Four years ago today, America’s longest war came to an end in a tragic and completely avoidable disaster.
On August 26, 2021, during the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, a suicide bomber struck the Abbey Gate of Kabul Airport. Thirteen U.S. servicemembers were killed helping others escape — including Corporal Daegan Page of Red Oak, Iowa.
This didn’t have to happen. The Biden Administration’s disorganized, last-minute evacuation left our troops exposed, our allies abandoned, and our enemies emboldened.
Why it matters: We honor our fallen not just by marking today’s anniversary, but by upholding the promises soldiers like Corporal Page gave their lives to defend.
🗽 Freedom for future generations
🤝 Loyalty to those who serve beside us
🛡️ Security for Americans at home and abroad
One of those promises was to our Afghan allies — interpreters, intel officers, and local allies — who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops for 20 years.
The mission didn’t end on the tarmac. When Kabul fell, I joined fellow veterans and citizen volunteers to form Task Force Argo, a grassroots effort to evacuate U.S. citizens and Afghan partners left behind.
🎥 Watch: Honoring Abbey Gate heroes + Why Task Force Argo matters today ⬇️
Bottom Line: Corporal Page and the 12 others we lost at Abbey Gate remind us: freedom isn’t free. We honor their legacy by keeping our word — to our troops, our allies, and the values that define us as Iowans and Americans.