It has been a year of shock, painful waiting and glimmers of hope for the family and friends of captured Army soldier Bowe Bergdahl. The unhappy anniversary of the soldier's capture was marked by no news of his condition at a somber ceremony where Bergdahl used to work.
About 75 people gathered at Zaney's River Street Coffee House in Hailey on Wednesday to honor and remember Bergdahl, who was captured one year ago in Afghanistan.
Bergdahl, who turned 24 in March, grew up near Hailey. He used to work as a barista at Zaney's before joining the Army and serving as a paratrooper. He went missing from an Army base in Paktika province of Afghanistan on June 30, 2009, and was reported "missing captured" three days later.
Since that time, he has appeared in three Internet videos released by his captors. The most recent video, which appeared in April, showed him, apparently healthy, calling for the end to U.S. military activity in the region pleading for his freedom.
His whereabouts are still unknown.
"Some news of him is better than none," said Femling of the Bergdahl family's response to the videos, which have been condemned as propaganda by U.S. military officials.
Femling said Bob and Jani Bergdahl, Bowe's parents, are pleased with the military's efforts to find and obtain the release of their son. He also said they are grateful for the many uplifting stories that have come in from the community and from across the country.
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"I can't stress enough how much this means to the family," Femling said. "I am amazed at the courage they have and how positive they remain."
Several television crews gathered at Zaney's to hear Hailey Mayor Rick Davis speak briefly before Femling read a statement prepared by the Bergdahl family, including Bowe's girlfriend, Monica.
"We have no choice but to rise and meet the challenges that come to us," the statement read, in part. "We believe this is what Bowe has done and we're following his lead. We're trying to find courage and be patient while doing everything we can to keep hope during this difficult situation."
Volunteers were then organized to tie yellow ribbons around the valley to honor him, beginning with the trees beside Zaney's café.
Bergdahl is a member of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He entered the Army in June 2008 and went through basic training in Fort Benning, Ga.
The specific circumstances of Bergdahl's capture are still unknown; the U.S. military reported that he wandered off base, though his captors claim he was taken while lagging behind while on patrol. He remains the only U.S. soldier held in captivity in Afghanistan.
In June, the Army promoted Bergdahl from private first class to specialist.
A news release sent on June 29 from the International Security Assistance Force Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, quoted Rear Admiral Greg Smith, deputy chief of staff for communication, as saying, "Since he was captured on June 30, 2009, it has been a top priority for U.S. and Coalition forces to find him, recover him and bring him home safely. We continue our efforts to determine his whereabouts and ensure his safe return. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowe and his family."
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
Col. Tim Marsano, public affairs officer for the Idaho National Guard, has been in regular contact with the Bergdahl family since Bowe Bergdahl was captured. He has been acting as media liaison for the family for one year.
