Southern Illinois News

When Rep. Mike Bost (R-Carbondale) served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1979 to 1982, he couldn't possibly have anticipated a 20-year war in Afghanistan. Still less likely could he have envisioned the dramatic events unfolding as the Taliban retakes ground painstakingly won by American soldiers during those two decades. As desperate Afghans attempt to flee the Taliban's authoritarian rule, Bost, who is lead Republican of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has been making his support for our troops known and has expressed concern for Afghan citizens who strode side-by-side with American troops through combat and peace missions.

Knowing difficult times and memories are being awakened by the constant news updates, Bost tweeted, "To all of our Southern Illinois servicemembers, veterans, and families of those who served in Afghanistan, we will not forget your sacrifice. If you are struggling right now, know that you are not alone and that help is available." 

The Veterans Crisis Line offers free confidential help for veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Bost tweeted the details veterans need to reach the line, which is available at 1-800-273-8255, then select 1. Veterans can click here to access a counselor through text or chat. 

Afghanistan war veteran Tom Porter, executive vice president for government relations at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), said, "There's a wide range of opinions among Afghanistan veterans about the withdrawal." Stressing he doesn't speak for everyone, Porter said some veterans feel the withdrawal was overdue while others believe the United States should have stayed to prevent any violence.

Much of veterans' anxiety is tied to the effort of getting out those who helped the United States at risk to their lives or their families' safety, said Jeremy Butler, IAVA's chief executive. 

Matt Zeller experienced firsthand the commitment of his Afghan interpreter Janis Shinwari. Zeller, chairman of the advisory board of the Association of Wartime Allies, was instrumental in creating No One Left Behind. It was inspired by the heroic efforts of Shinwari during combat.

“He shot and killed two Taliban fighters who were about to kill me,” Zeller said.

Zeller was able to assist Shinwari in receiving a visa to relocate to the U.S. and has been working to bring other such Afghan allies to safety. Now, his frustration level, like for many other veterans, has escalated as it seems clear many will be left behind under Taliban rule.

Frustrations are mounting in the U.S. and across the globe as details circulate regarding incidents of the Taliban already violating its agreement with the U.S. Bost plants the blame squarely on the Biden administration. In an Aug. 16 statement, Bost said, “Make no mistake about it, President Biden’s failed leadership caused the disaster we are witnessing in Afghanistan right now. His decision to leave without even a basic awareness of what would happen next has put lives at risk, emboldened terrorists, and weakened America’s standing on the global stage."