Around Town: Taking a look at the Bergdahl situation
A recent Harvard poll revealed that 60% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they support sending U.S. combat troops to fight ISIS, but 62% of those polled say they would definitely not join the military. (NPR Dec. 11, 2015, “Millennials Want to Send Troops to Fight ISIS, But Don’t Want To Serve”)
Less than 1% of Americans serve in the U.S. military.
This has resulted in a variety of responses to the case of Bowe Bergdahl, the Army sergeant who walked off his post in 2009, straight into the sadistic hands of the Taliban. Initially, the soldiers who searched for Bergdahl were asked to sign confidentiality agreements.
Yellow ribbons went up in Bergdahl’s hometown of Hailey, Idaho. Here in La Cañada, a St. Francis High student successfully convinced Allen Lund Co. to post a banner on its building seeking Bergdahl’s return. The White House held a Rose Garden ceremony celebrating his release.
But then, the real story came out.
Two years after his rescue, Bergdahl’s court martial is still pending. Last week, Bergdahl’s audio interview was conveniently released in the first of a series of podcasts. There’s also talk of a movie.
The initial episode outlines Bergdahl’s defense: he deserted his post because he was only 23, he suffered horribly as a POW so he shouldn’t be punished further, and he wanted to send a message to his chain of command.
Sondra Brown Andrews, whose son, 2nd Lt. Darryn Andrews, was one of six soldiers reportedly killed during the search for Bergdahl, questions the timing of the podcasts.
“We have spoken with the producer and staff. We understand they are going to present all the stories from those affected…which includes our family at some point. The only reason I’m not very happy with its release is the time of year. Holidays, especially Christmas, are an emotional roller coaster for grieving families.”
John J. Doherty, a Vietnam veteran named after the two uncles memorialized on the La Cañada Flintridge Memorial Park WWII plaque, disagrees.
“Bergdahl was older than most of the men [who served] in Vietnam. His excuse has been long aborning, but it is just an excuse. Being a traitor, putting others at risk should never be tolerated. The president and the generals should be ashamed of themselves for this political delay.”
Tiffany Birdwell, a 1995 La Cañada High grad and Iraq veteran, rejects Bergdahl’s age as a factor. “If he was 18, I’d say it would influence me. At 23, you know what you’re getting yourself into.” She points out that Bergdahl was a non commissioned officer, well aware of ways to communicate to the inspector general, a congressman, or chain of command.
Birdwell believes Bergdahl should be court martialed, but his punishment should be time served. “He walked away from his post to get attention. He could have written anonymous letter to the inspector general... Prayers for him and his family. He made a bad choice and has suffered dearly for it.”
But Birdwell’s mom, Linda Bryant, an Air Force veteran, disagrees. She favors the ultimate punishment. She also questions the delay in prosecution. “Young men and women can sign up for the military at age 17. They can die for their country at age 17. Age 23, is old enough to not be so stupid.”
Bryant’s son and Birdwell’s brother was 1st Lt. Todd Bryant, a 1998 LCHS grad who was killed in Fallujah in 2003, at the age of 23.
As for me, I have little sympathy for Bergdahl, although he did suffer. My heart is with the young service members who spoke out after the administration heaped praise on Bergdahl in 2014, and with the Gold Star moms and dads.
It’s probably a minority point of view.
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ANITA SUSAN BRENNER is a longtime La Cañada Flintridge resident and an attorney with Law Offices of Torres and Brenner in Pasadena. Follow her on Instagram @realanitabrenner, Facebook and on Twitter @anitabrenner.