The release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, initially heralded as a cause for celebration, continues to stir up debate and controversy.

The U.S. government negotiated the release of Bergdahl, a POW and America’s longest-held captive, in exchange for five Taliban prisoners. Differences in opinion along party lines are expected. Government officials did not, however, expect the dissention and uncertainty to extend to military families.

The phrase “red tape” has become closely associated with unnecessary paperwork and bewildering bureaucracy in any arena, but the stigma has held especially tight to its roots, hindering veterans’ rights, medical services, and benefits for over 150 years. The simple fact that the facts surrounding Bowe’s release have become somewhat factually vague and confusing. This definitely contributes to the popular opinion among Americans that both our soldiers and veterans are not supplied with effective and adequate responses to serious issues such as the capture of Bowe.

The Positive Spin: Honoring Our Troops and Leaving No Soldier Behind

Days ago, volunteers preparing care packages for active military members, including military spouses and family members, expressed joy and relief at Bergdahl’s release. “Bowe is free at last!” read stickers plastered onto the boxes. Although new information has clouded this initial optimism, many military families are sticking to their guns — and continuing to view the swap in a positive light.

The muddled circumstances, if anything, reinforce the mantra, “No service member left behind.” The specifics of Bergdahl’s capture remain unknown. Several soldiers suggest Bergdahl willingly left his post in Afghanistan. A 35-page report, released by the government, confirms Bergdahl’s tendency to wander away from assigned stations in the past. (The report also noted that Bergdahl voluntarily returned after some time.) Releasing Bergdahl in light of this confusion, military families continue, shows a strong commitment to our troops. “We don’t leave Americans behind. That’s unequivocal,” former commander, General Stanley McChrystal, stated.

Another View: Bergdahl Failed His Fellow Soldiers

Six U.S. soldiers died searching for Bergdahl, and many active servicemembers and military families will not soon forget it. “Nobody knows if he’s a traitor or he was kidnapped. What I do know is, he was there to protect us, and instead he decided to defer from America and go and do his own thing,” Former Private First Class Jose Baggett said. “I don’t know why he decided to do that, but we spend so much of our resources, and some of those resources were soldiers’ lives.”

Military families also fear the exchange may put loved ones serving in Afghanistan in danger. Opinions on social media echo these criticisms and fears. One Facebook group, entitled “Bowe Bergdahl is NOT a hero”, makes their stance perfectly clear.