Family of US soldier captured in Afghanistan pleads for son’s release, urges him to be strong

Family of captured US soldier pleads for release

BOISE, Idaho — The family of an American solider captured in eastern Afghanistan is pleading for the release their son, and urging him to “stay strong.”

Lt. Col. Tim Marsano of the Idaho National Guard issued a statement Friday from the family of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, a U.S. airborne infantryman who was taken by the Afghan Taliban in Paktika province in June.

In their statement, the family is urging the captors “to let our only son come home.”

And to their son, the family says, “We love you and we believe in you. Stay strong.”

The Taliban released a video showing Bergdahl, who is the only known American serviceman in captivity.

Marsano met with the family Friday morning at their home outside Hailey, Idaho.