The home town ofSgt. BoweBergdahlis quiet Wednesday now that the former P.O.W. is charged with desertion.
People who've spoken up to support him are now reluctant. The mayor of Hailey, Idaho, even issued a statement saying that the city is taking no position on the charges that Bergdahl is now facing.
It’s really a contrast from last year when he was first released. This was a city that had really rallied behind him. But one longtime supporter who didn’t want to be identified said the city and those supporters don’t want to attract the kind of vitriol -- and even threats -- that they got last year.
One noticeable difference from then is that all the yellow ribbons and pictures of Bergdahl that used to be up around town are now gone.
A welcome-home celebration for Bergdahl was canceled last year after his release from five years' captivity by the Taliban. The town of Hailey was targeted for celebrating Bergdahl's release when some said he had deserted his post.
Bergdahl is also charged with endangering fellow soldiers and could face a life sentence.
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