Gold Star Families Raise Serious Allegations Against Top US Leaders

Gold Star families of the 13 U.S. service members killed in the Kabul airport attack during the Afghanistan withdrawal have accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of neglect, stating that neither leader has reached out to them in the three years since the tragedy.

At a Glance

Gold Star families allege Biden and Harris have not contacted them since the 2021 Kabul airport attack.
13 U.S. service members were killed in the ISIS-K suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Former President Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to mark the third anniversary.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the posthumous presentation of Congressional Gold Medal to honor the fallen.
Republicans criticize the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Gold Star Families Express Frustration

Three years after the devastating Kabul airport attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members, Gold Star families are speaking out about their perceived neglect from the current administration. These families, still grappling with the profound loss of their loved ones, have expressed disappointment and anger over what they describe as a lack of acknowledgment from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mark Schmitz, father of fallen Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, voiced his concerns on the third anniversary of his son’s death. In an appearance on ‘Fox & Friends,’ Schmitz criticized the administration’s handling of military operations and expressed worry for current military families.

Contrasting Responses from Political Figures

The families’ allegations of neglect stand in stark contrast to actions taken by other political figures. Former President Donald Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to mark the third anniversary of the attack. This gesture, along with claims that Trump knew the names and stories of the fallen service members, has resonated with some Gold Star families.

“Joe Biden has refused to recognize their sacrifice,” Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, told the crowd at the Republican National Convention. “Donald Trump knew all of our children’s names. He knew all of their stories.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced the posthumous presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to honor the 13 service members on September 10, a move that has been welcomed by the families seeking recognition for their loved ones’ sacrifices.

Administration’s Response and Ongoing Debate

The White House has defended President Biden’s commitment to honoring fallen service members. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that the President attended the dignified transfer of the 13 service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan and continues to recognize their ultimate sacrifice.

“President Biden cares deeply about our service members, their families, and the immense sacrifices they have made,” Watson said in a statement. “That’s why the President attended the dignified transfer of the 13 brave service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021; as well as, of the three who lost their lives in Jordan earlier this year. As he said then and continues to believe now: Our country owes them a great deal of gratitude and a debt that we can never repay, and we will continue to honor their ultimate sacrifice.”

However, the debate surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal continues, with Republicans criticizing Vice President Harris for her role in the decision-making process. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others have called for accountability regarding the administration’s handling of the situation.

Ongoing Impact and Future Commitments

As the nation reflects on the third anniversary of the Kabul airport attack, the pain and pride felt by Gold Star families remain palpable. The ongoing discussion about how best to honor fallen service members and support their families continues to be a significant issue in American politics and society.

President Biden has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to preventing terrorist attacks while avoiding large-scale troop deployments overseas. As the debate over the Afghanistan withdrawal and its aftermath continues, the stories of the 13 fallen service members serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in service to the nation.