Mark Schmitz, a grieving father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz spoke with a heavy and disappointed heart recently. His son was tragically killed in the August 26, 2021, attack on Abbey Gate, Afghanistan, by ISIS-K. The attack claimed the lives of 13 American servicemen and women and about 170 Afghans. Yet, the reaction, or rather non-reaction, of the Democrats to the key arrest of one of the masterminds, Mohmmad Sharifullah, behind the horrific attack is nothing less than pathetic.
The insensitivity of the Democrats was in clear display when the important news of Sharifullah’s capture was shared. The man was a key planner of the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport as Afghans tried to escape the Taliban’s iron grip. This is not a narrative crafted for the purpose of political point-scoring; this is about deeply engaging matters of national security and our children’s lives.
Schmitz’s grief was further multiplied by the unexpected lack of enthusiasm exhibited by the Democratic side of the political aisle. Marveled at the Democrats’ seeming indifference, Schmitz said, ‘You’d think everyone would be joining their Republican counterparts in a rousing standing ovation.’ Alas, it turned out that about one-third of the Democratic echelons applauded the news, without any joining in for standing acknowledgment.
The sight of their apathy was not only ‘disturbing’ in Schmitz’s word, but it left him feeling ‘incredibly insulted as a Gold Star family.’ Here’s a man whose son laid down his life for the country, but the overt political leanings of those in high offices overshadow his and his fallen son’s grief.
His son’s death and the deaths of his comrades-in-arms transcend any kind of political demarcation, but as he noted, ‘This is our military we’re talking about, and that needs to change.’ It seems Biden and Harris are more invested in partisan politics than in acknowledging the sacrifices of the American military personnel.
Moreover, the families who saw their loved ones falling in the line of duty during the messy Afghanistan withdrawal were taken aback by the lack of concern. When these brave servicemen who were killed were returned home but there was no mention of them during the Congress addresses following the attack.
According to Schmitz’s account, there was a glaring lack of communication from the start, like that one dreadful day when they stood at Dover Air Force Base to receive their beloved ones. How heart wrenching it must have been to stand saluting your fallen child, sibling, or spouse, knowing that they could have been alive if the Biden administration had planned things better.
These families’ resentment stemmed from the lack of transparency regarding operational details that lead to such a disastrous outcome. ‘Any time you can start to get a little bit of closure is always a good thing,’ said Schmitz, pointing to the arrest of the ISIS-K operative as a small step towards justice.
Schmitz echoed the sentiment of many bereaved families and remarked that the arrest is ‘just the beginning.’ These families didn’t just lose their loved ones in a distant land, they lost faith in Biden and Harris, who couldn’t plan or execute a secure withdrawal.
Despite the losses and the bitter aftertaste of the chaotic withdrawal, Schmitz continues to stand strong. Choosing to honor his son, and the twelve other valiant Americans who lost their lives on that regrettable day, he’s initiating a nonprofit.“The Freedom 13.”, which would give back to the veterans.
The project aims to build ‘freedom camps’ for veterans in each state, starting with Jared’s home state of Missouri. These camps, to be spread over 100 acres and comprising of 13 houses as a mark of tribute to the 13 service members, will ensure veterans get a safe haven, to heal, recover, or simply spend time with each other.
While the project is big on aspirations, its sustenance will depend upon continued support and financial backing. One can only hope that the lack of enthusiasm shown by the Democrats doesn’t translate to this noble venture too.
Remembering the heroes who paid the ultimate price without adequate tactical backup and intelligentsial support is no less than a grave negligence. The question lingers, that while the Democrats are keen on shaping the narrative, shouldn’t they prioritize taking care of those who fill these narratives with their blood and sacrifice?
Out of the ashes rises the Phoenix, self-cleansed and reborn from its trial by fire; much like the families of the fallen, who, through their perseverance and resemblance of the spirit their fallen heroes demonstrated, keep the torch of their memory alive.