Metro East Sun

As footage and stories of U.S. and Afghan citizens trapped in the nation circulate widely through the media, veterans of the 20-year war in Afghanistan may be struggling with their experiences in country and with the prospect of interpreters and others who helped them being left behind. 

In response to the stressors veterans are facing, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Carbondale), lead Republican of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, 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. 

Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness provides advice and guidance for veterans facing anger, traumatic brain injury or PTSD. 

Bost has made clear his concerns about the crisis. Before the Biden administration ended all U.S. military efforts in the country on Aug. 30, he posted his contact details on Facebook with the message, “If you or someone you know is trying to get out of Afghanistan, please contact my O’Fallon or D.C. offices ASAP.”  

There's a wide range of opinions among Afghanistan veterans about the withdrawal, said Tom Porter, an Afghanistan veteran and the executive vice president for government relations at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). 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 families' lives, said Jeremy Butler, IAVA's chief executive. 

As veterans saw disturbing images of the panic in Kabul, it became clear Afghan interpreters not already in the capital would make it to the airport. According to reports, Taliban checkpoints prevented passage throughout the country, and abuses were taking place, despite Taliban assurances to the Biden administration. 

“We have seen reports that the Taliban, contrary to their public statements and their commitments to our government, are blocking Afghans who wish to leave the country from reaching the airport,” said Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman days before the American withdrawal operations ended.