South OC Times

Gold Star family members and Congressman Darrell Issa have expressed disappointment in President Biden's failure to address the 13 servicemembers lost in the bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. In a statement issued after the State of the Union address, the group highlighted the President's ongoing silence on the matter.

"Last night was a lost opportunity – once again – for President Biden to finally speak in public about the 13 servicemembers lost in the bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Once again, he was silent," the statement read.

The families of the fallen servicemembers have been vocal about their frustration with the lack of accountability and recognition from the President. Despite multiple requests to meet with President Biden and seek accountability, their pleas have been ignored.

"Since August 2021, the Gold Star families have not only endured the loss of loved ones but also the absence of any true accountability," the statement continued. "The families have been denied the personal possessions of their loved ones. They have been denied their rightful access to military bases as clearly allowed by law. And they’ve been denied any kind of complete accounting of the events of that day. Biden has never made this right."

The group also emphasized the importance of the President acknowledging the fallen servicemembers and providing accountability as the Commander-in-Chief. Despite the families' presence at the State of the Union address, President Biden remained silent on the matter.

"With the families in attendance, the President could have changed course, promised to deliver accountability as a Commander-in-Chief should, and pledged to work to ensure it never happens again. He said nothing. But we will never be silent. This isn’t over," the statement concluded.

The Gold Star family members who spoke out include Coral Briseno, Darin Hoover, Cheryl Jules, Alicia Lopez, Steve Nikoui, Mark Schmitz, and Christy Shamblin, who are the parents and relatives of the fallen servicemembers. They continue to advocate for accountability and recognition for their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.