Some Good News

[lordmonar]

http://news.yahoo.com/us-soldier-freed-captivity-afghanistan-164824831--politics.html

[SilentPhantom]

http://news.yahoo.com/us-soldier-freed-captivity-afghanistan-164824831--politics.html

Bout time the poor guy got freed...  :clap:

[Garibaldi]

I seem to recall there is still an MIA there...Maupassant, I think his name is. He has been missing since 03 or 04.

[SilentPhantom]

I seem to recall there is still an MIA there...Maupassant, I think his name is. He has been missing since 03 or 04.

Actually  it's someone else. Name starts with a B, I think.

[LSThiker]

I seem to recall there is still an MIA there...Maupassant, I think his name is. He has been missing since 03 or 04.

Actually  it's someone else. Name starts with a B, I think.

According to the DoD, all service personnel have been recovered.  Although a Major Gilbert is debated.  I cannot remember if the USAF has "resumed" search or not. 

[Pingree1492]

Let's not speculate on additional POW's when it is so easy to find the information.  SGT Bergdahl is the only service member from OEF that was still a POW.  While there may be questions surrounding the exact nature of his capture, I'm very glad he is now out of that wasteland of a country.  I'm even more happy for his father, and the rest of his family, as his return has to be an enormous relief.  I remember reading about the motorcycle ride he put together for his son last year (link below).  While we might question the prisoner exchange that took place, I can only feel relief that his family's efforts to get their son back finally paid off.

There are still US Citizens either missing or POW's in Iraq, from OIF.  All three are DoD contractors whose exact status is still unknown.  Here's some more info on them:  http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/Iraq_Conflicts/

And a little bit more info on Maj Gilbert, USAF, whose body was taken by insurgents from his crash site in Iraq in 2006.  http://www.wfaa.com/news/national/family-slain-veteran-partial-remains-air-force-veteran-232422941.html

Motorcycle Ride Link: http://magicvalley.com/news/local/event-to-raise-awareness-of-pow-bergdahl/article_43ac8961-4ba5-5614-826d-5abe45a6e3cd.html

[abdsp51]

I seem to recall there is still an MIA there...Maupassant, I think his name is. He has been missing since 03 or 04.

You were probably think of Sgt Keith M. Maupin.  MIA since 2003 and whose body was recovered in 2008.

[SilentPhantom]

Let's not speculate on additional POW's when it is so easy to find the information.  SGT Bergdahl is the only service member from OEF that was still a POW.  While there may be questions surrounding the exact nature of his capture, I'm very glad he is now out of that wasteland of a country.  I'm even more happy for his father, and the rest of his family, as his return has to be an enormous relief.  I remember reading about the motorcycle ride he put together for his son last year (link below).  While we might question the prisoner exchange that took place, I can only feel relief that his family's efforts to get their son back finally paid off.

There are still US Citizens either missing or POW's in Iraq, from OIF.  All three are DoD contractors whose exact status is still unknown.  Here's some more info on them:  http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/Iraq_Conflicts/

And a little bit more info on Maj Gilbert, USAF, whose body was taken by insurgents from his crash site in Iraq in 2006.  http://www.wfaa.com/news/national/family-slain-veteran-partial-remains-air-force-veteran-232422941.html

Motorcycle Ride Link: http://magicvalley.com/news/local/event-to-raise-awareness-of-pow-bergdahl/article_43ac8961-4ba5-5614-826d-5abe45a6e3cd.html

^+1 Couldn't have it better myself. :clap:

[Garibaldi]

I seem to recall there is still an MIA there...Maupassant, I think his name is. He has been missing since 03 or 04.

You were probably think of Sgt Keith M. Maupin.  MIA since 2003 and whose body was recovered in 2008.

That was him. Didn't know they recovered his remains.

