In a reversal of a prior decision, a 19-year-old member of the Navajo Nation has been granted conscientious-objector status.
Ronnie Tallman, of Tuba City, Arizona, sought a discharge from the Marines after he discovered he was a hand trembler, a type of spiritual healer. As a medicine man, he cannot engage in killing or war.
The Navajo Nation, the Dine Hataalii Association supported Tallman. Three psychiatric evaluations recommended conscientious-objector status but he was denied earlier this month. He found out Wednesday that his commandant overturned the decision.
Tallman was due to be shipped to Iraq when he discover his abilities in late 2005.
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