As controversy roils around the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, a Homosassa woman who worked for his release is asking the public to reserve judgment until more is known.
Cynthia Holden has been heading up the "Bring Bowe Home" project in Citrus County, spending countless days pushing for his release and raising awareness. She said that when she heard Bergdahl was freed, she broke down.
"I cried like a baby," she said. "I admit that."
Holden and her group held several events to raise awareness. They also collected 15,000 signatures for a petition to bring Bergdahl home.
"Just because he's not related, we don't know him, doesn't mean he's not part of us," she said. "And I feel very strongly about that."
But not everyone is happy about Bergdahl's release. Fellow soldiers said he walked away from his unit, and that other soldiers were killed trying to find him.
Some want Bergdahl court-martialed. Military officials are planning a full investigation.
"I have no opinion on it and I don't think everybody else should be jumping in the fray," Holden said. "They don't know."
Bergdahl was exchanged for five high-ranking Taliban prisoners. Some call this a bad move, saying negotiating with terrorists will put a price tag on the heads of military men and women.
Holden said she stands behind Bergdahl and the hard work she and her group put into getting him home. She said she plans to attend the celebration planned for Bergdahl later this month in his hometown.