[Garibaldi]

I've been reading a lot of negative stuff about Bergdahl since his release. It reminds me of the situation surrounding Robert Garwood when he returned from being MIA in the late 70s. He was under suspicion of having deserted and collaborated with the enemy as well. I suppose the truth will come out sooner or later, but a POW is a POW is a POW. I don't think the circumstances involving dealing with the Towlie Ban is a good thing, but since when does our government care about policy lately?

[Panache]

I've been reading a lot of negative stuff about Bergdahl since his release.

Apparently there's a lot of negative feelings from the members of SGT Bergdahl's unit towards him.

[JacobAnn]

Lots of speculation at this point.  I'm sure more facts will surface in the future although they are likely to be clouded by the political spinsters. 

[LSThiker]

GEN Dempsey said it best and we should just leave it at that:

In response to those of you interested in my personal judgments about the recovery of SGT Bowe Bergdahl, the questions about this particular soldier's conduct are separate from our effort to recover ANY U.S. service member in enemy captivity. This was likely the last, best opportunity to free him. As for the circumstances of his capture, when he is able to provide them, we'll learn the facts. Like any American, he is innocent until proven guilty. Our Army's leaders will not look away from misconduct if it occurred. In the meantime, we will continue to care for him and his family.  Finally, I want to thank those who for almost five years worked to find him, prepared to rescue him, and ultimately put themselves at risk to recover him.

[Private Investigator]

I've been reading a lot of negative stuff about Bergdahl since his release. It reminds me of the situation surrounding Robert Garwood when he returned from being MIA in the late 70s. He was under suspicion of having deserted and collaborated with the enemy as well. I suppose the truth will come out sooner or later, but a POW is a POW is a POW. I don't think the circumstances involving dealing with the Towlie Ban is a good thing, but since when does our government care about policy lately?

When Garwood returned in 1979 I was a Squad Leader in MP Company, 2ndMarDiv and was volunteered for his firing squad detail. 

[Panache]

Apparently one Obama Administration official, Brandon Friedman (the Obama administration's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at HUD), has taken it upon himself to smear soldiers in Berdahl's prior unit as "psychopaths".

https://twitter.com/BFriedmanDC

[lordmonar]

Why not....everyone else gets to speculate on the sanity and character of Berdahl.....what's wrong with a little speculation.

Let's also be honest here....Mr Friedman did not accuse anyone of being psychopaths....but suggested it as part of a "What if".

Look also that the tweet prior Mr. Freidman agrees an investigation needs to take place.....we just all need to stop prejudging.

[Pingree1492]

I find it funny that so many people are up in arms about the Bergdahl situation.  I'm willing to bet the majority didn't even know America even had a POW over there since 2009.  I find it funny in the same way that people who saw me in uniform coming off R&R and going back to Afghanistan in 2012 would say, "Oh, I didn't even realize we were still over there."

I served in the same area that he did, in RC East.  It's a very poor, very crappy place, very dangerous place.  I can sympathize with Bergdahl's desire to walk away from his COP.  Which isn't the same thing as saying I approve or agree with them.  I simply understand it. 

Two years ago, Rolling Stone did a very comprehensive article (though it has a bit of a political slant, but still good info) about Bergdahl while he was a POW.  Here's a link:  http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/americas-last-prisoner-of-war-20120607

I don't think that there's any question that he walked away from his COP of his own volition.  And I know what Personnel Recovery operations look like, so I can't blame the members from his unit from holding a few grudges where he is concerned.  However, it's obvious from photos that the kid has gone through hell the past 5 years- just look at the photo on the Rolling Stone article compared to the photo on his release. 

I'm glad we got him back, though I don't agree with the way we got him back.  We have done these types of trades before- just not quite as high profile.  Remember, we negotiated with some pretty unsavory people to recover the remains of some of our soldiers in Iraq, and you didn't see the media storm surrounding that- probably because people couldn't be bothered to care.  We can all take comfort though, that in a year or so, those 5 Taliban will simply become drone bait.

