Captive’s neighbors step up
Idaho town rallies to support kidnapped soldier, family
HAILEY, Idaho – The parents of a U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan said Monday they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support during what they called an extremely difficult situation.
Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling read a statement from the family of Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl but declined to answer questions.
“We’d like to remind all of you our sole focus is seeing our beloved son Bowe safely home,” the statement said. “Please continue to keep Bowe in your thoughts and prayers, and we ask for your continued acceptance of our need for privacy.”
Bergdahl’s parents have refused requests to be interviewed by media.
Defense Department officials confirmed Saturday that Bergdahl, who grew up in Hailey, a central Idaho resort town, was kidnapped in Afghanistan earlier this month.
Femling declined to answer questions about the family.
Neighbors and others in the community about 10 miles south of Sun Valley have known for weeks that Bergdahl had been captured.
Later Monday, townspeople began tying hundreds of shiny yellow ribbons on trees lining Main Street.
“We’re going to run out of ribbons pretty quick,” said Jim Spinelli, director of the Hailey Chamber of Commerce.
Spinelli said the organization was coordinating the show of support and would serve as a center for donated ribbons and other materials.
Most of the people displaying ribbons refused interview requests.
The tony resort community has a deeply private ethic – which is what draws so many celebrities to the region, Spinelli said.
Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom and Rita Hanks, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore and other A-listers have all owned homes or vacationed in the region.