by Kelsey Watts, KHQ Local News Anchor/Reporter
SPOKANE, Wash – He's been a prisoner of war for more than four years. Now, a very big and clear message is posted on billboards throughout Spokane for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl: "No One Left Behind."
The organization "Bring Home Bowe" has been working to keep his name – and his story – in the minds of Americans ever since the 27-year-old Hailey, Idaho, native was captured on June 30th, 2009 in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Three billboards with the same message are now up at 2nd & Jefferson, Hamilton & Cataldo, and Trent & Lily. Lamar Advertising owns the boards and is donating the space, while the company Out Of Home For Good provided the vinyl.
"There's a local, northwest connection so it's definitely a little more important for us to give back," Lamar Account Executive Ashley Kautzman told KHQ.
By the company's estimate, some 150,000 people see the boards in Spokane every week.
"I think just getting his name out there will help bring him home," said Ron Henry, a Vietnam veteran and board member of VFW Post 51.
"Bring Home Bowe" has also helped organize billboards in Idaho, western Washington, Detroit – even on the Vegas strip. They participate in rallies, sell t-shirts and do anything they can to share his story.
The original article appeared on KHQ's website.