[Eclipse]

I find it funny that so many people are up in arms about the Bergdahl situation.  I'm willing to bet the majority didn't even know America even had a POW over there since 2009.  I find it funny in the same way that people who saw me in uniform coming off R&R and going back to Afghanistan in 2012 would say, "Oh, I didn't even realize we were still over there."

Mark Cuban, on a recent episode of the Carolla Podcast, referred to this type of thing as "Headline Porn", and
it's an apropos term.

If anyone cares why I disdain "social" media so much it is situations like this.

160 Characters at 0900 and everyone is happy, spreading "Likes" and "ReTweets" to their whole circle.

Another 160 at 0930 and those same people are "Outraged".

Most people know too little about the things they are "outraged" over to even have the right to an opinion,
let alone "outrage", but the gateway to entry for "outrage" is so low that it perpetuates like kudzu.

The truth will eventually out, no one will be satisfied, and it will be election fodder, regardless of the facts.

[DennisH]

Not really good news, a deserter was returned and will now go on trial for deserting and a whole list of other charges. This will serve as yet another distraction that the country doesn't need.

[LSThiker]

Not really good news, a deserter was returned and will now go on trial for deserting and a whole list of other charges. This will serve as yet another distraction that the country doesn't need.

This man is innocent until proven guilty.  He has not been proven guilty to date.  It is only a distraction if you let it be.

[DennisH]

Guilty in a court of law but he is already guilty by his actions and anyone comparing him to a hero or an actual POW does a disservice to real Soldiers and POW's. Once the courts martial begins it will be harder for the propagandist to hide his crimes.

[JayT]

Guilty in a court of law but he is already guilty by his actions and anyone comparing him to a hero or an actual POW does a disservice to real Soldiers and POW's. Once the courts martial begins it will be harder for the propagandist to hide his crimes.

How do you know? Did Fox News tell you that?

[LSThiker]

Guilty in a court of law but he is already guilty by his actions and anyone comparing him to a hero or an actual POW does a disservice to real Soldiers and POW's. Once the courts martial begins it will be harder for the propagandist to hide his crimes.

So for you he is guilty until proven innocent? 

[DennisH]

Let's see, he was a Soldier in the Vollunteer Army, walked off of his Patrol Base leaving all his gear but a knife, a compass and a bottle of water asking locals where the Taliban is. Yeah he is guilty. He is more of a screwed up experiment by his parents but he is a an adult and therefore responsible for his actions. The puppeteers attempting to roll him out as a returned hero without doing their homework is just a another example of how screwed up the decission making process is.

I don't watch Fox news or any other versions of the lame stream media I was in the sandbox when this idiot walked off of his post. I followed his status over the years. I thought it telling when they silenced the particulars about his desertion. But then again more and more will come out once they move him from Landstuhl to Leavensworth.

[Luis R. Ramos]

He knows about this person because he was with him. He saw him walking off.

It is one thing to hold your personal views. It is another to talk in this forum about him!

Please do not politicize this forum!

[DennisH]

I figured this was a lost effort but I guess I wouldn't listen to a former senior NCO with 35 years in uniform either. So sad that folks can't see the obvious but what the hey enjoy.

[PHall]

I figured this was a lost effort but I guess I wouldn't listen to a former senior NCO with 35 years in uniform either. So sad that folks can't see the obvious but what the hey enjoy.

I know they don't listen to one's with 31-1/2 years....

[LSThiker]

I figured this was a lost effort but I guess I wouldn't listen to a former senior NCO with 35 years in uniform either. So sad that folks can't see the obvious but what the hey enjoy.

Oh I see the obvious, but I do not cast judgement without evidence.  Even a Master Sergeant (ret) with 35 years in uniform still requires proof to backup information when it comes to deciding guilt.  You say he walked off with a bottle of water and knife asking where the Taliban are.  Were you and him at the same base in Afghanistan?  Did you watch him leave?  Or is this all hearsay from others that you are repeating?

