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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)

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&rsquo;s legacy, founding&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthefreedom13.org%2F%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOopGvG-QrGc84y4S_XOnEdpYtlcEKt30onTXFpB00-3uMpHAiCKM&amp;data=05%7C02%7CUraelBlackshear%40iheartmedia.com%7C30c95e5607da4af166be08deaa0936fe%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C639135153778763202%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=wX15TpweG4J8zEzhL4ls6zURxCrghLnwii7BETsKNAQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">The Freedom 13</a>, a nonprofit focused on supporting military families and honoring the fallen. Here to share the story of his son&rsquo;s life and the legacy that continues in his name is Mark Schmitz.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

A Gold Star Father on Loss, Service, and His Son’s Legacy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f4b29342-d81a-43c1-8211-b442014ecd12/transcript