Yellow Ribbon America

DOD Spokesman: Bergdahl Needs Time, Space for Reintegration

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2014 – Bowe Bergdahl continues to recover and work through the reintegration process at Landstuhl Regional Hospital in Germany, a day before Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel briefs members of Congress on how the Army sergeant came to be freed.

Bergdahl’s health continues to improve, and “he is engaging with hospital staff more and more each day,” Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said during a Pentagon news conference today.

The sergeant’s recovery remains the top priority, and it is going to take time, the admiral said. “Nobody is going to push it any further or any faster than Sergeant Bergdahl and his caregivers are willing to take it,” he added.

Bergdahl was held captive for nearly five years in harsh conditions, Kirby noted. “He’s going to need time to re-assimilate — time to heal mentally and physically,” he said.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will testify before the House Armed Services Committee tomorrow on Bergdahl’s May 31 release, made in exchange for handing over five members of the Taliban being held at Guantanamo Bay to the government in Qatar. Today, senior Pentagon officials briefed senators in a classified session about Bergdahl’s release.

In answering questions today about why members of Congress were not told in advance about the swap, Kirby reiterated that there was a small, fleeting window to retrieve the sergeant. “It’s safe to say that the … entire national security team agreed that we needed to take advantage of this fleeting opportunity,” he said.

Kirby told reporters it was a military obligation to recover Bergdahl, and he urged them not to rush to judgment on the still unknown circumstances that might have led to his capture. “There’s really only one person who knows what happened that night and specifically what led to his disappearance, and that’s Sergeant Bergdahl.”

At this point in his recovery, the sergeant is not being questioned about his disappearance five years ago. “He’s got his hands full right now,” Kirby said.

Once that is finished, the Army will get to the facts and “if there is some misconduct that needs to be addressed, then the Army will address that,” Kirby said.

“This young soldier is innocent until proven guilty. “He has not been charged with anything and was never declared a deserter by the Army.”

Obama Signs Congressional Gold Medal Bill for Puerto Rican Unit

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2014 – President Barack Obama signed a bill today awarding the members of Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment — the Borinqueneers — the Congressional Gold Medal.

The medal recognizes the contributions and extraordinary heroism of the men of the regiment, who served during a time of segregated units.

“Shortly after Puerto Rico became part of the United States in 1898, a regiment of Puerto Rican soldiers was formed, and they served our nation bravely ever since,” Obama said during the White House signing ceremony.

The unit served in World War I and World War II and earned everlasting glory for its service in Korea. Segregation “set them apart from their fellow soldiers — but their courage made them legendary,” the president said. “They earned thousands of medals for their service in Korea.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest awards the United States bestows. Previous military recipients include Gen. of the Army George C. Marshall and Navy Fleet Adm. Ernest J. King.

Units recognized include the Navajo and Native American code talkers, the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots and the Tuskegee Airmen.

“Only a handful of military units have ever received this award, and only one other Hispanic-American has received this award: Roberto Clemente,” Obama said, referring to the baseball hall-of-famer who died in a plane crash during an off-season humanitarian mission. “So on behalf of the American people, we want to thank all the Borinqueneers for their extraordinary service. You’ve earned a hallowed place in our history.”

 Statement by the President on Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years.  On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal.  Today we also remember the many troops held captive and whom remain missing or unaccounted for in America’s past wars.  Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery is a reminder of America’s unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield.  And as we find relief in Bowe’s recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans  whose release we continue to pursue.

For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier’s return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Amir of Qatar.  The Amir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries.  The United States is also grateful for the support of the Government of Afghanistan throughout our efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl’s release.

This week the United States renewed its commitment to the Afghan people and made clear that we will continue to support them as their chart their own future.  The United States also remains committed to supporting an Afghan-led reconciliation process as the surest way to achieve a stable, secure, sovereign, and unified Afghanistan.  While we are mindful of the challenges, it is our hope Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery could potentially open the door for broader discussions among Afghans about the future of their country by building confidence that it is possible for all sides to find common ground.