Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, whose release from the Taliban in Afghanistan has sparked controversy in Washington, will finally be heading back to the U.S. He is set to arrive from Germany tonight or early tomorrow.
While the Pentagon has not said anything official yet, a source within the Defense Department told USA Today that the Idaho native will finally be leaving a military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. He has been there, receiving medical treatment and undergoing examinations, since he was given back to the U.S. on May 31.
Bergdahl was the only American POW in Afghanistan and was held by the Taliban for five years. The Taliban agreed to turn him over to the U.S. in exchange for five prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. The Obama Administration’s decision to do that has been widely criticized, especially since the White House didn’t notify Congress of its plans to release Guantanamo prisoners 30 days before their release.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday and was asked why Bergdahl was still in Germany, notes Fox News.
“You're trying to tell me that he's being held at Landstuhl, Germany, because of his medical condition?” Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) asked.
“Congressman, I hope you're not implying anything other than that,” Hagel replied.
The Pentagon is also going to fully investigate Bergdahl’s case, including why he disappeared in the first place. Some soldiers who served with him have called him a deserter.
While Bergdahl will be back in the U.S., he will not be going to Idaho immediately. He will first receive further treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.