After five long years, 23 year-old Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the last American prisoner of war in the Afghan conflict, will be returning home. Bergdahl was released to American Special Ops troops Saturday, after much political negotiation. In a controversial move, Bergdahl's release was arranged in exchange for the release of five Taliban prisoners who were being detained at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba.
President Barack Obama personally reached out to the Bergdahl family on Saturday to let them know that their son was safe. Later that day, he met with Robert and Jani Bergdahl, who had been visiting Washington D.C., at the White House Rose Garden.
"Right now, our top priority is making sure that Bowe gets the care and support that he needs, and that he can be reunited with his family as soon as possible," said Obama, addressing Bergdahl's recovery. He empathized with Mr and Mrs. Berdahl, saying, "As a parent, I can't imagine the hardship that you guys have gone through. As president, I know that I speak for all Americans when I say we cannot wait for the moment when you are reunited and your son, Bowe, is back in your arms."
Hometown's reaction
Bergdahl's hometown of Hailey, Idaho is preparing for his arrival. After half a decade of waiting and rallying behind the Bergdahl family, this small town of 7,000 has had its prayers answered. Signs of welcome have been hung through out the town and local scouts have taken up the job of hanging fresh yellow ribbons, according to Hailey local and friend of Bergdahl, Sherry Horton.
"We're all still kind of walking around on clouds. We're all just waiting to get eyes on him. That's going to be a topper," she said, according to CNN.
Along with his return comes a long road of recovery and his hometown is ready to help him readjust to his life after service and captivity. They acknowledge that he will need time to heal and get well.
Sue Martin, owner of a local coffee shop where Bergdahl once worked, told the LA Times, "Patience is really important now… He's safe now. That's all we need to know."
As Hailey celebrates, the rest of the country reflects on what the Obama administration's negotiation with the Taliban might mean for the future of the army. Some believe that the safety of troops overseas might be compromised now that the Taliban has been able to trade an American soldier for Taliban prisoners.