Gold Star families spoke out about the tragic Afghanistan withdrawal at a congressional forum hosted by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) on Monday, demanding answers from President Joe Biden about why their loved ones were killed outside Kabul airport nearly two years ago.
The Defense Department has yet to provide a response to the stinging criticism but offered condolences in a statement released through the San Diego Union-Tribune.
One mother who lost her son Marine Lance Corporal Dylan Merola shared an eerily insensitive encounter with Biden shortly after her son’s death. Cheryl Rex recalled that when Biden entered the room, he said: “My wife Jill and I know how you feel. We lost our son as well and brought him home in a flag-draped coffin.”
Rex expressed her confusion over being met with this comment only 24 hours after burying her son. She also noted that she had not received any personal correspondence from Biden or his administration since then, leading her to believe that it was due to “failures and poor planning” during the evacuation operation.
The common theme among all family members present at Monday’s forum was their disappointment in Biden for dodging accountability regarding what happened on the day of bombing.
Kelly Barnett, mother of Staff Sgt Taylor Hoover mentioned how they were fed “lies” and “incomplete reports” which ultimately led to disrespecting their fallen loved ones.
Barnett further revealed that she had heard from eyewitnesses that her son had lived for some time after being hit—contrary to what officials had told them initially.
Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sgt Nicole Gee criticized government officials for claiming success during the Afghanistan evacuation as it felt like “the ultimate disrespect” given all those lives lost throughout the process.
The event marked the first time these Gold Star families were given an opportunity to share their stories before Congress—now officially recorded in its report books forever more.
The Blaze reported:
Rex, meanwhile, said she heard from Marines who served with her son that Abbey Gate was targeted in a “complex attack,” not a suicide bombing as officials claimed.
Not only did the parents blast the Biden administration for dodging accountability and allegedly lying, but parents criticized government officials for claiming the Afghanistan evacuation was successful.
The Defense Department, when asked for comment about the stinging criticism, refused to address it.
“The Department of Defense expresses our deepest condolences to the Gold Star Families who lost loved ones during the tragic bombing at Abbey Gate. We are forever grateful for their service, sacrifice, and committed efforts during the evacuation operations,” the Pentagon said in a statement, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
That senile crook caused thousands to die! Maybe his turn will be soon!
Think about this, Joe Biden has botched everything he has put his hands on, ever conference he has been at, every speech he has given, and made threats to anyone who stands in his way no matter how bad he is doing. Its almost like he is working for someone other than the United States citizens. Maybe he is working for Xi! He has refused to stand up to Xi, has done nothing unless it hits him flat in the face regarding Xi. Has let Xi put incripitons in our military networks, all with no response. Who is he working for? He has already taken more money from Xi and China than he gets from being POTUS, who’s he working for? The man is a traitor and Capa of the Biden Crime Family.
Rush Limbaugh had this correct 4 years ago when he said the reason Odickhead is not leaving DC he will be a puppet prez and run his third term! And NOW we know that this is true. Biden doesn’t know what effin day it is let alone know how to run a country. He doesn’t care about your life or mine because he is in Alzheimer’s house not the White House. He is like Greta and does a poor job or repeating what he’s told. Actually I feel sorry for him…NOT!!
I watched the agony of these parents on TV and wish all Americans had. At the time of the evacuation, I advocated court martial for FJB as Commander (read Chicken)-in- Chief for the botched withdrawal.
For those who are stupid enough to say that FJB was following 45’s plan, read the agreement. When the Taliban did not show for an April meeting, 45’s withdrawal deal was null and void.
FJB made his own idiotic decision which resulted in the Taliban being the best armed terrorist group in the world.
Yes. I agree. A suicide Bomber, whose head was in the sights of a U.S. Sniper, who had to ask permission to pull the trigger and the answer came back, do not kill the Bomber. Is it not strange that China was flying Miners in to dig Lithium the next day? Is it not strange that China uses the A.F. Base as if it belongs to China? Did Joe sell Bagram AFB to the CCP for cash? The disrespect he shows to the Citizens and the parents of the Afghanistan Fallen is unforgiveable and the constant watch checking at Dover AFB as the flag draped coffins were off loaded was just disgusting. Joe Biden, in his sick mind believes that the withdrawal from Afghanistan went perfectly under his guidance.