Gold Star Families Push for Truth | US News

Five years after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Gold Star families are still waiting for answers — despite a Pentagon review ordered by Secretary Pete Hegseth. For the Schmitzes, whose son Jared was among the 13 fallen, grief has turned into purpose: they’re building The Freedom 13, a Missouri retreat offering mental health care, job training, and service dogs for veterans. Other families, like the Hoovers, are also stepping up — providing scholarships and life-changing service dogs. Yet frustration lingers as families feel left in the dark about the stalled review panel’s findings. Meanwhile, an Afghan national convicted for supporting ISIS-K underscores the lingering legal fallout from that tragic chapter. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1c644374b2609118