Family of Detained American Thanks God For His Release From North Korea
— -- The family of the American released from North Korea spoke out this morning as he arrived back at his home in Miamisburg, Ohio.
"Jeff is home we'd like to thank God for his hand of protection over Jeff for these past six months," the family's attorney said in a statement with the Fowles standing beside him.
They noted that while they are "overjoyed" by his return, but are "mindful" that the families of Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller -- Americans who are still being detained -- did not have the same relief.
"(Jeffrey) was treated well by the government of the DPRK and he is in good health," the attorney said.
While they said that Fowle was going to be taking some time to readjust and be with his family, not everything will go back to normal immediately since he was fired from his job during his detention and his termination letter now made public.
Fowle worked as an equipment operator for the street department of Moraine, Ohio, for 26 years before he was incarcerated in North Korea in May after leaving a bar at a sailor's night club.
"We regret to advise you that due to your ongoing absence from work, the City of Moraine will terminate your employment effective September 18, 2014, the date on which your accrued vacation leave will be exhausted," the Sept. 16 letter from the City of Moraine read.
"We had hoped this action would not be necessary but in light of your continued incarceration in North Korea resulting from (a) unilateral decision to travel to North Korea against the advice of your family and acquaintances; and (b) running afoul of North Korean restrictions on ‘anti-government’ activities, and as stated, the exhaustion of your accrued vacation time, we have to act in the best interests of the City of Moraine and its residents," it read.
His family was kept on his health insurance in spite of his termination and paid out a severance of $70,604.96 due to the sick leave he accrued since 1988.
They also made it clear that he could return to his job once he was freed, noting that he was in "good standing" at the time of his termination.
