Local Veteran Reacts To Taliban Release Of U.S. Soldier
By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The release of U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl by the Taliban is just the beginning of another chapter for the prisoner of war.
Dennis Best, vice-president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, says it's good news that Bergdahl was released, but it will be a long period of adjustment for the soldier, as it would be for any P.O.W.
"It's not good, particularly him, he had no others with him to share anything with," Best says. "I think that was probably an intentional thing of (the Taliban). They're crown jewels that the enemy holds, because of the way our country thinks of its fighting men. It should have happened a long time ago, as far as I'm concerned."
Best says how the Taliban treated Bergdahl is anyone's guess, but he suggests it's possible they kept him in a cave for five years, feeding him just enough to keep him alive.
"Whether it be physical or mental trauma to him," he says, "whether or not his body has been able to withstand this five years of subsistence, probably, on very lousy food."
He believes the army sergeant will be given the best care when he returns.
Best adds Bergdahl is a hero now and will remain one for the rest of his life.