Gold Star Father Condemns Partisan Divide Over Abbey Gate Mastermind Arrest, Honors Fallen Son Through Veteran Support
Mark Schmitz, the father of Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, who tragically lost his life along with twelve other American service members in the devastating ISIS-K attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, has expressed deep disappointment and concern over the perceived lack of bipartisan support following the arrest of an alleged mastermind behind the attack.
The announcement of Mohmmad Sharifullah’s arrest, revealed by former President Donald Trump during his address to Congress, brought a glimmer of hope for justice to the grieving families. The Justice Department has identified Sharifullah as a key figure in planning the suicide bombing that claimed the lives of so many amidst the chaotic withdrawal of American forces and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The attack not only resulted in the deaths of thirteen U.S. service members but also claimed the lives of an estimated 170 Afghan civilians desperately seeking to flee the unfolding crisis.
However, the news of Sharifullah’s apprehension, a moment that would seemingly unite the nation in a shared pursuit of justice for the fallen, was met with a stark contrast in reactions across the political spectrum. Schmitz, a Gold Star father whose life has been irrevocably altered by the tragedy, voiced his distress over the muted response from some Democrats during Trump’s announcement. He noted that only a fraction of Democrats applauded the news, and none appeared to join their Republican counterparts in a standing ovation.
"This should not be a partisan issue whatsoever – the death of our kids," Schmitz emphasized, highlighting the profound sense of injustice he felt at the perceived lack of universal support. "You would think that every single person in that place would be standing up and applauding and cheering," he added, conveying the raw emotion and expectation of unified condemnation of terrorism and appreciation for the sacrifices made by American service members.
Schmitz described the scene as "incredibly insulting" to Gold Star families, who have endured unimaginable loss in service to their country. He passionately asserted, "This has got nothing to do with politics. This is our military we’re talking about, and that needs to change." His remarks underscore the importance of separating political divides from the recognition and support owed to those who serve and the families who bear the burden of their sacrifice.
The families of those killed in the Abbey Gate attack have consistently voiced their grievances regarding the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Many have criticized the perceived lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the decisions that led to the chaotic and ultimately deadly evacuation. President Joe Biden’s failure to acknowledge the fallen service members during his addresses to Congress has further compounded their pain and fueled a sense of being forgotten by their nation.
Schmitz also recalled the controversial meeting between Gold Star families and President Biden at Dover Air Force Base when the remains of the service members were returned from Afghanistan. He noted the lack of communication from the beginning and joined in the widespread criticism of Biden checking his watch during the somber ceremony.
Despite the pain and frustration, Schmitz sees the arrest of Sharifullah as a positive step toward achieving justice and closure. “Any time you can start to get a little bit of closure is always a good thing,” he stated. “And to find out that they got this guy is amazing. There’s many more that need to be looked at – certainly he’s not the only one. This is one down and many more to go, but very, very confident that we’re going to start seeing some answers.”
In the face of profound grief, Mark Schmitz has channeled his energy into honoring his son and the twelve other Americans who perished at Abbey Gate by establishing a nonprofit organization. “The Freedom 13” is dedicated to creating “freedom camps” for veterans, offering a sanctuary where they can heal from the physical and emotional wounds of their service and connect with fellow veterans.
The ambitious goal is to establish a camp in every state, beginning with Jared’s home state of Missouri. Each camp will encompass at least 100 acres and feature 13 houses, symbolizing the thirteen service members who lost their lives in the attack. These camps will provide a safe and supportive environment where veterans can find solace, build camaraderie, and access resources to help them navigate the challenges of post-military life.
Schmitz acknowledges the need for greater support to expand the reach of "The Freedom 13" and establish more camps across the country. He believes that, under the Trump administration, families at least now "have allies in our corner." This sentiment underscores the importance of political leaders from both parties working together to support veterans and their families, regardless of political affiliation. The organization provides a tangible way to honor the fallen and ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. It is a testament to the resilience and dedication of a father who has transformed his personal tragedy into a mission of service to others. He seeks to create a lasting legacy of healing and support for those who have served their nation with honor and courage.
