A Gold Star Father on Loss, Service, and His Son’s Legacy
About this episode
Mark Schmitz shares the story of his son Jared and the legacy he continues through The Freedom 13 after losing him in a suicide bombing in Kabul.
On this episode of Our American Stories, on August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate in Kabul killed 13 American service members. Among them was Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz. His father, Mark Schmitz, became part of what is known as a Gold Star family, a term used for the parents and loved ones of those killed in military service. In the months that followed, he chose to carry forward his son’s legacy, founding The Freedom 13 , a nonprofit focused on supporting military families and honoring the fallen. Here to share the story of his son’s life and the legacy that continues in his name is Mark Schmitz. Support the show ( https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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