Washington, D.C. – Following the Army’s announcement that it would charge Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl with one count of desertion and one count of misbehavior before the enemy, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) – a decorated 29-year combat veteran of two wars and a Prisoner of War (POW) in Vietnam for nearly seven years – released the following statement:
“As a POW and 29-year Air Force veteran, it pains me to think any serviceman or woman would abandon their post – abandon their country and their military family. Unfortunately, that appears to be the case with Sgt. Bergdahl. He clearly did NOT serve our country with ‘honor and distinction,’ as National Security Advisor Susan Rice stated.
“Every American serviceman and servicewoman makes an oath to serve and protect our Great Nation. I have taken this oath myself, and it’s something I take very seriously. As a member of the Armed Forces, not only are you responsible for protecting the lives of America’s citizens and the values our democratic Republic holds dear, but you also make a commitment to the individuals with whom you serve. You must be able to trust your fellow patriots in life or death situations.
“Regardless of the trial’s outcome, I think it’s important to first honor the real heroes in this situation – the men and women who DO serve our country faithfully. President Obama and his Administration owe their deepest and most heart-felt apology to the troops who risked their lives trying to rescue Bergdahl.
“The fact that the Administration carelessly and unlawfully negotiated with terrorists to return Bergdahl to America in exchange for five Taliban leaders shows a serious lack in judgement. And in doing so, the Administration has, in effect, put a price on the head of each Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Coast Guardsman, and Marine serving abroad in defense of freedom. What’s worse, U.S. intelligence officials now suspect that at least one of these released detainees has attempted to return to the battlefield.
“My prayers are with all our servicemen and women –that their sacrifices are valued by those they serve and that their efforts will not be in vain. And I pray for wisdom for President Obama and his Administration – that they learn from this egregious failure.”
