Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Congress, governor, officials monitor situation


By JASON KAUFFMAN
Express Staff Writer

Members of Idaho's congressional delegation on Monday released a joint statement on the capture of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, a Hailey native, by Taliban forces in Afghanistan.

The statement from Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Walt Minnick says the delegation is declining to comment on Bergdahl's capture out of respect for the Wood River Valley soldier and his family.

"With the Pentagon now confirming his identity, we add our thoughts and prayers with others for his reunion with family, friends and Army colleagues," the statement reads. "Private Bergdahl represents Idaho and his nation courageously. We remain ready to assist in whatever manner his family and the U.S. military so choose."

Brad Hoaglun, spokesman for Risch, said the senator is closely monitoring the situation.

"He realizes it's a serious situation," Hoaglun said. "It's up to the Department of the Army and the Pentagon to bring him back."

Jon Hanian, spokesman for Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, said the governor knew about the situation for about three weeks, but kept the information quiet, "for obvious reasons as well as out of respect for the family and their wishes."

"The governor has talked with representatives of the family and expressed his concerns," Hanian said. "We don't want to do anything to make it more complicated for that young man."

<

In an e-mail to the Idaho Mountain Express on Monday, Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, said she's grateful that the Zaney's community has provided a place for people to get information and provide support to friends and family.

"I am so hopeful that Bowe will be back home very soon," she wrote.

Speaking Tuesday morning, Blaine County Commissioner Schoen expressed the county's support for Bergdahl and his family.

"Our thoughts are with him," he said. "We're there for the family."

Schoen also recognized the "tremendous contribution" U.S. soldiers like Bergdahl are making overseas.

"He's one of our own," Schoen said. "We care a great deal about the outcome."

Jason Kauffman: jkauffman@mtexpress.com




 Local Weather 
Search archives:


Copyright © 2024 Express Publishing Inc.   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited. 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.