Grieving parents who lost their beloved sons in Afghanistan have slammed President Joe Biden after he withdrew US troops from the country amid the Taliban’s insurgence.
Retired Army Colonel Dave Brostrom, whose son Jonathan was killed in 2008, blames Biden for leaving Afghanistan in chaos.
“It’s a disgrace to this country to depart like this,” he said.
Jill Stephenson, whose son Army Ranger Ben Kopp passed away in 2009 while fighting the terror group, said the Taliban’s takeover came as a punch in the gut.
“I hope their sacrifice doesn’t get forgotten,” Stephenson expressed. “Here we are 20 years later, and so you do question why did we even bother?”
Another parent shared the same sentiment, saying “people mustn’t forget them. Jean Durgin’s son, sniper leader Russell Durgin, was killed in Afghanistan in 2006.
The Taliban managed to take over Kabul two weeks before the U.S. was set to complete the withdrawal of troops after a 20-year war.
The group captured major cities in just a matter of days, and now US defense officials are working to evacuate around 40,000 Americans from the country.
In an interview with CBS News, Brostom, whose son died at the Battle of Wanat, said: “It’s a disgrace to this country to depart like this. This is very disheartening.
“You know, my son died trying to protect his fellow soldiers, but for the ultimate cause of stabilizing the country and establishing a good government, yes, it was a sacrifice that was for naught.”
According to the Military Times, Jonathan died on July 13, 2008. Nine US soldiers died and 15 others were severely inured in the “single deadliest attack since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan.”
Other Gold Star parents have spoken out about the sacrifice of their loved ones.
82-year-old Jean Durgin was brokenhearted to watch the terror group retake Afghanistan.
“It’s our sons and daughters and husbands who have gone there to fight, and so many have lost their lives. So many have returned with the war still battling in their minds,” she expressed.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!