Breaking News

Family of captured Idaho soldier overwhelmed by support

July 20, 2009, 10:37 am

HAILEY, Idaho — The parents of U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan say they are overwhelmed by the recent outpouring of support from their community and abroad, the Associated Press reports.

Defense Department officials confirmed Saturday that Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, who grew up in this small, central Idaho resort town, was kidnapped in Afghanistan earlier this month.

Bergdahl’s parents have refused multiple requests to be interviewed by media.

Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling read a statement issued by the family Monday thanking supporters for the concern shown the family.
Femling declined to answer follow up questions about the family.

Neighbors and others in the community about 10 miles south of Sun Valley have known for weeks that Bergdahl had been captured.


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The statement from the family of Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, who was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan, as read by Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling Monday morning:

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and concern towards Bowe and our family. As you know, the situation is extremely difficult for everyone involved. We’d like to remind all of you our sole focus is seeing our beloved son Bowe safely home. Please continue to keep Bowe in your thoughts and prayers, and we ask for your continued acceptance of our need for privacy in this difficult situation.”

“Thank you.”