[DennisH]

I have no idea what background many come from on this site without knowing them or them enlightening me or others to their knowledge. I wasn't  casting judgement just explaining fact, judgement shall soon if you call months to a year soon be known to anyone who wants to know. Many forget what personal responsibility or what an oath really means. This individual who I shall refuse to call a Soldier knew this when he Vollunteered and took that Oath. He signed a contract and understood he was to obey the orders of those appointed above hims well as regulations.
So many even here believe him to be innoscent and not responsible for his actions. His behavior is something that no Cadet should ever want to replicate and nobody who believes in personal responsibility should defend. I don't know what's so hard to understand, he sent a number of e-Mails stating his intentions and his dislike of the Army mission. He purposely walked off his Patrol base. Reports at the time of the search for him have stated hat he was seen talking with locals looking for the Taliban. This was all back in 2009. This has all been established but nothing has been said or proven about any collaboration, intell shared or actuall actions against US Soldiers yet. That will all come out in his courts martial.
I could go on and on about what I used to consider basic knowledge about how the Army works but it seems it would be a wasted effort. To many folks believe the Military mirrors civilian courts exactly, it doesn't.
I guess this all could just be BS, he never really left his PB, all the Soldiers in his unit are liars all the reports are fake. The Taliban snuck onto his PB and took him.
I can't begin to explain the betrayal it is to desert ones unit and go over to the enemy. I would have actually had a great deal more respect if he would have voiced his issues to his chan of command and went through the system to get released from his contract and returned to civilian life. He is now just another embarrassment that will be remembered for his failures. In a year or so when his trial is done, punnishment is meted out and he is removed from the roles this will all be moot.
I don't associate with folks like him and would never expose impressionable minds to his failures. But if some folks here want to hld him up as a shinning example of ethical and honorable behavior and portray him as a victim power to you.

[LSThiker]

I don't know what's so hard to understand, he sent a number of e-Mails stating his intentions and his dislike of the Army mission.

Yes the emails between his father and him.  He is still allowed freedom of speech to dislike the US Government.  Cannot hold disliking the US Government against him.  The letter that supposedly stated his intentions.  Can you be sure it was written by him?  Could it be forged by kidnappers?

He purposely walked off his Patrol base.

No one disputes that, not even a 2010 Army report.  However, interestingly, fellow soldiers in 2009 reported him doing this numerous times in the past (this would imply that he returned after walking off post).  Therefore, did he really have intentions of deserting or had the Taliban finally figured out a pattern?

Reports at the time of the search for him have stated hat he was seen talking with locals looking for the Taliban. This was all back in 2009. This has all been established but nothing has been said or proven about any collaboration, intell shared or actuall actions against US Soldiers yet. That will all come out in his courts martial.

Was he seen talking or was he heard talking?  Big difference.  If he was seen asking where Taliban were without a weapon or body armor, then why was not he report missing until 9am and only after not showing up?

I would have actually had a great deal more respect if he would have voiced his issues to his chan of command and went through the system to get released from his contract and returned to civilian life.

How do you know he did not?  Were you there?  Perhaps the CoC told him to screw himself.  My brother's 1SG offered my brother his M-9 to commit suicide instead of referring him to the post TMC.  My family demanded an investigation.  The Army investigated and found in favor of my brother. 

Is it possible he had undiagnosed depression?  Schizophrenia?  PTSD?  Other mental illnesses?  Alcohol?  Drugs?  Medications?  Afghan army kidnapping since he was actually at an observation post?  Was he an outcast that was influenced by the Afghan Nationals that he worked with?  If his fellow Soldiers knew about his odd behavior and regular walking off base, where was his CoC?

Although at this point, the evidence suggests he deserted, he is still innocent until proven guilty (even in  UCMJ). 

[PHall]

I don't know what's so hard to understand, he sent a number of e-Mails stating his intentions and his dislike of the Army mission.

