Freed soldier's parents say they're proud of son

(AP) The father of an American soldier just released from captivity in Afghanistan says he's proud of how far his son, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, was willing to go to help the Afghan people. Bob and Jani

News 12 Staff

Jun 2, 2014, 6:33 PM

Updated 3,625 days ago

Share:

Freed soldier's parents say they're proud of son
(AP) The father of an American soldier just released from captivity in Afghanistan says he's proud of how far his son, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, was willing to go to help the Afghan people.



Bob and Jani Bergdahl didn't elaborate on what that meant during a Sunday press conference in Boise. Bowe Bergdahl was freed Saturday in exchange for five Guantanamo terrorism detainees after spending nearly five years as a Taliban prisoner.



His parents said they haven't spoken with Bergdahl and will wait until military experts say he's ready to talk to family. Officials did not offer details about Bergdahl's health.



Bob Bergdahl said he was proud of how Bowe wanted to help the Afghan people, and how far he was willing to go to achieve that goal.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration faces mounting questions over the prisoner swap that won freedom for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl after five years in Taliban hands.



The release of five terrorist suspects from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is stirring a debate over whether the exchange will heighten the risk of other Americans being snatched as bargaining chips and whether the released detainees will find their way back to the fight.



U.S. officials say that Bergdahl's health and safety appeared in jeopardy, prompting their quick action.



Republicans say the deal could set a troubling precedent. Arizona Sen. John McCain calls the five released Guantanamo detainees "the hardest of the hard core. 
 


More from News 12
2:14
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:39
Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

1:53
Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

1:34
2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst