The army is launching an investigation into Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier just released from captivity in Afghanistan, over allegations he deserted his fellow troops in 2009.

A 2009 U.S. Army report shows Bergdahl deliberately left his fellow troops, based on the fact he left without any gear. At least six soldiers died while searching for him. His former team leader says the only explanation for his disappearance is he intentionally left and wandered off.

"The fact of the matter is, when those soldiers were killed, they would not have been where they were at if Bergdahl had not have left," says former U.S. Army Sgt. Evan Buetow.

At the VFW in Eastchester, veterans say the news is hard, especially hearing that five Taliban prisoners were released in exchange for Bergdahl.

President Barack Obama defended the move in Poland Tuesday, saying the U.S. does not leave men and women in uniform behind.

Bergdahl is recovering at a hospital in Germany.