Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- President Donald Trump's speech addressed the 2021 Afghanistan bombing, acknowledging 13 fallen U.S. service members.
- Darin Hoover, father of Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, felt reassured by Trump's words and support.
- Trump announced the capture of a key bombing planner, promising justice and transparency for affected families.
SANDY — Even though he knew it was coming, Darin Hoover still was not ready for the emotions he felt when it happened.
"It was amazing," said Hoover. "To hear the words come out of his mouth, it was very reassuring."
Tuesday night, during President Donald Trump's speech to Congress, the president brought up the 13 American military members who were killed in August of 2021 in a bombing at the Afghanistan Airport during the United States withdrawal.
"Three and a half years ago, ISIS terrorists killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing during the disastrous and incompetent withdrawal from Afghanistan. Not that they were withdrawing; it was the way they withdrew. Perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country," said Trump to Congress.
One of those killed is Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who is Hoover's son.
Ever since, Hoover says he and some of the family members of those killed feel like they have not been getting the truth about what happened from former President Joe Biden's administration. "We have been so disrespected and thrown under the bus, swept under the rug, whichever way you want to call it; they have never contacted us. Not once," said Hoover.
However, Hoover said Trump did contact the families right after the bombing and has stayed in touch through the year.
Hoover said Trump even agrees with the families that they deserve to know exactly what happened and has promised to help them.
"It was a breath of fresh air," said Hoover. "Absolutely, just tell me the truth, and all of the lies we have been able to uncover, just by digging ourselves and hearing the stories from the kids that were there."
During his speech, Trump revealed one of those involved in the planning of the bombing was found and on his way to the United States.
"I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice. And I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster," said Trump during his speech.
Hoover feels it is the beginning of what he has been fighting for all these years.
"One of the biggest things that has come from all of this is being able to feel Taylor and to know that he is standing beside us and pushing us," said Hoover.
More than ever, Hoover feels he is close to finally know the truth about what happened and thanks Trump for listening.
"The president has made promises to us, and he kept that promise," said Hoover. "I am so excited that we are doing this now. I know in war, we are going to have deaths, but the manner in which our kids were killed, it cannot happen again."
