin Benderman refused an order to deploy to Iraq last month after he applied for conscientious objector status. A few days ago, he appeared in court for a hearing to determine if there's enough evidence to proceed with the charges. Barbara Bogaev talks with two journalists who have been covering the case. (02/12/2005)

Listen IconBenderman Awaits Decision
Sgt. Kevin Benderman has been in the news after refusing and order to deploy to Iraq. He was in military court this week for the army equivalent of a grand jury hearing. Barbara talks with Kevin, his wife Monica, and an army representative about their sticky situation. (02/12/2005)

Listen Icon"Conscientious Objector" Objector
Barbara Bogaev has an update on Sgt. Kevin Benderman, who recently refused to go back to Iraq with his unit. We had a huge response to the story that aired last weekend, including an email from Gulf War veteran John Hein. He disagrees with Benderman's stance and explained his thoughts to Barbara Bogaev. (01/15/2005)

Listen IconSaving Sergeant Benderman
Sgt. Kevin Benderman fought in Iraq in 2003 and was scheduled for a second deployment yesterday. Last week, he filed for conscientious objector status, explaining that he opposes to war on moral and ethical grounds. Kevin spoke with Barbara Bogaev throughout the week as he tried to have his application considered. (01/08/2005)
Online resources:
Listen to our first conversation with Sgt. Kevin Benderman
Read some of the 100 listener emails.
How do you feel about Sgt. Berderman's decision to become a conscientious objector? Tell us...

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From the July 5 broadcast

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This week: Have you exper-
ienced any strange seasonal changes: springtime plants sprouting; squirrels sunbathing?
Let us know...
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