August 18, 2021 |
President Joe Biden remains on vacation Wednesday. Today is day five away from the White House for the president, who is out of touch with Americans and world leaders as America’s 20-year mission in Afghanistan continues to unravel in chaotic ways.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan fielded questions from reporters yesterday. Biden is out of sight. The Vice President has not been seen, either. The isolation of the president is a defining characteristic of the ongoing crisis. It started Sunday with the picture released by the White House showing the president alone in a conference room looking at big screen TV.
The scene contrasts to sharply with 60 years of images of other American presidents grappling with a national crisis while surrounded by their most trusted advisors. Watching Afghanistan fall on a big screen TV is also how many Americans have witnessed the so-called War on Terror for the last two decades. So for many, watching the fall of Afghanistan and a White House in disarray might have less meaning than a televised sporting event or a Netflix mini-series.
For military families, however, the demoralizing events and images of the last few days have been shocking reminders of their sacrifices and losses. The isolation of our warriors at this time should be as concerning, if not more, than the president’s.
The reminder of this came in an unexpected way. At last night’s Saratoga Town Council meeting councilwoman D’Ron Campbell, an Air Force Academy graduate, spoke to the largely unseen impacts that unraveling of the American mission is having on those directly connected to it.
Campbell’s emotional statement came during comments from council members. No one responded to it until later in the meeting.
During reports from departments, Police Sergeant Justin Brown echoed Campbell’s statements. Brown encouraged people to reach out to veterans who served after 9/11.
Last night’s reminder comes for good reason. Veterans are among the highest risk groups in the country for suicide — 50 percent higher than their peers who have not served.
Pictured above: File photo of Saratoga Town Hall. Photo by Emma Diercks/Bigfoot 99.
Veterans and their loved ones in crisis should know that hope and help are available 24/7. Call the suicide prevention lifeline specifically for veterans at 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255 or chat here: https://www.
