💥Statement From Texas President @realNickTran💥 Five years ago today, 13 young Americans stood their post at Abbey Gate. They never came home. I look at these faces differently. I served in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq. I know what it feels like to wear the American flag on your shoulder thousands of miles from home. I know the men and women beside you become family. And I know there is always someone back home watching the news, waiting for the phone to ring, and praying you make it back. These 13 didn’t. On August 26, 2021, they were helping evacuate others from Afghanistan when a suicide bomber took their lives. Most were incredibly young. They had plans. Families. Futures. They also raised their right hands and volunteered to serve this country. That means something to me. Because after three wars, I know the cost of sending Americans into harm’s way. I don’t take war lightly. I don’t take sacrifice lightly. But I also know what this country is worth. America gave a refugee kid who arrived here with nothing a home, a future, and eventually the privilege of wearing her uniform and fighting beneath her flag. So when I look at these 13 faces, I don’t see a political talking point. I see Americans who stood their watch. And today, as another generation of American warriors serves in harm’s way in the conflict with Iran and at dangerous posts around the world, I think about them too. Different wars. Different generations. Same flag. Same oath. Same families praying their warrior comes home. Remember the 13 who didn’t. Pray for those standing watch tonight. And never forget that the freedoms we argue about, vote over, protest for, and too often take for granted have always had a price. Somebody paid it. May God watch over every American serving in harm’s way and bring them home to their families. And may God forever bless the United States of America. @christi4miami @KimmieTai #america #Hero #trending – at Jersey Village, TX