Afghanistan

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl Turns 27 In Enemy Hands

Jessica Robinson — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:32:47 +0000

Captured U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl turns 27 Thursday.

Oregon And Idaho National Guard Troops Heading Overseas

Angela Kellner — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:41:30 +0000

Two Oregon National Guard units are mobilizing for overseas deployments. Idaho soldiers will be joining one of the missions.

Five Wash. Soldiers With Brain Injuries Receive Purple Hearts

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:46:46 +0000

Five Washington-based soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injuries have received the Purple Heart. They were honored Monday at a ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In 2011, the Army issued new standards for awarding Purple Hearts to soldiers with brain injuries. Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Accused Afghan Massacre Suspect Returns To JBLM

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 01:04:29 +0000

The Army sergeant charged with killing 16 Afghan civilians earlier this year has arrived back in Washington. That confirmation came late Monday from an official at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Three JBLM Soldiers Killed In Sunday Attack

Patricia Murphy — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:37:43 +0000

The Defense Department says three of four soldiers killed Sunday in Afghanistan were from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. A NATO spokesman said that Afghan police turned on the soldiers during an attack at a remote checkpoint. All three men were members of the 3rd Stryker Brigade stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Navy SEALs That Killed Bin Laden Also Searched For Idaho POW

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:30:09 +0000

A new book that documents an attempt to rescue an Idaho soldier in Afghanistan will not likely interfere with efforts to bring him home. That’s according to at least one national security expert. The controversial book is getting attention because it describes the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. It also says in 2009, Navy SEALs went after Bowe Bergdahl’s captors too. Jessica Robinson reports.

NPR: Taliban Receptive To Talks To Free Idaho Soldier

Jessica Robinson — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:24:21 +0000

NPR is reporting the Taliban has shown a “change of heart” that could pave the way toward the release of Northwest soldier Bowe Bergdahl. The Army sergeant from Hailey, Idaho, was captured in Afghanistan three years ago. He’s the only known U.S. prisoner of war.

Combat Vet With PTSD Booted From Army, Barred From Healthcare

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:03:32 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – In Salem, a former Army staff sergeant named Jarrid Starks has run out of the medications that keep him stable. He has severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental and physical wounds of war. But he’s currently not eligible for veterans’ health benefits that would include prescription refills. That’s because Starks was kicked out of the Army for bad behavior. He’s far from alone. Correspondent Austin Jenkins has this story in collaboration with the Seattle Times.

Jarrid Starks joined the Army right out of high school with dreams of a 20-year career.

Report Renews Hopes For Release Of Captured Idaho Soldier

Jessica Robinson — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:18:17 +0000

A report this week from Reuters news service raises hopes there may be progress in efforts to get an Idaho soldier in Taliban captivity back onto U.S. soil. But the news about renewed negotiations also shows Bowe Bergdahl’s freedom is a key part of peace talks in Afghanistan.

Northwest War Casualties Mount As Fighting Season Heats Up

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:51:03 +0000

The summer fighting season in Afghanistan continues to claim the lives of Northwest soldiers. So far this year, 19 soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord have been killed. The Army announced the latest death over the weekend. Correspondent Austin Jenkins has more.