Bergdahl release stirs resentment, soldiers want truth
- 10 years ago
After five years of Taliban captivity, U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl has been freed in exchange for five Taliban prisoners.
But the sense of pride expressed by the Obama administration is not shared by everyone.
His disappearance is shadowed with doubt by some soldiers who served with him in Afghanistan.
During a Skype interview, Bergdahl's former squad leader, Greg Leatherman, says he left his unit by his own free will:
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER SQUAD LEADER, GREG LEATHERMAN, SAYING:
"I know that when he left, he dropped all of his sensitive items like his weapon, his night vision, his body armor -- all of that stuff. Which he wouldn't do if he were captured... And I think he did it because he was tired of the establishment."
Former soldiers are accusing him of walking away from his unit and prompting a massive manhunt.
One they say cost the lives of at least six fellow soldiers.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER ARMY SERGEANT JOSH CORD
But the sense of pride expressed by the Obama administration is not shared by everyone.
His disappearance is shadowed with doubt by some soldiers who served with him in Afghanistan.
During a Skype interview, Bergdahl's former squad leader, Greg Leatherman, says he left his unit by his own free will:
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER SQUAD LEADER, GREG LEATHERMAN, SAYING:
"I know that when he left, he dropped all of his sensitive items like his weapon, his night vision, his body armor -- all of that stuff. Which he wouldn't do if he were captured... And I think he did it because he was tired of the establishment."
Former soldiers are accusing him of walking away from his unit and prompting a massive manhunt.
One they say cost the lives of at least six fellow soldiers.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER ARMY SERGEANT JOSH CORD