Commemoration Controversy: Gold Star Families Address Lack of Outreach from Biden Administration
Families of Fallen Soldiers Speak Out
Three years after the tragic bombing at Abbey Gate during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members, families of the fallen have voiced their disappointment with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not reaching out to them.
In a call on Monday featuring members of these Gold Star families alongside Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance and representatives from former President Donald Trump’s campaign, voices echoed a common sentiment about feeling neglected by current leadership.
Remembering the Fallen
The suicide attack attributed to ISIS-K outside Hamid Karzai International Airport claimed not only 13 U.S. military lives — including 11 Marines, one Navy sailor, and one Army soldier — but also left over 150 civilians dead while injuring an additional eighteen service members.
In a gesture honoring those lost on that fateful day, former President Trump proceeded with a memorial wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. However, neither Biden nor Harris were present or engaged in similar commemorative acts that day.
Critique from Gold Star Family Members
Mark Schmitz, a father who lost his son Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz in the attack expressed frustration toward this administration’s apparent avoidance regarding discussions surrounding Afghanistan’s withdrawal: “This administration has treated it like it’s contagious… they’ve stayed far away.” He articulated that such actions symbolized another disregard for bereaved families stating it was “yet another spit in the face.”
He noted Trump’s dedication as genuine since he consistently checked in with families affected by this tragedy: “I don’t see this as being part of his political campaign at all.”
Calls for Accountability
Gold Star Aunt Cheryl Juels echoed similar sentiments during her attendance at Trump’s ceremony, speaking candidly about her thoughts on Biden and Harris’ responses: “It really doesn’t matter what they say; it’s simply not authentic.” She further emphasized their lack of outreach towards grieving families—a point she stressed repeatedly when relaying their experiences since losing loved ones.
Juels reiterated that Trump had been remarkably consistent in reaching out to them throughout their mourning process—something she acknowledges distinguishes him from current leaders: “He has never failed us,” she remarked passionately while advocating for Trump’s return to office—believing he ensured safer conditions for military personnel serving overseas during his presidency.
Legacy Considerations Amidst Criticism
Recent reports indicated that the individual behind this devastating bombing had previously been released as part of detainee transfers after fallouts following Taliban control over Bagram Air Base on August 15th, 2021—an element further fueling discontent among many observers regarding withdrawal strategies employed during this period.
The following list honors those who made sacrifices:
- Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Age 31 – Utah
- Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Age 20 – California
- Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Age 25 – Massachusetts
- Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Age 23 - California
- Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Age 22 - California
- Cpl. Daegan W.Page, Age 23 – Nebraska
- Cpl.Humberto A.Sanchez,Age22-Ind.
Additional names include Lance Cpls David L.Espinoza (20-TX), Jared Schmitz (20-MO), Rylee J.McCollum (20-WY), Kareem Nikoui (20-CAL) along with Navy Hospital Corpsman Max Soviak (22-OH) and Staff Sgt.Ryan Knauss(23-TN).
These stories serve as reminders not only about sacrifice but enduring grief felt within militaristic communities disproportionately impacted policy outcomes related stemming back decades amidst political tumult affecting troop welfare betterment today—soaring calls evident widespread amongst constituents challenging officials responsible seemingly turned blind towards critical support required post-calamity scenarios confronting veterans & kin alike alike still grappling hardships deriving lack sending loud message urging reckoning anew future engagements securing honor returning promising path choices dictating choices pivotal safety progress forthcoming timelines ahead!
