Categories: Archived Blogs

Military Connection: Update on Sgt. Bergdahl: By Debbie Gregory

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl disappeared from his post in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on June 30, 2009. Bergdahl was stationed there with the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based out of Fort Richardson, Alaska. The sergeant was captured by the Taliban and held for nearly five years. Sgt. Bergdahl’s captivity finally ended on May 31, 2014, when he was traded for five Taliban detainees from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

According to Army officials, Sgt. Bergdahl is back on duty, currently assigned to administrative duties at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, and lives without restrictions at the non-commissioned officers’ quarters there.

Since his release, several soldiers, including some who served with Sgt. Bergdahl, have accused him of voluntarily leaving his post. These soldiers, as well as other service members, have noted that several soldiers were killed, and others wounded, in the search operations for the missing Bergdahl.

The Army has been conducting an investigation into Bergdahl’s disappearance from his post back in 2009, and a completed Article 15-6 investigation was expected mid-August. The investigating officer, Army Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl, now believes that his report will likely be filed in September. Once General Dahl’s report is submitted, it will be subject to a legal review that could further delay a decision on Bergdahl’s fate.

Eugene Fidell, Bergdahl’s attorney, says thatSgt. Bergdahl has been cooperative in the interviews, and has answered all of Dahl’s questions. Fidell also claims that Sgt. Bergdahl was never read his rights until August 6, 2014.  The lawyers said that the amount of time the reading  of his rights was withheld could be a factor, should the Army attempt to pursue criminal charges against Bergdahl.

Fidell said that if Sgt. Bergdahl is cleared of charges, he plans to leave the Army and attend college. If Bergdahl is cleared, he will be eligible for Veteran education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which requires that Veterans discharge from the armed forces under honorable conditions.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Update on Sgt. Bergdahl:  By Debbie Gregory

Mitalis

Recent Posts

Best World War II Books to Enjoy This Autumn – A Military Connection Top Ten List

Dive into World War II's finest literature, perfect for history buffs and those seeking captivating…

1 year ago

7 Important Moments in US Military History for Our Service Members

Explore 7 Pivotal Moments in US Military History: From the Birth of the Continental Army…

1 year ago

Military Influencers Use Social Media to Connect Across Experiences

Explore a diverse group of military influencers and veterans as they share their unique experiences,…

1 year ago

Agent Orange and New PACT Act Benefits for Vietnam Veterans

Understanding Agent Orange Effects, VA Benefits, and Veteran Support: A Comprehensive Guide for Vietnam War…

1 year ago

Best Books About World War 1 – A Military Connection Top Ten List

Explore the top ten must-read books about World War One, including memoirs, historical non-fiction, and…

1 year ago

Vietnam Veterans: Their Unique Experience and Its Impact on America

Discover the enduring legacy of Vietnam Veterans and the profound impact of the Vietnam War…

1 year ago