South West Illinois News

Retired Marine and state Rep. Mike Bost (R-Carbondale) serves as lead Republican of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs because he says he’s serious about meeting veterans’ needs. That concern was ratcheted up in recent days as the radical Islamist Taliban moved with devastating precision to take over Afghanistan as the U.S. moved ahead with troop withdrawal. 

Scenes of terrified Afghan citizens seeking to flee the hardline new rulers have been difficult to watch, but Bost wants veterans to know he’s well aware of the crisis and how it could impact their memories of service to their nation.

Bost recently 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. 

On his Facebook page Wednesday, Bost added another post for American soldiers, saying: “When duty calls, our American servicemembers are there. Thank you to our troops on the ground working to evacuate Americans and our allies. Your bravery and courage in the face of danger does not go unnoticed. Stay strong, stay safe, and to my Marine brothers and sisters, Semper Fi." 

Tom Porter, an Afghanistan veteran and the 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. 

In an interview, Porter said, “We’re also really, really concerned about the many thousands of Afghan allies that have worked with military personnel over the last 20 years at risk to their own lives, and their families' lives. And we’ve made promises to them that we would get them to safety, and we hope that they’re not going to be left behind.” 

Many veterans among the 800,000 in combat during the 20-year war served multiple deployments. It’s natural for them to be concerned about the welfare of interpreters and supporters who aided them during combat, often at great personal risk according to Jeremy Butler, IAVA's chief executive. With the Taliban back in power after 20 years, retribution is likely.  

With President Joe Biden’s Aug. 31 deadline to leave Afghanistan ticking closer, time may be running out with Taliban checkpoints preventing many from reaching the airport. Pentagon spokesmen say the goal is to evacuate 5,000-9,000 people from Kabul daily.