Yes the emails between his father and him.  He is still allowed freedom of speech to dislike the US Government.  Cannot hold disliking the US Government against him.  The letter that supposedly stated his intentions.  Can you be sure it was written by him?  Could it be forged by kidnappers?

He purposely walked off his Patrol base.

No one disputes that, not even a 2010 Army report.  However, interestingly, fellow soldiers in 2009 reported him doing this numerous times in the past (this would imply that he returned after walking off post).  Therefore, did he really have intentions of deserting or had the Taliban finally figured out a pattern?

Reports at the time of the search for him have stated hat he was seen talking with locals looking for the Taliban. This was all back in 2009. This has all been established but nothing has been said or proven about any collaboration, intell shared or actuall actions against US Soldiers yet. That will all come out in his courts martial.

Was he seen talking or was he heard talking?  Big difference.  If he was seen asking where Taliban were without a weapon or body armor, then why was not he report missing until 9am and only after not showing up?

I would have actually had a great deal more respect if he would have voiced his issues to his chan of command and went through the system to get released from his contract and returned to civilian life.

How do you know he did not?  Were you there?  Perhaps the CoC told him to screw himself.  My brother's 1SG offered my brother his M-9 to commit suicide instead of referring him to the post TMC.  My family demanded an investigation.  The Army investigated and found in favor of my brother. 

Is it possible he had undiagnosed depression?  Schizophrenia?  PTSD?  Other mental illnesses?  Alcohol?  Drugs?  Medications?  Afghan army kidnapping since he was actually at an observation post?  Was he an outcast that was influenced by the Afghan Nationals that he worked with?  If his fellow Soldiers knew about his odd behavior and regular walking off base, where was his CoC?

Although at this point, the evidence suggests he deserted, he is still innocent until proven guilty (even in  UCMJ).

Watch TV much?  (E-Mails written by kidnappers. Really?)

[LSThiker]

Watch TV much?  (E-Mails written by kidnappers. Really?)

Did not say emails written by kidnapper.  The letter was a hand-written note that stated his intentions to desert.  Besides, a written letter written by kidnappers is not that far outside of reality.  A fake copy of a book written by non-English natives with a forged signature was used to convict someone for desertion. 

[lordmonar]

Listen.......it does not matter why he went missing.....we try to get our people back if we can.

The military will take appropriate actions if his actions and the evidence supports any charges.

Beyond that......there is nothing any of us know as fact......so just let it go and see what happens. 

[abdsp51]

This is even provided the Army chooses to prosecute given the statute of limitations for crines under the MCM is 5 years.

[lordmonar]

False.

Art 43 specifically says there is not statutes of limitations on AWOL or missing movements.

[Luis R. Ramos]

I echo Lord's words...

The deed is done. You may believe what you want. However there is a venue for official treatment. Do not attack him in this forum, please!

[DennisH]

I echo Lord's words...

The deed is done. You may believe what you want. However there is a venue for official treatment. Do not attack him in this forum, please!

Stating the truth based upon facts is not an attack, but OK we will all wait till the judgement given.

[Luis R. Ramos]

The problem is the so-called facts have not been proven!

[MSG Mac]

This is even provided the Army chooses to prosecute given the statute of limitations for crines under the MCM is 5 years.

Desertion and Unauthorized Absence do not end until returned to military control. So even if the statute of limitations was 5 years, he's only been back for 5 days. 

[abdsp51]

False.

Art 43 specifically says there is not statutes of limitations on AWOL or missing movements.

He has to be entered as being AWOL/deserter first.  Either way let the intel/psych folks do their job before screamig for a courts martial and punitive action.

[SarDragon]

FWIW,

singular - court martial

plural - courts martial

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

[abdsp51]

Either way, there has to be evidence to substantiate the allegations and then it would be upto the convenig authority to pursue it. 

[AirAux]

I guess the question is would you let him join your squadron if he showed up?