Idaho Prisoner of War Family is Hopeful of Release

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Family members of an American prisoner of war captured four years ago in Afghanistan say they're encouraged by news that the Taliban is ready to free him in exchange for five senior operatives imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay.

Col. Tim Marsano with the Idaho National Guard has been acting as media liaison for U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's family since the Idaho man was captured on June 30, 2009. Marsano says he's been in touch with Bergdahl's parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, of Hailey, Idaho, several times this week.

He says they're aware of the possibility of the exchange and they're encouraged by it. The family isn't giving interviews, but Marsano said Bergdahl's parents do plan to speak at an event honoring the soldier in Hailey on Saturday.