specialist. a year after that he was promoted to sergeant. the final video came in january of last year. and a few months later bergdahl was free in an exchange for five top taliban leaders held at guantanamo bay, three of whom returned to the battlefield. president obama acknowledged these are men we can't trust but can't convict. and to commemorate the swap the president stood with bergdahl's parents in a controversial rose garden ceremony. >> bob and janny, today families across america share in the joy that i know you feel. as a parent i can't imagine the hardship you guys have gone through. as president i know that i speak for all americans when i say we cannot wait for the moment when you're reunited and your son bowe is back in your arms. >> a day later amid the backlash white house national security adviser susan rice went on a sunday show to say this.