Night owl chat – Time to relax

Welp, it’s been a hell of a good day. Time to send you off with some good vibes.

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Bill Evans – My Foolish Heart

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Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz – The Girl From Ipanema

‘It’s A Good Day’

@WhiteHouse: “It’s a good day.” — President Obama to Bob and Jani Bergdahl on the recovery of their son, Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

‘Thank You, Mr President’

President Obama with the parents of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, Jani and Bob, during a news conference about the release of their son, May 31

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‘Thank you, Mr President.’ #Bergdahl pic.twitter.com/gOV5lT8pG1

— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) May 31, 2014

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“This morning, I called Bob & Jani Bergdahl and told them that after nearly 5 years in captivity, their son Bowe is coming home.” —Obama

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 31, 2014

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While @mitchellreports sneers, a mother savors news her son is coming home. Which woman, do you think, has a soul? pic.twitter.com/OmFsKKdfOh

— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) May 31, 2014

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President Obama statement in Rose Garden on release of Sgt Bergdahl

6:15 EDT: President Obama makes a statement in the Rose Garden on the release of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

Also at White House Live

President Obama with the parents of Sergeant Bergdahl, Bob and Jani pic.twitter.com/qG1N0JsCGp

— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) May 31, 2014

President Obama leaves the Rose Garden with the parents of Sergeant Bergdahl, Bob and Jani pic.twitter.com/x9TvbvMJbk

— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) May 31, 2014

Statement by the President on Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

 

Statement by the President

Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years.  On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal.  Today we also remember the many troops held captive and whom remain missing or unaccounted for in America’s past wars.  Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery is a reminder of America’s unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield.  And as we find relief in Bowe’s recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans  whose release we continue to pursue.

For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier’s return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Amir of Qatar.  The Amir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries.  The United States is also grateful for the support of the Government of Afghanistan throughout our efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl’s release.

This week the United States renewed its commitment to the Afghan people and made clear that we will continue to support them as their chart their own future.  The United States also remains committed to supporting an Afghan-led reconciliation process as the surest way to achieve a stable, secure, sovereign, and unified Afghanistan.  While we are mindful of the challenges, it is our hope Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery could potentially open the door for broader discussions among Afghans about the future of their country by building confidence that it is possible for all sides to find common ground.

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Welcome home, Sergeant Bergdahl. Today we are elated about his return and reaffirm our commitment to recover the warriors still left behind.

— Vice President Biden (@VP) May 31, 2014

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Statement by Bob and Jani Bergdahl, parents of Bowe:

“We were so joyful and relieved when President Obama called us today to give us the news that Bowe is finally coming home! We cannot wait to wrap our arms around our only son. We want to thank Bowe’s many supporters in Idaho, around the nation and around the world. We thank the Amir of Qatar for his efforts. And of course, we want to take this opportunity to thank all those in the many U.S. Government agencies who never gave up. Today, we are ecstatic!”

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Sobbing for joy about what happens when leaders talk instead of fight @BarackObama & the Amir of Qatar. #BoweBergdahl coming home at last.

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) May 31, 2014

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CBS: Bowe Bergdahl, a Taliban captive since 2009, has been freed

The only American solider held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed and is back in U.S. custody after nearly five years of captivity, U.S. officials said Saturday.

The officials said the Taliban agreed to turn over Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The transfers happened after a week of intense negotiations mediated by the government of Qatar, which will take custody of the Afghans.

A senior Defense Department official told CBS News Bergdahl was rescued by special operations forces in eastern Afghanistan, though he was believed to be held in Pakistan. The transfer took place quickly and without incident. There were approximately 18 Taliban on site.

According to a senior defense official traveling with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Singapore, once Bergdahl climbed onto the noisy helicopter he took a pen and wrote on a paper plate, the letters “SF?” – asking the troops if they were special operations forces.

They shouted back at him over the roar of the rotors: “Yes, we’ve been looking for you for a long time.”

Then, according to the official, Bergdahl broke down and cried.

More here

Chat on – Irish National Anthem

Ireland is playing Italy in a tune up for the Italians before their World Cup begins. To honor the Celts and our blog mistress, the Irish national anthem. Go Ireland!

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Chat on, weekenders!

Chat Away

On This Day: President Obama holds a yo-yo as he talks with guests of Colleen Curtis, former Director of Digital Content, in the Outer Oval Office, May 31, 2013 (Photo by Pete Souza)

Rise and Shine: The Week at TOD

President Obama greets White House Healthy Kids & Safe Sports Concussion Summit participants in the the East Garden Room of the White House, May 29, 2014 ( Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

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Sunday

President Obama disembarks from Air Force One at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, Sunday, May 25 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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Early Bird Chat

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Rise and Shine: The Week Ahead

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A soldier hugs President Obama following his remarks at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan (Photo by Pete Souza)

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He Never Rests

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President Obama in Afghanistan

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President Obama awards medals to U.S. troops following his remarks at Bagram Airfield (Photo by Pete Souza)

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The Commander-In-Chief Honors Our Troops

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140 Characters Of Truth

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#yesallwomen pic.twitter.com/Vzq7aB5TlZ

— alyssa. (@narrynicotine) May 25, 2014

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Democracy Wanted: Ukraine

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Monday

On This Day: President Barack Obama hugs Amy Simpson, principal of Plaza Towers Elementary School, outside what remains of the school following a tornado in Moore, Okla., May 26, 2013 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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Early Bird Chat

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Rise and Shine

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Chat Away

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Honoring Heroes

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A President Who Cares

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A Tweet or Eight

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WWII veteran and his grandson, a future president of the United States. #HappyMemorialDay pic.twitter.com/634MEgsM9f

— BWD (@theonlyadult) May 26, 2014

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Early Bird Chat

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MoooOOOooorning – Happy Saturday!